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/

Homes for Profit: Speculation and Investment | research Map from Metropolitan Area Planning Council #MAPC

Posted on by Catherine

Earlier this month, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) announced the release of a new interactive map, MAPC’s Homes for Profit: Speculation and Investment, showcasing some of their multi year research specific to housing and investment in Greater Boston.

Check out MAPC Homes for Profit map here https://homesforprofit.mapc.org/

Check out MAPC Housing Submarkets here

(You can zoom in to Gloucester and greater Cape Ann or all of the North Shore.)

Today, to mark the public release, MAPC hosted a panel featuring Angie Liou, Executive Dir. Asian Community Development Corp; Brian An, Dir. Public Policy Georgia Tech; Katie MCann, Rent Control Campaign Coordinator, City Life/Vida Urbana; and Tim Reardon, Chief of Data & Research, Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, a newly established cabinet level area in Gov. Healy administration. Prior to taking that position, Reardon had led the data and research for MAPC.

Moderators announced at the outset that there were 168 participants on the Zoom meeting including elected city officials– Sue Moran, Falmouth; Steve Owens, Watertown; Rita Mendes, Brockton; and Liz Breadon Alston-Brighton, Boston City Council–, city staff from multiple towns too many to name, and partner/organizations.

Before introducing the panelists and moderator, MAPC’s Jessie Partridge Guerrero gave a quick overview about the report findings and how MAPC wanted to focus solely on the speculation challenge in this particular report. The panelists spoke briefly about their own areas of expertise and to a one confirmed “not surprised” regarding the report findings. As they engaged in a guided discussion centered on the report, the panelists’ approaches and experiences were not all the same, nor were the comments by attendees.

Closer to home, the city of Gloucester has worked with MAPC on several projects. Some dating back to 2011 involved research that is relevant to the housing discussions since 2017–a series I wrote about and shared on GMG. You may have participated in some of the meetings 10+ years ago held at City Hall. I’ll add in some of those links below and one to the MAPC zoom meeting today. I still have notes from all the feedback received when I served on some panels.

It’s great to see some of that MAPC data and mapping available to the public in a format similar to MEMA- MA power outage map.

resources from MAPC Zoom meeting 11/30/2023

Who Owns America? A Methodology for Identifying Landlords’ Ownership Scale and the Implications for Targeted Code Enforcement

Abstract
Scholars and practitioners are increasingly interested in understanding who owns real estate in communities and resultant implications for targeted planning approaches. Yet, practitioners lack an efficient and comprehensive methodology to assess landlords’ ownership scale, namely how many properties they own in a given geographic area.

Brian An touched on AI tools to help with research. One GT paper he cited ,https://repository.gatech.edu/entities/publication/472788f9-a5e6-4d9b-8238-422d20333bcb

MAPC moderators mentioned the Boston Globe spotlight series and the Boston Globe articles on Somerville, https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/09/25/metro/somerville-tenants-rally-over-soaring-rents-gentrification-green-line-extension-corridor

PDF from the new MAPC research site

2023-nov.-30.-mapc-panel.-pdf-homes-for-profit-executive-summaryDownload

Special Exhibition in support of ‘400 Trees Gloucester, a 400+ project’. Opening December 2nd Jane Deering Gallery #GloucesterMA

Posted on by Catherine

Generous art dealer announces a Special Exhibition in support of ‘400 Trees Gloucester’, a Gloucester 400+ program. The show features work by 26 artists. The Opening Reception is on Saturday December 2nd, 2023 from 1-4pm at Jane Deering Gallery, 19 Pleasant Street, in Gloucester, Mass.

“Dear Friends of JDG, Come and celebrate the holidays with us as we support the planting of 400+ Trees throughout Gloucester.

Jane Deering

Press Release:

In support of 400 Trees Gloucester, Jane Deering Gallery is pleased to present Branching Out. Two weekends only: December 2nd & 3rd; December 9th & 10th. The gallery will donate 30% of its proceeds to the 400 Trees project, founded by Gloucester resident Peter Lawrence. The project has three stages:

  1. Planting 400 Trees;
  2. Locating the city’s oldest trees;
  3. Learning about trees, done in collaboration with the Cape Ann Y, Sawyer Free Library and existing educational programs within Gloucester Public Schools.

