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/

Signs of the times: we have a date! Cape Ann Museum plans for re-opening to the public Oct. 1 (and Sept. 24 for members) after COVID-19 closure

Posted on by Catherine

Reopening plans for museums are underway. Cape Ann Museum reopening plans feature a special extra bonus: the museum’s expansion, “Cape Ann Museum Green”, will be revealed!

Read all about it in the press release from Cape Ann Museum www.capeannmuseum.org

Image: Fitz Henry Lane (1804-1865), The Western Shore with Norman’s Woe, 1862. Oil on canvas.
Collection of the Cape Ann Museum, Gloucester, MA. Gift of Isabel Babson Lane, 1946 [1147.c]

The Cape Ann Museum is preparing to re-open its main campus at 27 Pleasant Street to the public on Oct. 1 with new safety precautions for social distancing, reduced capacity, touch-less doors, increased cleaning, and other measures that adhere to Gov. Baker’s Phase 3 re-opening plan and to protect the public while enjoying the Museum’s renowned art and maritime collections.

Museum members will be invited to return to the Pleasant Street campus on Sept. 24, and the Museum’s new Cape Ann Museum Green off Grant Circle will open to the public on Sept. 17 including the contemporary archival collections storage and public exhibition space, the Janet & William Ellery James Center.

At the new Cape Ann Museum Green, visitors will see a selection of images from The Porch-Rait Project, photographs of Gloucester families taken early in the COVID 19 pandemic as a benefit to The Open Door. Tickets for both sites may be reserved at www.camuseum.eventbrite.com.

“We are overjoyed to announce that we can re-open with the necessary precautions required by the state,” said Museum Director Oliver Barker. “As the global pandemic hit in March, we closed our doors to protect the staff and public. Since then, I think we have all been feeling the need to return to a place of inspiration, to see art that reminds us of the beautiful places in which we live, and to feel a sense of normalcy again by visiting the Museum and our new Cape Ann Museum Green campus.”

When visitors return to Pleasant Street on Oct. 1, they will see a newly re-installed and updated Lane Gallery, showcasing the work of marine artist Fitz Henry Lane (1804-1865). They will also be able to view three special exhibitions: Tom and T.M. Nicholas: A Father and Son’s Journey in Paint, which has been extended through November 1; Odds Were Against Me, featuring works by 20th century sculptors, Anna Vaughn Hyatt Huntington and Katharine Lane Weems, on view through January 3, 2021; and Our Souls are by Nature Equal to Yours, an exhibit exploring the life of early feminist writer Judith Sargent Murray, on view through November 8.

Here are some of the precautionary measures that the Museum will be taking when it re-opens:

  • The Museum will have limited opening hours from Thursday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to allow for ample cleaning. The time slot of 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. will be reserved for high risk populations to visit.
  • All visitors will need to make a reservation at www.camuseum.eventbrite.com to ensure limited capacity.
  • The Museum will only allow 7 percent occupancy in the galleries. There will be no public access to the Auditorium, Activity Center, or Davis House until further notice.
  • The Library & Archives will be closed due to ventilation issues, but access to the entire collection can be found online at capeannmuseum.org/research or by emailing library@capeannmuseum.org.
  • Visitors will be required to wear masks throughout their time in the Museum. Anyone without a mask will be offered one upon entry.
  • Social distancing in the galleries and throughout the Museum will be enforced by staff and security guards.
  • Limited docent tours will be offered.
  • Increased cleaning will happen during the Museum’s off-hours.
  • Main entrance and bathroom doors have been redesigned to open automatically for touch free access.

Continue reading “Signs of the times: we have a date! Cape Ann Museum plans for re-opening to the public Oct. 1 (and Sept. 24 for members) after COVID-19 closure” →

It’s true! Linda Bosselman retiring from Sawyer Free Library on this gorgeous day. “Tend a beach tree sapling,” she gestures, ever an educator. #GloucesterMA

Posted on by Catherine

Touring the Sawyer Free Library grounds with Linda Bosselman on the occasion of her last day at work*, we receive a garden pep talk peppered with small gestures and comforting words. We almost forget that it’s her last day. Isn’t that typical of time spent with Linda? Her professional and unassuming smarts earned the trust of her colleagues, and make it a joy to learn from her experiences. An avid local history buff, photographer and community volunteer, she’ll be busy as ever. Still, it’s a big change with her having worked at Sawyer Free for the past three decades.

