Author: Donna Ardizzoni

Ardizzoni Photography, Business Manager, Grandmother, love living in Gloucester, love to swim, kayak, walk and of course take pictures. Our company does computer networking, Office Management, Medical Billing, transcription, networking software updates and virus protection

SAVE THE DATE

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

Mark your calendar! The Magnolia Library and Magnolia Community Farmers Market are excited to announce that on October 9th we will be hosting the second annual Magtoberfest! Stay tuned for more details and info.

Magnolia Community Farmers Market Cancelled due to extreme heat on Sunday

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

Hello everyone:

Given the predicted extreme temperatures this weekend, we are hearing that other markets have opted to cancel. Most of these markets are “inland,” and all forecasts projecting high temps are noting “cooler on the coast,” but most of those predictions still fall in the mid-90s.

In the past we have experienced farmers market heat waves and dealt with them in several ways. However, this time, knowing there is a precedent for lower foot traffic as the thermostat rises, and since you all have fresh produce and foods that could be dramatically affected by the heat, we have elected to cancel Sunday’s market. We wanted to let you know that we talked as a team about the best option for all and based on the predicted temperatures, and sadly we have made a tough, but final decision to cancel this week’s market.

Using social media and our emailing list we will let our customers know the situation, but would appreciate it if you could spread the word to your followers as well.

We wish you all best of luck this weekend during these extremely hot few days and we look forward to seeing you all next week.

Best,

MCFM

Alana, David, Rebecca, Nying, Greg and Dylan

 

 

 

Music on Meetinghouse Green

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 20, 2022

JAZZ SINGER RHIANNON HURST PERFORMS AT MUSIC ON MEETINGHOUSE GREEN ON FRIDAY, JULY 29
An award-winning local jazz vocalist and rising star, Rhiannon teams up with a great quartet for another unforgettable free Friday evening
concert at the corner of Middle and Church Streets at 6:00 p.m.

Even before she graduated high school, Rockport native Rhiannon Hurst was winning awards at regional, national, and international competitions
and earning some serious respect in the jazz world. Her talent has been described as, “integrating her innate ability and skills into an emerging musical
personality.” As a high school sophomore, Rhiannon won 2nd place in the Berklee International High School Jazz Singer’s Showcase. She was one of four
graduating seniors to receive the Excellence in Music Award from the Massachusetts Music Educators Association.

Rhiannon was the recipient of a prestigious 2021 National YoungArts Foundation (YoungArts) award in jazz voice for her caliber of artistic achievement. She
joins 659 of the nation’s young visual, literary, and performing artists in opportunities for collaboration, professional development, fellowships, residencies,
and awards. Now a much sought after performer, Rhiannon’s professional engagements range from local favorite restaurants to Boston’s Symphony Hall and
the State Room.

Your free-will donations will support the concert’s featured local non-profit partner The Open Door – alleviating the impact of hunger in our community
by connecting people to good food, advocating on behalf of those in need, and engaging others in the work of building food security. The evening’s food
vendor is the Lobster Roller offering their delicious lobster rolls and clam chowder.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Now entering its seventh season, Music on Meetinghouse Green features nine free Friday evening concerts from July 8 to September 9. Performances are
held on the Green and feature great music, favorite foods from local vendors, and a different North Shore non-profit organization featured each week through
free-will donations from the audience. Concerts begin at 6:00 p.m. and conclude at 8:30 p.m. Some chairs will be provided and audience members are welcome
to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets. Picnic with delicious local food from our vendors or bring your own. Performances are handicapped accessible and
parking on the Green is limited to persons with disabilities.

ABOUT THE GLOUCESTER MEETINGHOUSE FOUNDATION
Founded in 2015, the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation is dedicated to preserving the landmark building as a civic hub, entertainment venue, and community
center. In addition to its work to preserve the historic 1806 Meetinghouse, GMF is currently raising funds to restore Meetinghouse Green. The GMF has received a
$130,000 grant from the Community Preservation Act and a $2,000 grant from the Essex Heritage Partnership Grant Program towards a total project goal of $340,000.
Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2023.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Thanks to our sponsors, many of whom have contributed since the series’ first year, all of the season’s expenses for musicians and logistics are fully paid making it possible
for 100% of audience donations to go directly to our non-profit partners.

PLATINUM: John and Janis Bell, J.J. and Jackie Bell, Karen Bell, Cape Ann Savings Bank, J. Linzee Coolidge, Scobie Ward, GOLD: BOMCO, Mary Hintlian, Trish Roach and Rob Martin,
Mary Weissblum, SILVER: JoeAnn Hart and Gordon Baird, Landesign, Susan Mckain and Ken Steiner, Charles Nazarian, John and Sandra Ronan, BRONZE: Jerry Ackerman,
Peter Calkins and Susan Casey, Jonathan Golding and Sally Bradley-Golding, Joe and Maggie Rosa, Kathleen and Peter Van Demark, Kathleen Williams

For more information, a full schedule of upcoming concerts and events, and to sign up for the GMF newsletter, visit www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org

Music Man on July 22, 2022 at the Magnolia Community Library

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

We hope to see you tomorrow for the Music Man at the Magnolia Library at 10am.