26 participating artists: Aaron Fink, Adin Murray, Ann Conneman, Celia Eldridge, Coco Berkman, Elizabeth Awalt, Esther Pullman, Gabrielle Bazarghi, Geoffrey Bayliss, George Wingate, Hélène Falcon, James Paradis, Jesse Mireles, Juni Van Dyke, Karen Matthews, Katherine Richmond, Kristine Fisher, Laura Gettler, Liz Fletcher, Maria Malatesta, Michael Porter, Neeta Madahar, Paige Farrell, Ro Snell, Sue Willis, Tom Fels

Holiday refreshments on each day. Gallery hours: 1:00-4:00pm

Works from the exhibition can be viewed at http://www.janedeeringgallery.com

2023. JANE DEERING GALLERY. Branching Out . December 2, 3, 9 & 10Download

Wowza! Kent Circle Gloucester Tree Lighting 2023

Posted on by Catherine

Nov. 26, 2023 – in this 400+ anniversary year the Kent Circle tree lighting is lit

Added to Holiday Lights and Cocoa Drives 2023 🙂 which is just getting going with a few early elves. 350+ homes were featured in 2022. Compare Kent Circle lighting through the years. Link to archive maps here.

Holiday Lights and Cocoa Drives 2023 #GloucesterMA 🚗☕🎄🌟⛄🕎

Posted on by Catherine

Holiday Lights and Cocoa Drives is just getting going. This gem was spotted November 15th, the first of the season. Will Barbie pink be among the 2023 trends? Maybe. More homes and neighborhoods will be added, so be sure to check back. Photos will be posted on Good Morning Gloucester in separate batches.

photo caption (pinch and zoom to enlarge): For the 7th year in a row—and the 4th accompanied by a map with photos—enjoy snapshots of Gloucester’s decorated homes. Scroll down to see the first batch of twinkling houses that have been added to the Holiday Lights and Cocoa Drives 2023 map edition as of November 25. Also, scroll down to a list of area ‘Mark Your Calendar’, not-to-miss, seasonal events.

2023 Map Holiday Lights and Cocoa Drives

link here or google earth here

For prior year maps, see here

Mark your calendars!

In addition to the area’s rewarding drives past cheery homes, beautiful seasonal tree lightings and festive sparkling downtowns are bustling with activities.

2023. Annual events (days and times differ year to year)

  • Nov. 25-January CAPE ANN: Cape Ann business store fronts are decked out. check out Winter Lights on Cape Ann
  • Nov. 26 GLOUCESTER: Gloucester tree lighting in Kent Circle and Santa parade
  • Dec. 1 ESSEX: A Very Essex Christmas Celebration. Santa arrives by boat.
  • Dec. 1, 2 MANCHESTER: Holiday Stroll; Christmas by the Sea and Santa by boat
  • Dec 2 ESSEX: Holiday market
  • Dec. 2 ROCKPORT: Christmas in Rockport. Santa’s arrival by lobster boat and Tree in Dock Square lighting
  • Dec. 2 & 3 GLOUCESTER: 2nd Annual Parade of Trees (fundraiser for Horribles Parade)
  • Dec. 3 GLOUCESTER (9am): Half Merry-thon & 5K race. Good Harbor Beach
  • Dec. 7 GLOUCESTER: Annual Ladies Night shopping
  • Dec. 8 ROCKPORT: Holiday shopping night
  • Dec. 9 IPSWICH: Jingle Bell walk
  • Dec. 9 ROCKPORT: Holiday wagon rides
  • Dec. 9 GLOUCESTER: extravaganza all day: Historic Middle Street Walk incredible program https://middlestreetwalk.org; Deck the Dock at Maritime Gloucester; Stacy Boulevard Chris Williams bronze planters dedication; Lobster Trap Tree lighting (4:30PM); and all in Gloucester’s 400+ anniversary year
  • Dec. 10 GLOUCESTER: Santa at sea Beauport cruiselines
  • Dec. 10 IPSWICH: Menorah lighting
  • Dec. 12 GLOUCESTER: Temple Ahavat Achim Lobster Trap Menorah Lighting
  • Dec. 14 GLOUCESTER: Men’s Night Shopping
  • Dec. 16 ROCKPORT: 78th annual Rockport Christmas pageant