*Like other milestones during the pandemic, retirement (early) celebrations are altered.

 

happy retirement MESSAGES FOR LINDA –

 

Christy Rosso, Sawyer Free Library Director of Children’s Services, writes:

We have so many happy memories together, laughing over a huge display we had to do in a hurry — you frantically ironing hundreds of yards of blue fabric, me looping and winding it around City Hall for what seemed like days. It emerged as a beautiful and thoughtful addition to the event. Mischief managed. We designed many more wonderful displays and programs together, gardened, crafted, photographed, and grew a wonderful library and book collection together for our city’s children and families. Thank you so much for all of that. You have been a wonderful part of this library for 29 years. We are warmly appreciative for everything. We wish you happiness and more adventures ahead as you retire. Always,

Christy Rosso, Dir. Children’s Services

 

 

Sawyer Free Library Asst. Director, Beth Pocock writes:

Through her 29 years of service to the library, Linda has provided support in so many different areas; managing and circulating the collections, organizing and photographing programs, creating beautiful displays and brochures and answering every possible question about all things Gloucester. The list is endless. We love her and will miss her dearly but she has promised to fill in at the library every once in a while and that’s a comfort to us.

Beth Pocock, Asst. Director, Gloucester Lycecum & Sawyer Free Public Library

 

 

September 3, 1991- how lucky were we that day to have Linda Bosselman start working at Sawyer Free Library? She’s worked upstairs and downstairs, with adult’s and children’s services, with different co-workers and directors, for three decades. Helping generations of patrons. I mean it when I’m saying congratulations and thanks. Also all I really want to say is, “No, don’t leave!”

Justine Vitale, Librarian, Gloucester Lyceum & Sawyer Free Public Library

 

 

 

“These are beach tree saplings, not weeds. People can nurture descendants from this great gorgeous tree!”

“Volunteers could weed a little in between the landscaping crews; just toss under the hedge until they come through. And share their expertise helping point out weeds from the special native plants.”

“In the winter, I love to photograph the library from Middle Street with City Hall in the background. I climb up on the (YMCA) wall across the street, right there.”

“The tomatoes need to be picked soon or they’ll split.”

 

COMFORTABLE AS AN OLD SHOE: Mr. Mondello eponymous shoe repair shop around the corner has closed due to Covid-19 reopening plans. He’s taking early retirement at 93! CRUZ FERRERAS pens a beautiful thanks #GLOUCESTERMA

Posted on by Catherine

Cruz Ferreras writes:

The end of an era. Are you hearing that often lately? I am. A bit too many ends of eras.

Yesterday was a rainy day. My husband realized that his rubber rain boots have a puncture that lets water in the foot-bed. He said he thought he needed new boots. I said he should take them to Mr. Mondello first, because he would most likely find a way to plug the leak with melted rubber and extend the life of the boots for at least one more Autumn. And for just a few bucks.

Today a friend texted me news that due to Covid-19 Mr. Mondello took an early retirement at 93! A proud veteran, Mr. M. was always eager to share his background with customers at his cobbler shop. He has an unassuming sense of humor and the solid presence that 90 plus years of a productive life gives a person regardless of physical strength or frailty. Mr. M. looked like a solid man behind the counter. After a little chat he would ask for a very brief description of what was wrong with your shoes: 

I need to stretch them. 

I need the soles re-glued. 

I need more holes on the straps.

Check! 

Check! 

Check! 

I need rain boots plugged…no Mr. Mondello’s shop. No check. No apprentice to take over the shop, I bet. That’s too bad. One more win for the vortex of throw away culture we get swept into. 

I wish Mr. Mondello the best and healthiest of retirement. He has earned it. A town needs a cobbler. We had as good as they come. 

Cruz Ferreras thanks and best wishes in retirement for Mr. Mondello September 2020

Message and all photographs this post by Cruz Ferreras. The photographs were taken in July 2018.

