Eastern Point Lit House co-founder Chris Anderson writes, “The Lit House is very excited about our next book club event at Duckworth’s with Gloucester High School’s new principal, James Cook. He’s a great poet and educator, and we’re thrilled to get to share dinner and drinks with James. Even if you can’t get through The Faraway Nearby by Rebecca Solnit in time, you won’t want to miss this. I’m sure you’ll want to finish it after hearing what James has to say. Hope to see you there!”
Author: Kimsmithdesigns
Documentary filmmaker, photographer, landscape designer, author, and illustrator. "Beauty on the Wing: Life Story of the Monarch Butterfly" currently airing on PBS. Current film projects include Piping Plovers, Gloucester's Feast of St. Joseph, and Saint Peter's Fiesta. Visit my websites for more information about film and design projects at kimsmithdesigns.com, monarchbutterflyfilm.com, and pipingploverproject.org. Author/illustrator "Oh Garden of Fresh Possibilities! Notes from a Gloucester Garden."
DOG OWNER AND TRASH TROUBLE AT GOOD HARBOR BEACH PART TWO
Dear Friends,
A reminder that no dogs are allowed on Good Harbor Beach during the summer and particularly while the Piping Plovers are nesting. It truly is a matter of life and death for these rare and endangered tender shorebirds. The past several mornings there have been dogs on GHB, off leash. Although the Plovers nest is at the edge of the dune, once they have hatched, the tiny nestlings will soon be going to the water’s edge to feed. They will most assuredly be squished by an exuberant pooch if owners do not keep their dogs off the beach. Please let your house guests, friends, neighbors, and family know about these rare creatures calling Good Harbor Beach home for the summer, and why it is so vitally important to keep dogs off the beach.
Yes, I took photos of the scofflaws, but do not want to post another batch. I’d rather we spend the time helping people understand why, and trying to prevent further incidences.
Of far greater concern is the fact that last night some persons were picnicking in the Plover’s cordoned off area. The thoughtless ones buried their trash in the sand, but left some remaining on top. At daybreak several crows, I am sure drawn by the brightly colored Doritos bag, began digging in the sand. They were soon joined by a dozen or so crow family members, where a great noisy battle ensued over the bones and garbage. The combat took place in the Plover’s plot, causing the nesting Plover extreme distress. She left the nest, trying all her tricks to distract the crows from the eggs, and was really quite brave in fending them off, all the while calling frantically to her mate. The battle lines were coming closer and closer to the Plover nest.
Why was she so alarmed? Because crows (and gulls) eat Piping Plover eggs!
As a filmmaker I try very hard not to intervene in wildlife behaviors while filming, I stand as still as a stone and the creatures soon forget about me and go about their normal business. However, in this case, the garbage strewn about in the Plover’s plot was human created and needed human intervention. I chased the crows out of the area and within a few moments, the Plovers had resumed their morning routine.
Some folks are under the misguided notion that it is a good thing to bury trash, even burying glass bottles. Tony and Murray, our awesome GHB DPW crew, told me that burying bottles is the worst thing people do because as the clean up tractor unwittingly is driven over the hidden garbage, bottles break, and then there is broken glass everywhere. Burying food and bones and plastic is nearly as bad. The seagulls and crows inevitably find the trash, drag it all across the beach, and then the plastic ends up in the ocean. If there weren’t so much nightly trash left on the beach, we wouldn’t have nearly as many crows, and the shorebirds would be far safer.
Please, no dogs and no trash on our beautiful beach. Thank you. The Piping Plovers thank you too.
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Len Burgess Submits
Len Burgess photo of the Yankee Freedom setting out to see the fireworks.
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DEBORAH ZOE LAUFER & PAULA PLUM REUNITE FOR NEW ENGLAND PREMIERE OF THE LAST SCHWARTZ AT GLOUCESTER STAGE COMPANY
Gloucester Stage Company continues its 37th season of professional theater on Cape Ann with the New England premiere of Deborah Zoe Laufer’s The Last Schwartz opening on July 7 and running through July 30 at 267 East Main Street, Gloucester, MA., A funny and provocative look at family life, The Last Schwartz takes place in the Catskills as the Schwartz family gathers on the one year anniversary of their father’s passing. Playwright Deborah Zoe Laufer made her Gloucester Stage debut during the 2015 season with Out of Sterno, which earned high critical acclaim and audience accolades during its smash hit GSC run. The Last Schwartz reunites Laufer with GSC Out of Sterno director Paula Plum. An award winning actress and GSC favorite, Plum returns to stage Laufer’s comic drama spiced with intrigue featuring a cast including returning GSC actors Brianne Beatrice and Paul Melendy, and GSC newcomers Andrea Goldman, Gabriel Kuttner, Glen Moore and Veronica Anastasio Wiseman.