The Scrapbook frame shop: Stories, antique maps, pictures, local art finds #EssexMA

Posted on by Catherine

Treat yourself to a visit to The Scrapbook, an art and framing shop operating in Essex for decades, formerly dealing primarily to the trade, open most Thursdays-Sundays, 12-5pm, 978-768-7404.

Give yourself time to browse. Loose and framed antique and vintage Americana maps, botanicals, ephemera imprints & decorative illustrations—as well as original prints and watercolors—are hung salon style or matted in racks and bins.

Film & TV production and set design were a brisk business back in the day. Owner Vincent Caravella is thrilled to welcome clients, and credits his granddaughter’s help setting up social media reach during the Covid-19 pandemic (Facebook here).

photos: C. Ryan, Oct. 2023. Entrance out back, between the historic homes

Thanksgiving daybreak #GloucesterMA

Posted on by Catherine

caption: sunrise photos 11/23/2023–Fisherman at the wheel, GHB marsh oxbow, salt marsh, Wingaersheek

caption: Long Beach photos—sunshine, seaweed and surfers at noon

Nocturne Churn | Loud night surf Thanksgiving eve

Posted on by Catherine

photos. video clips: evening walk on Long Beach. Thanksgiving eve 2023.

Occluded moon and resolution was a bit Albert Pinkham Ryder-esque.

Listen

Back Shore construction progress. Atlantic Road #GloucesterMA

Posted on by Catherine

photos Sept./Nov. 2023: construction progress for 3 homes on the Back Shore, ‘Back Shore Place’. #2 and #4 built. If you’re taking the scenic drive to Atlantic Road from the Niles beach side, the turn off for this road would be on your left.

before photos Google November 2019

Further along Atlantic Road, on the Google map birds eye view 191 is annotated Philips Auction House – 1 “L” and no apostrophe (vs. renowned Phillips Auction http://www.phillips.com) former Ocean View Inn property.

More Virgilio’s to love! shop for prepared meals for later while you’re in the lunch line

Posted on by Catherine

Virgilio’s new-ish freezer & refrigerator cases alongside their wrap around Italian pantry market shelves are stocked with Virgilio classics–homemade prepared meals, soups, and specialty items. Save time while you’re grabbing lunch to go or buying bread and cookies!

Is it lunchtime?

photos Sept. 2023 — there was even Virgilio’s Italian ice after the season 🙂

Gold and Copper. Late Autumn in Gloucester.

Posted on by Catherine

photos: Fall vistas and Thanksgiving decorations in Gloucester, Mass., November 2023.

Bases readied! Stacy Boulevard Dedication. Generous Gardeners Chris Williams Bronze Suite #GloucesterMA 400+ Legacy Project

Posted on by Catherine

Bases readied for Stacy Boulevard Chris Williams public art & commission, four bronze planters, a 400+ Legacy Project, led by Generous Gardeners for Stacy Boulevard landscape design by Ann Gilardi Johnson. Save the date: Saturday December 9, 2023, 3pm

Working with DPW, Ann Gilardi Johnson and Generous Gardeners design enhancements have been incorporated all along the Boulevard. See the plans and read more about that scope in a prior GMG post from 2017 here. The new flower beds and curved bench design astride the Fisherman at the Wheel replaced bench pairs and barrels long present.