COMFORTABLE AS AN OLD SHOE: MR. MONDELLO EPONYMOUS SHOE REPAIR SHOP AROUND THE CORNER CLOSES. HE’S TAKING EARLY RETIREMENT AT 93! CRUZ FERRERAS PENS A BEAUTIFUL THANKS #GLOUCESTERMA

Posted on by Catherine
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is july-2018_-mondello-shoe-repair-shop_a-fixture-in-gloucester-massachusetts_-owner-a-veteran_photograph-copyright-cruz-ferreras-6.jpg

Cruz Ferreras writes:

The end of an era. Are you hearing that often lately? I am. A bit too many ends of eras.

Yesterday was a rainy day. My husband realized that his rubber rain boots have a puncture that lets water in the foot-bed. He said he thought he needed new boots. I said he should take them to Mr. Mondello first, because he would most likely find a way to plug the leak with melted rubber and extend the life of the boots for at least one more Autumn. And for just a few bucks.

Today a friend texted me news that due to Covid-19 Mr. Mondello took an early retirement at 93! A proud veteran, Mr. M. was always eager to share his background with customers at his cobbler shop. He has an unassuming sense of humor and the solid presence that 90 plus years of a productive life gives a person regardless of physical strength or frailty. Mr. M. looked like a solid man behind the counter. After a little chat he would ask for a very brief description of what was wrong with your shoes:

I need to stretch them.

I need the soles re-glued.

I need more holes on the straps.

Check!

Check!

Check!

I need rain boots plugged…no Mr. Mondello’s shop. No check. No apprentice to take over the shop, I bet. That’s too bad. One more win for the vortex of throw away culture we get swept into.

I wish Mr. Mondello the best and healthiest of retirement. He has earned it. A town needs a cobbler. We had as good as they come.

Cruz Ferreras thanks and best wishes in retirement for Mr. Mondello September 2020

Message and all photographs this post by Cruz Ferreras. The photographs were taken in July 2018.

Harbor Village apartments 206 Main Street filling out #GloucesterMA

Posted on by Catherine

What a difference a month makes! Views surrounding new construction of Harbor Village apartments on 206 Main Street Gloucester, Mass. late August 2020. 

before, view past Cameron’s demo back in January 2020 with to Elm Street buildings and City Hall Tower in background.

Construction progress for 12 Condominiums on 70 – 74 Thatcher road #GloucesterMA

Posted on by Catherine

Heavy equipment was brought back behind the fence at the corner of Thatcher and Witham (70 Thatcher Road – 74 Thatcher Road) and a new sign.

vs. back in Fall 2016

Brier Cliff by the Beach: townhouses condo construction between Thatcher and Cliff Road moving along #GloucesterMA

Posted on by Catherine

Clearing lots 41 and 43 Cliff Road between Long Beach and Good Harbor Beach, across from the development (formerly Amelia’s and Olivia’s at the corner of Witham and Thatcher Roads).

It’s National Beach Day! Breezy balmy in #GloucesterMA

Posted on by Catherine

IMG_20200830_134617

 p.s. Tree Swallows are active at Good Harbor Beach

 

Which beach for you?

 

 

Solo shows for Adin Murray and Deborah Brown at the two Jane Deering Gallery locations #GloucesterMA

Posted on by Catherine

Exhibit news from Jane Deering Gallery:

Jane Deering Gallery presents two new exhibitions!  Opening Saturday September 5th is Ephemerata | a timeline of creation, a timeline of change. Works by Cape Ann artist Deborah Brown explore the shared juxtaposition of intent and materials.  Brown studied at the San Francisco Art Institute and exhibits nationally.  This exhibition will be at 19 Pleasant Street in downtown Gloucester, adjacent to the Cape Ann Museum. Hours: Saturday & Sunday 1:00-3:00.  Works can be viewed at janedeeringgallery.com

Deb Brown Constellations Under the Sea 2007 Mixed media 7×8 inches

Also on view from Friday September 4th in the SHED @ 18 Arlington Street, Annisquam is Late Summer Selection | New Painting by Adin Murray.  Murray continues his superb Horizon series, serene and luscious oils on canvas.  Hours: Friday, Saturday & Sunday 12noon-3:00pm.  And always by appointment at either location. 917-902-4359. Works can be viewed at janedeeringgallery.com

Tax-free weekend Jane Deering Gallery. ‘Gloucester, Cape Ann | of time and place’ art exhibit closes August 30th

Posted on by Catherine

LAST CHANCE – Art show closing soon Gloucester, Cape Ann | Of Time and Place at Jane Deering Gallery space on Pleasant Street Gloucester, Mass