Blackburn Challenge 2022

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

2022 Date – July 23rd, 2022 – Finalized

Registration Open! – Click to Register – Please carefully read the instructions for multi crew vessels (2 or more)

Important Information for 2022 Blackburn Challenge – Full Race Event and Festivities are back!

*** We are in desperate need of Chase Boats for the race. Offering gas money, hat and tee shirt.
Please contact president@capeannrowingclub.com ***

  • Price Increase Saturday July 9th – Midnight – Price goes up from $90 per registrant to $115. Please register early, we have a lot of planning to do for food and tee-shirts.

  • Registration Closes on Wednesday, July 20th, 6pm. NO Registration at the Race – Only check-in for online registrants

  • Parking Information – Parking is only allowed in town lots, not in the Beauport hotel lot, and NOT in the lot at 33 Commercial Street (this is the finish line lot – no parking). It will be challenging taking your boats out at the finish line. There is a public boat ramp on Western Ave at the end of Pavilion beach. Getting your car from the high school and taking out there may be the best option for take-out until the party ends at the beach. There will be a parking attendant managing our lot. Trailered boats or OC6 are allowed to pass through the cut.

  • Time Limit – 6 Hour limit to complete course. Chase Boats and Timing will finish after 6 hours. Racers are paddling at their own risk after 6 hours on the course. Please plan appropriately if you believe you can not complete in 6 hours.

  • Schedule: Gloucester High School – 32 Leslie O Johnson Road, Gloucester, MA 01930

    • 5:45 am – 6:45 am Safety Check: Each vessel must pass inspection before registering. Get your sign-off at central safety booth by the tennis courts or find a roaming safety volunteer with orange vest

    • 6:00 am – 7:00 am Check In

    • 7:00 am Captains Meeting – All Participants

    • 7:45 am – 8:30 am Staggered Start by Boat Classes

    • 12:00 Noon Pavilion Beach Finish Line Facilities Open

    • 2:00 pm Award Ceremony & Festivities

  • Electronic Waivers – New for 2022 – All waivers will be include online as part of the registration process for both captains and crew

  • Registration & Check In: Registration & check in is from 6:00 am to 7:00 am at the Gloucester High School. Registration tables will be located in the cafeteria. Access is from behind the tennis courts.

  • Race Course & Charts: Please visit Blackburn Challenge Race Course page for full details

  • Rest Rooms: Rest rooms are available in the Gloucester High School for the start, and porta potties at the finish at Pavilion Beach

  • Race numbers: Should be taped to both sides of your bow. Call your number to the timers at the finish line when crossing at the Greasy Pole. – Pay attention at Captains Meeting for specific finish line instructions

Race Charts:
Downloadable Race Charts below. Print them out and put them back to back in a dry chart bag or a zip lock. Staples or Kinkos can laminate them inexpensively as well. Race coordinator phone number included.

See Race Course page for additional info.
Download Blackburn Race Chart 1
Download Blackburn Race Chart 2

Rest Rooms: Rest rooms are available in the Gloucester High School and Porta Potties at the finish line

Do not cross the finish line twice!

ATTENTION

It is essential that race personnel know who is on the course.
Therefore, each participant must confirm his or her presence with the start committee, the

UU Music Meetinghouse Green with the Alex Minasian Quartet

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 15, 2022

ALEX MINASIAN QUARTET PERFORMS AT MUSIC ON MEETINGHOUSE GREEN FRIDAY, JULY 22
Alex Minasian, acclaimed jazz pianist and impresario, brings his quartet to Music on Meetinghouse Green for a free
Friday evening concert at the corner of Middle and Church Streets, July 22 at 6:00 p.m.

Alex Minasian quickly earned the attention of the music world for his performances at the country’s most famous
jazz venues including the Blue Note, Birdland, Village Vanguard, and The Apollo Theater. His brilliant career has found
him sharing the stage with jazz legends James Ingram, Arturo Sandoval, Marilyn McCoo, Joe Pesci, Hank Jones, Clark Terry,
and many others. He has also headlined important jazz celebrations including the Rochester Jazz Festival and performed at
the Montreal Jazz Festival and the Istanbul Jazz Festival.  New York City audiences will find him performing weekly at the
iconic Tavern on the Green restaurant. He has been featured in Yerevan Magazine, a Los Angeles-based publication promoting
Armenian news and culture. Minasian teams up with bassist Brandi Disterheft, drummer Joe Farnsworth, and saxophonist Bill Pierce
for their first appearance at the Music on Meetinghouse Green summer music concerts.