Before | prior (no landscaping/flower beds 2019, 2021)

Original concept designs for Stacy Boulevard in 1908 were by Thomas Warren Sears,  major 20th century landscape designer and Olmsted student.  Recent garden expansions were designed by Ann Gilardi Johnson with DPW for the City of Gloucester and with Generous Gardeners. Gloucester Fishermen’s Wives memorial by Morgan Faulds Pike. Gloucester Fisherman at the Wheel Memorial (Man at the Wheel) by Leonard Craske

Driving the road to Wingaersheek Beach. Atlantic Street #GloucesterMA

Posted on by Catherine

5 short video clips October 2023 vs. November 2023 on Atlantic Street: past #167 Atlantic St. on right; hairpin turn signs; forest and hillside clearing for future town houses; and clearing on left before parking lot entrance. (Mute to silence wind. Adjust video for higher resolution)

caption: 2023 Oct. 7. Driving to Wingaersheek Beach on Atlantic Street. Forest clearing on right.

Caption: 2023 Oct. 7. Turning back around! Driving on Atlantic Street with clear cut on driver side left (leaving Wingaersheek Beach).

Along Atlantic St. from Marea to Wingaersheek Parking Lot

2023 Nov. 10. Drive on Atlantic St. past clearing on right to clearing on left #222R, before Wingaersheek Beach parking lot

caption: Nov. 2023. Sign for167 Atlantic Street (before Marea stretch)

FALL FOLIAGE | GREAT MARSH

I love this drop hill reveal! Brief video clip fall foliage and Great Marsh near Cape Ann Campgrounds on Atlantic Street, Oct vs November 2023.

2023 OCTOBER Atlantic St. Foliage and Great marsh by Cape Ann Campgrounds on way to Wingaersheek beach_Gloucester, Mass.

2023 NOVEMBER Atlantic St. Foliage and Great Marsh by Cape Ann Campgrounds_20231110_on way to Wingaersheek beach. Gloucester, Mass

You can drive the route BEFORE via GOOGLE MAPS 2019

Holiday Pops Thanksgiving Weekend

Posted on by Catherine

Cape Ann Symphony shares a reminder about its 2023 Holiday Pops concerts Thanksgiving weekend. Two shows Saturday. One show Sunday.

The Cape Ann Symphony’s Annual Holiday Pops Concert, returns to kick off the holiday season on Saturday, November 25 at 2 pm at the Dolan Performing Arts Center at Ipswich High School on 134 High Street, Ipswich, MA; Saturday, November 25 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, November 26 at 2 pm at Manchester-Essex High School auditorium on 36 Lincoln Street in Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA. For tickets and information about this Cape Ann Holiday tradition, call 978-281-0543 or visit www.capeannsymphony.org

The 2023 Holiday Pops Concert led by CAS Conductor and Music Director Yoichi Udagawa features a program of holiday favorites and welcomes back Boston’s preeminent gospel performer Renese King. King last performed with CAS in 2012. Ms. King’s array of musical talents have taken her from spiritual and gospel singing at the church podium to timpani playing on the Carnegie Hall stage. She has toured internationally as a percussionist, pianist, and vocalist with a number of Massachusetts based choral and orchestral ensembles. But, it is her soulful and unforgettably moving voice that has piqued her national reputation.

“Our Holiday Pops 2023 will feature a lot of great music to get into the spirit of the Holidays for the whole family,” says Maestro Udagawa, ” We are also thrilled to have Gospel sensation Renese King join us at these concerts. She is a remarkable musician who I love working with. Her musical gifts are phenomenal – don’t miss this opportunity to hear her! The orchestra and I love these Holiday concerts! They are always so joyful and fun – a highlight of our concert season! We can hardly wait to make music together and celebrate the holiday season with you!”

Maestro Udagawa has planned a program of holiday favorites for the 2023 Holiday Pops including Anderson’s Christmas Festival , Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel Overture, Tchaikovsky’s Selections from The Nutcracker, Christmas Favorites arranged by Chase, Festive Sounds of Hannukah arranged by Holcomb and a selection of holiday favorites performed by gospel sensation Renese King. A CAS Holiday Pops tradition, all the concerts end with the annual audience Holiday Singalong.  