Group show features work by Tom Fels, CH Golder, Michael Porter, Adin Murray, Shaun McNiff, Chris Pullman, Esther Pullman, Emily Speed, SEG pottery

Paintings by Adin Murray are also featured at Jane Deering Gallery Annisquam space, SHED

Cape Ann Museum update about their new digs ‘Cape Ann Museum Green campus’ #GloucesterMA

Posted on by Catherine

photo caption: Cape Ann Museum Green campus with a view from the new12,000 square foot Janet & William Ellery James Center out to the campus which includes three historic buildings (from right to left) the White Ellery House (1710), an adjacent Barn (c. 1740), and the Babson-Alling House (c.1740), all located on the site at the intersection of Washington and Poplar Streets in Gloucester.  Photo by Steve Rosenthal, 2020.

NEWS FROM CAPE ANN MUSEUM:

Cape Ann Museum Green campus taking shape with landscaping, solar panels, and final touches

GLOUCESTER, MASS. (August 2020) – Preparations for Cape Ann Museum Green, the Museum’s new campus off Grant Circle and Route 128 in Gloucester, have continued over the summer with further grass and new trees planted as part of an overall landscape design that will aesthetically combine three historic buildings on the property with a new contemporary archival collections storage and public exhibition space called the Janet & William Ellery James Center.

Designed to dramatically expand the Museum’s community, contemporary art and educational offerings, the almost four-acre campus is home to the three historic structures, the White Ellery House (1710), an adjacent Barn (c. 1740), and the Babson-Alling House (c.1740), all located on the site at the intersection of Washington and Poplar Streets in Gloucester. The new 12,000-square foot James Center includes 2,000 square feet of flexible exhibition and community programming space designed to reach broader audiences with new exhibits and public programs.  The James Center was built to LEED Platinum standards and was designed by Boston-based designLAB.  Integral to the building’s environmental footprint is the installation later this year of a 173KW Solar Array system on the building’s roof, and with recent city approval temporary art banners are now planned for the building’s Route 128 facing exterior.

“It has been thrilling to watch Cape Ann Museum Green evolve over the, last year” said Oliver Barker, the Museum’s Director. “This unique location, visible at the entrance to Cape Ann, offers a historic connection from the 1700s until today. The Museum’s mission is to celebrate our rich, diverse and deep history here on Cape Ann while also continually discovering new works by contemporary artists. This property symbolically brings all of that together in one place as the Gateway to Cape Ann.”

This pivotal Museum initiative has been in development since 2017 and was led by a Cape Ann Museum Green Committee chaired by William (Wilber) James. “The Museum is indebted to Wilber and his Committee, which includes Sam Holdsworth, Norm Chambers, John Cunningham, Stephanie Benenson, Dick Carlson and Suzi Natti, with encouragement and support from Board Chair Charles Esdaile, for their leadership, vision and commitment to creating a new cultural experience for our community and for visitors to Cape Ann,” Barker said.

“We are but threads in the fabric of life, building on the efforts of those who came before us and setting the stage for future generations” said Wilber James. “This property builds on the vision of our forebears and we invite others to join the Cape Ann Museum today in setting the stage for the future as a leading regional museum of American art that is relevant and engages our community.”

The James Center will provide critical state-of-the-art storage for the Museum’s expanding collections as well as the community space for education and art installations. Landscaping has been progressing since spring with the planting of dozens of indigenous trees, shrubs, and flowers alongside the campus’s notable fieldstone wall constructed from stones found throughout the property. A sculpture park at the campus is envisioned for the future.

photo caption: (Left) Fitz Henry Lane (1804-1865), Babson and Ellery Houses, Gloucester, 1863, oil on canvas, Cape Ann Museum, Gloucester, MA, gift of Roger W. Babson, 1937 [779.02]  (Right) Fitz Henry Lane (1804-1865), The Babson Meadows at Riverdale, 1863, oil on canvas, Cape Ann Museum, Gloucester, MA, gift of Roger W. Babson, 1937 [779.03].

The bucolic Cape Ann Museum Green property was the subject of three Fitz Henry Lane paintings in 1863, two of which are now at the Cape Ann Museum. View of the Babson and Ellery Houses, Gloucester, shows the Route 128 side of the property, while The Babson Meadows at Riverdale, looking from the rear of the Babson-Alling House, with its meticulously rendered field stone wall and gate provided the framework on which the CAM Green perimeter field stone wall and new entry gates, all designed and crafted by local Gloucester artisans,  were recently installed to recall that historic time..