Free-will donations will support the concert’s featured local non-profit partner Maritime Gloucester, inspiring students and visitors
to value marine science, maritime heritage, and environmental stewardship through hands-on education and experiences. The
evening’s food vendor is Crepes du Jour.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Now entering its seventh season, Music on Meetinghouse Green features nine free Friday evening concerts from July 8 to September 9.
Performances are held on the Green and feature great music, favorite foods from local vendors, and a different North Shore non-profit
organization featured each week through free-will donations from the audience. Concerts begin at 6:00 p.m. and conclude at 8:30 p.m.
Some chairs will be provided and audience members are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets. Picnic with delicious local
food from our vendors or bring your own. Performances are handicapped accessible and parking on the Green is limited to persons
with disabilities.

ABOUT THE GLOUCESTER MEETINGHOUSE FOUNDATION
Founded in 2015, the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation is dedicated to preserving the landmark building as a civic hub, entertainment
venue, and community center. In addition to its work to preserve the historic 1806 Meetinghouse, GMF is currently raising funds to restore
Meetinghouse Green. The GMF has received a $130,000 grant from the Community Preservation Act and a $2,000 grant from the
Essex Heritage Partnership Grant Program towards a total project goal of $340,000. Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2023.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Thanks to our sponsors, many of whom have contributed since the series’ first year, all of the season’s expenses for musicians and logistics
are fully paid making it possible for 100% of audience donations to go directly to our non-profit partners.

PLATINUM: John and Janis Bell, J.J. and Jackie Bell, Karen Bell, Cape Ann Savings Bank, J. Linzee Coolidge, Scobie Ward, GOLD: BOMCO,
Mary Hintlian, Trish Roach and Rob Martin, Mary Weissblum, SILVER: JoeAnn Hart and Gordon Baird, Landesign, Susan Mckain and Ken Steiner,
Charles Nazarian, John and Sandra Ronan, BRONZE: Jerry Ackerman, Peter Calkins and Susan Casey, Jonathan Golding and Sally Bradley-Golding,
Joe and Maggie Rosa, Kathleen and Peter Van Demark, Kathleen Williams

For more information, a full schedule of upcoming concerts and events, and to sign up for the GMF newsletter, visit www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org.

Help wanted at the Magnolia Library and Community Center

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

This is a fun Library and Community Center

email to magnolialibrarycommunitycenter@gmail.com

Our local station 104.9 been sold

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

Reblogged from the Salem News

 

BEVERLY Radio station North Shore 104.9 FM has been sold and was scheduled to switch to new programming on last Friday, according to people who hosted shows on the station.

Lauren Swanson, the executive director of the Enterprise Center at Salem State University, said she was informed on Wednesday that the show she has hosted for two years has been canceled.

“It’s very disappointing,” Swanson said. “It was a great vehicle for us to talk with regional and business leaders on issues that were important.”

Swanson said she did not know what the new programming format would be.

North Shore 104.9 was owned by Westport Communications. The company bought the station for $4.6 million in 2003, according to Federal Communications Commission records.

Todd Tanger, one of the owners of North Shore 104.9 FM, did not return messages for this story.

The station, which goes by the call letters WBOQ, traces its roots to a classical music station started by Simon Geller of Gloucester in 1964. The station is licensed out of Gloucester and operates from a studio on Enon Street in Beverly. North Shore 104.9 played “adult contemporary” music and aired several local programs on news, sports, food and the arts.

Local shows included North Shore Conversations hosted by Swanson and produced by the North Shore Alliance for Economic Development; Destination Salem hosted by Destination Salem Executive Director Kate Fox; and The North Shore Sports desk co-hosted by Dom Nicastro and Gloucester Daily Times Sports Editor Nick Curcuru.

Swanson said North Shore Conversations was a particularly effective way of communicating during the pandemic. Guests have included local mayors like Kim Driscoll of Salem, Ted Bettencourt of Peabody and Mike Cahill of Beverly and the presidents of Salem State University, North Shore Community College and Montserrat College of Art.

“You could be driving your kids to soccer or be in your kitchen and you could hear local leaders talking about information and why it’s relevant to you,” Swanson said. “It was a great way to be able to spread information to the business community.”

Fox said she did 55 episodes of the Saturday morning Destination Salem show over the last year highlighting the city and its businesses. She said she recorded a show on Wednesday that now will not air.

“It’s done really well. Our audience has been growing,” Fox said.

“We’ll see if we can transition to a podcast, but it’s not the same. For Destination Salem I’m sad that we’re losing our weekly show, but I’m more sad for the people at the station who’ve lost their jobs. That’s a shame.”

Staff Writer Paul Leighton can be reached at 978-338-2535, by email at pleighton@salemnews.com, or on Twitter at @heardinbeverly.

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Staff Writer Paul Leighton can be reached at 978-338-2535, by email at pleighton@salemnews.com, or on Twitter at @heardinbeverly.