Renese King’s array of musical talents has taken her from spiritual and gospel singing at the church podium to timpani playing on the Carnegie Hall stage. Her soulful, moving voice garnered her a Boston Music Award as Gospel/Inspirational Artist of the Year. Often singing her own arrangements, King has performed with many ensembles in the New England area and across the nation. Her voice is featured on the soundtracks of three award-winning PBS documentary films (Emmy, Peabody, and Sundance awards): Freedom Riders(2011), Freedom Summer(2014), and Tell Them We Are Rising(2018). She  appears regularly with the Boston Pops, having been a featured and guest soloist in concerts at Symphony Hall and on the Esplanade, in television broadcasts, and on the 2004 CD Sleigh Ride, alongside the Boston Pops Orchestra, Tanglewood Festival Chorus, and Boston Pops Gospel Choir. Renese King is the Executive Assistant to the Vice -President of Berklee College of Music and serves as director of the New England Gospel Ensemble in Boston. She graduated from Berklee in 1990 and from Atlantic Union College in 1987. 

Founded in Gloucester in 1951, 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, Mr. 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. Mr. 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 Outreach programs to area schools.

Cape Ann Symphony’s Holiday Pops Concert is Saturday, November 25 at 2 pm at the Dolan Performing Arts Center at Ipswich High School on 134 High Street, Ipswich, MA; Saturday, November 25 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, November 26 at 2 pm at Manchester-Essex High School auditorium on 36 Lincoln Street in Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA, . Single ticket prices are $45 for adults, $40 for senior citizens age 65 and above, $20 for Students of any age with a valid student id; $5 for youth 12 years old and under. For tickets and information, call 978-281-0543 or visit www.capeannsymphony.org.

  • Photo 1: Guest Artist Acclaimed Gospel Singer Renese King
  • Photo 2:  Cape Ann Symphony Music Director and Conductor Yoichi Udagawa

Veterans Day Ceremony 2023 program. Plus JROTC History by Dr. Erik Anderson, and an update on Gloucester’s Civil War Era Coat #GloucesterMA

Posted on by Catherine

PHOTO BLOCK: program; Emcee Vionette “Vee” Chipperini, Dir. Cape Ann Veterans Services; Cata trolley; lining up for the parade to the Joan of Arc monument and Captain Lester S. Wass Post 3 American Legion following the beautiful Veterans Day Ceremony 2023 at Gloucester High School

PHOTO BLOCK: Gloucester’s Civil War Era Coat

As a result of the pandemic and lobby enhancements at GHS, Gloucester Civil War era coat was covered and stashed in the hallway. The temporary sign with an introduction to the display will soon be replaced by four permanent labels designed for this case. The BEFORE photographs were taken in 2015 by Kim Mimnaugh who after noticing disrepair and mold, sought care of the coat & case, and its forgotten history. A community restoration fundraising effort expanded in order to display the coat in full view. Valerie Marino shared news about possible funding through the Massachusetts State Historical Records Advisory Board (MA SHRAB) which was applied for and awarded in 2018 and 2019.

“I’m proud of our city volunteers, students and residents who came together to help raise awareness of this American artifact that has history to our country and to our local community,” said Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken. “With this SHRAB grant, as well as Awesome Gloucester and online fundraising monies, the education and heritage will live on for years to come.”…The SHRAB program is an extension of grants awarded by the Massachusetts Sesquicentennial Commission of the American Civil War with supporting services from the Secretary of the Commonwealth William F. Galvin and Massachusetts Archives Department, which features a rigorous and competitive qualifying process. The program reviewed hundreds of applications across the Commonwealth, but the ten-page application overview designed by two young activists, …was “enthusiastically” selected by Commonwealth Archivist Dr. John Warner and his committee.”

Gloucester’s Civil War-Era Coat

This exhibit tells the story about a noble coat and its cultural significance to Gloucester and American history.

  • Title: Gloucester’s Civil War-era Coat
  • Designer: Unknown
  • Date: American 19th century, about 1860
  • Owner: ______ (wearer once known)
  • Media: ¾ length coat: linsey-woolsey (linen and wool mix), buttons, repairs & patches
  • Dimensions: about 27” x 12” x 49” on the stand
  • Credit line: City of Gloucester, Massachusetts. Gift of Roger W. Babson (1875-1967) 1934 and dedicated May 30-31, 1935, GHS; Bequeathed to Babson by Albert W. Bacheler (1842-1929); Gift of wearer(s) once known, enslaved person(s), to Bacheler, December 1864.