Due to the pandemic, the official opening of Cape Ann Museum Green has been postponed until June 2021, but news about opportunities for the public to see the campus in socially distant appropriate ways starting in mid-September is forthcoming.

The creation of the Cape Ann Museum Green campus is a critical component of the Museum’s 2018-2023 Strategic Plan and the commitment to enhance facilities by providing space for current holdings and anticipating future strategic collection growth in a sophisticated climate-controlled and highly secure building.

MORE ABOUT CAPE ANN MUSEUM

Continue reading “Cape Ann Museum update about their new digs ‘Cape Ann Museum Green campus’ #GloucesterMA” →

Motif Monday

Posted on by Catherine

Twin Lights August sunrise. For more information about the double lighthouses, see Thacher Island Assoc. excellent website here. Also wonderful books by Paul St. Germain, noted author & historian, president Thacher Island Assoc. here

 

 

GHS Covid-19 reopening plans update School admin pitches remote opening | special school committee meeting LIVE now 4:30pm

Posted on by Catherine

Gloucester School Committee special meeting at 4:30 today about high school and reopening plans

Friday August 21

4:30 PM
Special School Committee Meeting
Join from Computer, Smart Device: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85638084830
Join via Phone: +1 (312) 626-6799, Alternate: +1 (346) 248-7799
Meeting ID:  856 3808 4830

GHS Principal Cook and Superintendent recommend first opening remotely to school committee right now– school committee discussion will come after

NEW PROPOSAL – BEGIN REMOTELY THEN MOVE TO HYBRID OUTLINED BELOW

Remote learning schedule (above) readied that will be compatible with hybrid (below) eventually

Principal presenting proposed schedule A-LI cohort and Lo-Z cohort

Crisscrossing Salt Island sandbar | Good Harbor Beach at low tide #GloucesterMA

Posted on by Catherine

 

Low tide on Good Harbor Beach reveals a bonus extra visit-in-a-visit for beach-goers. Salt Island is a tied island. Crisscross this signature sandbar or ‘tombolo’ to explore the island features. Enjoy limbo adjusting wading depths as the tides rise and fall. Bringing lunch for an adventure away from our folks was always a thrilling dip into the waters of independence.

 

 

Salt Island was purchased back in 2017. Prior posts about Salt Island here and here.

Are you a card-carrying member?😉Join/Rejoin Friends of Sawyer Free Library! Little goes a long way

Posted on by Catherine

Sharing message from Colleen Hogan-Lopez on behalf of the Friends of the Sawyer Free Library

Dear members of the Gloucester community,


As we, the Friends of the Sawyer Free Library, open our 2020-2021 Membership Drive, we must acknowledge the profound changes that Covid-19 has made in our lives here in Gloucester and across the nation. Our lifestyle and the way that we are able to connect with others in our
families and community, has changed in ways that we could never have imagined.

The Covid-19 virus has impacted the library significantly, including the Friends’ ability to raise money on which the library depends for programs, equipment and services that are beyond the library’s annual budget.

Our major sources of income, our Book Shop and our annual Art Auction, are suspended. With the library closed, patrons have not been able to access the books for sale in our Book Shop.

Also in light of public safety concerns and Covid-19 restrictions, we thought it wise to postpone our annual Art Auction until Spring 2021*.

Our mission is to enhance the patrons’ experience at the library. Now, this year, with the shortfall in revenue, our Membership Drive becomes even more crucial to the ability of the library to continue to serve patrons at the same level as in the past. The Friends of the Sawyer Free Library are reaching out to ask that you please consider becoming a member of the Friends at whatever level of membership you are able. Your donation will allow us to continue our support of the library, and, in turn, allow the library to continue serving all patrons to the fullest extent possible during this unprecedented time. Here is the link to render payment via PayPal for Oct. 2020- Sept. 2021 annual membership, or print out the membership form here (see below) and mail a check to the address at the bottom of the form. We thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Rebecca Aliberte, President
On behalf of the Friends of the Sawyer Free Board of Trustees

*You can view selections from the 2019 auction here