Introduction label. Four permanent panels coming soon. Albert Bacheler (1842 Balasore, India -1929 Melrose, MA) was a Gloucester resident, GHS Principal, and community leader for 30 years beginning in 1884 until he retired in 1914. Under Bacheler, GHS acquired accreditation status to provide equal and higher educational opportunities for boys and girls, as well as athletic and extracurricular activities. He used the coat to inspire generations of students. Bacheler graduated from Dartmouth in 1871 where he also played baseball. Bacheler was a Civil War Veteran, New Hampshire 12th Regiment, Company E and POW.  He enlisted August 12, 1862 and fought in every battle albeit Cold Harbor including Gettysburg. He was captured and imprisoned in Libby Prison, Richmond, Virginia. He escaped and received help from enslaved families–including this textile–as he traveled north. The coat afforded Bacheler warmth and camouflage to escape recapture as he made his way. Bacheler eventually reached safety, meeting up with the Eight United States Colored Cavalry. What happened to the people who helped him and the wearer of this coat is unknown. This exhibit honors their agency and Bacheler’s, educators, education, veterans, service and community.

Bacheler established the forerunner of what became the JROTC. I’m republishing this great read by educator Dr. Erik Anderson, a former GHS Principal himself.

JROTC FASCINATING HISTORY AT GHS

read excerpts from The Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps at Gloucester High School: An Interdisciplinary Study of Community Leadership Development Amidst Societal Change by Dr. Erik M. Anderson, ©2015

A lengthy list of former GHS students and JROTC members, mentors, veterans, notables, businesses and organizations mentioned is incredible! Among them are: Leo Alper, Roger W. Babson, Albert Bacheler, Sargeant Barbosa, Melvin Bernstein, Kellogg G. Birdseye, Harry F. Bray, John Buckley, R. Wesley Burnham, Frank T. Chance, Roger Conant, Stephen Dexter, George Dolliver, Donald H. Emero, Saul Feldman, Charles Foster, Major Galbraith, Peter Garrisi, Jane Garrisi, Anthony Gentile, Ron Gilson, William Goodwin, Debbie Goodwin, David Greer, John F. Grillo Sr., Henry Hurwitz, Leslie O. Johnson, Arthur Jones, Benedict Karr, Mark Kennefick, Hilton Kramer, Phil Kramer, Clovis LaFond, Col. McBride, Captain McNerney, Thomas Morris, Morris Pett, David Pistenmaa, William Poirier, Herb Pomeroy, Kendrick Rattray, Henry Rosen, Levi Rudolph, Bob Ryan, Frank C. Shepherd, J. Raymond Silva, Richard R. Silva, Warren Silva, Benjamin A. Smith III, Robert Smith, Roy Spittle, William B. Squillace, Bob Stevenson, Oliver H. Story, Sgt. Tucker, Dick Wilson; and West Point and so many colleges and universities; extensive bibliography, newspapers, city archives and Sarah Dunlap.

**PLEASE NOTE THE EXCERPTS ARE INCOMPLETE & MAY NOT INCLUDE NAMES LISTED ABOVE. I WILL ADD THE FULL PDF LATER.**

Dr. Erik Anderson 2015 – excerpts from paper about JROTC at GHS its history of Community Leadership incl interviews with Gloucester veterans and notablesDownload

“…as far as I’m concerned, it belongs to Gloucester and there is much, much more that could be researched and written.”

Dr. Erik Anderson. Anderson is an educator and former principal at Gloucester High School, Gloucester, MA, and White Mountains Regional High School, Whitefield, NH.

Marshall’s Farm Stand expansion means they’re open well past Halloween now! #GloucesterMA

Posted on by Catherine

Last spring Marshall’s Farm Stand underwent an extensive remodel that allows them to push out their shoulder season well past Halloween through December 2023. The unassuming door on the right was relocated–broadened into two and centered for the new entrance into an expanded country market with a great selection of fresh produce and fare. An impressive fleet of cold and freezer cases lining the length of one wall are stocked with customer favorites, supermarket standards, and assorted frozen meals, all with a focus on local. I imagine this expansion saves residents in the immediate areas a trip past the rotary. For everyone else on a scenic drive or going for a walk on Wingaersheek Beach, it’s nice to know Marshall’s Farm Stand is open in November and December and worth the trip.

Gloucester small business owners serving Cape Ann.

You’re not having a bad day… you just need a hair appointment! Salon 127 #GloucesterMA

Posted on by Catherine

Gloucester small business owners serving Cape Ann: Salon 127 (978) 283-2555

The stylists at Salon 127 are creative and talented. The salon’s vibe is laid-back and uber professional. There’s no pressure for clients to sign up for more than they bargain for or to purchase products. It’s the kind of beauty parlor where after you go friends will compliment you and want the name. Eventually your spouse books a haircut, then your kids, your mother, neighbors, summer guests visiting or in for a wedding– and all and all everyone is pleased with the results! One day, owner and stylist Meghan Harnish called, “I have an appointment on this day and time. Does that work for you?” She noticed everyone else had cycled through, but I hadn’t taken any time for myself. I grabbed the cancellation, and my hair returned to its natural color :). Great customer service. Walks in are welcome.

Computer trouble? Don’t fret! Contact PC Repairs by Pete Gelasakis #GloucesterMA

Posted on by Catherine

Gloucester small business owners serving Cape Ann: PC Repairs by Pete

My PCs have been rescued more than once by PC Repairs by Pete (and Tiny Planet before). He’s professional, reasonable and responsive!

image: Portrait of Pete, Sept. 2023 ©c.ryan

After 15 years, Tiny Planet Computer closed up the brick and mortar space downtown at the corner of Rogers and Duncan in 2021. Their work continues! Contact Pete Gelasakis if it’s PC issues. Contact Steve Day if it’s Apple.

Music at Annisquam Church | Chamber Roots: Return of the Wayfaring Stranger. November 11

Posted on by Catherine

SPECIAL EVENT. From Lanesville to Annisquam and all around the world: four area creatives who are professional musicians select and perform works that have special meaning on November 11, 2023 in Gloucester’s historic Annisquam Church.

Press release

CHAMBER ROOTS: Return of the Wayfaring Stranger is a globetrotting sonic romp. Strings and voices weave a compelling tapestry of fiery fiddle tunes, forlorn love ballads, and chilling accounts of wayward woe. Virtuosity, sensitive musicianship, and compelling original ideas combine in a dynamic process of genre-bending musical exploration—from the hills and hollers of Appalachia, to the playful and plaintive strains of Celtic and Scandinavian folk, to newly-composed works by members of the ensemble. 

Scott Moore, a Kentucky native in his second year as Artist-in-Residence at the Village Church, is joined by a versatile cast of colleagues: Erica Pisaturo (violin), and the Clements Brothers, George (guitar) and Charles (double bass).

“We’ve each spent many years traveling the world playing music—from Carnegie and Symphony Hall, to premier festivals—Greyfox, Big Ears, and Rockygrass—to tours of China, Australia, Europe, the Middle East. And here we all are living in Lanesville. Fantastic!” 

Admission is by $35 suggested donation. A reception with the artists will follow the performance. 

CHAMBER ROOTS: Return of the Wayfaring Stranger · Saturday, November 11 @ 7:30pm Annisquam Village Church · 820 Washington Street · Gloucester MA

Annisquam Church Evening Program, Nov. 11

Chamber Root photo clockwise from the top left are:
Erica Pisaturo (violin)
Scott Moore (violin)
George Clements (guitar)
Charles Clements (double bass)

Cap off the season of gratitude and kick off the sounds of the season! Cape Ann Symphony Holiday Pops Thanksgiving weekend

Posted on by Catherine

Extend the family and friend celebrations with good music and great times Thanksgiving weekend! Three chances to experience Cape Ann Symphony Holiday Pops 2023 Gloucester 400+ special program. Gobble Gobble Gobble HO HO GO!