Lynn native actress and director Paula Plum was last seen on the GSC stage in 2014’s Auld Lang Syne opposite her husband Richard Snee. Her GSC directing credits include Out of Sterno and I’m Not Rappaport. Ms. Plum is a founding member of Actors’ Shakespeare Project. She has been Artistic Director of WGBH’s A Christmas Celtic Sojourn since its inception in 2003. Other directing credits include Macbeth and School for Scandal with Actors’ Shakespeare Project; Steel Magnolias at Stoneham Theatre; Jake’s Womenat Merrimack Repertory Theatre; Baltimore Waltz at Lyric Stage; The Lady and the Clarinet at New Ehrlich Theatre; Lone Star and Laundry & Bourbonwith Back Alley Theatre; Tell Me On A Sunday at Stuart St. Theatre; andRomeo and Juliet with Happy Medium Theatre. As the 2009 recipient of the Fox Actor Fellowship, awarded to five actors nationwide, Ms. Plum conducted a workshop at her host theatre, SpeakEasy Stage, entitled Handling the Hot Moments, exploring the ways actors negotiate intimacy on stage. Her article of the same title was published in the October 2011 issue of American Theatre Magazine. While she is best known to GSC audiences as an actress, Ms. Plum is also a playwright, teacher and acting coach. Her most recent play, What Lips My Lips Have Kissed, explores the passions and peccadilloes of poet Edna St. Vincent Millay. Ms. Plum is the recipient of the Elliot Norton Award for Sustained Excellence, five IRNE awards, two Elliot Norton Awards for Best Actress, and was the 2003 Distinguished Alumna of Boston University’s College of Fine Arts.
Paula Plum
READ MORE HERE Continue reading “DEBORAH ZOE LAUFER & PAULA PLUM REUNITE FOR NEW ENGLAND PREMIERE OF THE LAST SCHWARTZ AT GLOUCESTER STAGE COMPANY”
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BEAUTIFUL BEAUPORT HOTEL BREAKFAST REVIEW
Overlooking Pavilion Beach in Gloucester’s beautiful historic working harbor front district, the Beauport Hotel is the North Shore’s newest coastal getaway. Prior to the official opening, my husband Tom and I had the pleasure of previewing the dinner menu (read preview here). The Beauport emanates a feeling of relaxed and casual elegance, and Tom and I shared in the sense of being transported to a world of leisure and luxury.
Most recently, and joined by our son, we had a delightful breakfast on the open air deck. With incomparable views, delicious and fresh locally sourced food–served by friendly and efficient waitstaff–any meal at any time of day at the new Beauport Hotel promises to be a relaxing and enjoyable experience.
Tom enjoyed a hearty and satisfying Beauport Scramble and it was as good as it looks, with Vermont ham, Cabot cheddar cheese, golden potatoes, toast, and choice of bacon or sausage.Â
Alex had the wonderfully tasty Belgian waffles with sweet strawberries, whipped cream, and authentic Vermont maple syrup. The market fresh bowl of fruit was simply outstanding, no unripe duds as is more often than not the case with offerings of mixed fruit.
Everything looked inviting and it was challenging to decide what to order; I finally chose the Eggs Benedict and they were delicious. The eggs were perfectly poached and served with a light and lemony Hollandaise sauce. The chef kindly allowed spinach instead of Canadian Bacon and I should mention that the spinach was super fresh and plentiful. The chopped chives are a nice touch, too.
The coffee was hot and fresh and poured often. Don’t you love the shape of the cups? The coffee cups are just one of the many attractive and thoughtful design details that abound throughout the hotel. Note, too, the crisp linen napkins and mercury glass candle lanterns.
The Beauport can readily accommodate large parties for breakfast, making the terrace an ideal location for business meetings.
For chilly mornings, heaters and blankets are provided, as well as the fantastic fire pit.
Indoor dining during inclement weather
Beautiful views of Pavilion Beach, the Dog Bar breakwater, and the working harbor are had from every vantage point. We were there on an overcast morning; imagine the light on a sunnier day. We loved watching the comings and going of the fishing boats.
1606 at Beauport hours of operation: Breakfast: 7 AM – 11 AM. Lunch: 11:30 AM – 4 PM. Dinner: 5 – 10 PM. An additional Bar/Tavern Menu is available from 4 PM – 11 PM. The 1606 at Beauport and the adjoining bar are open to the public.
For the most up to date information on 1606 at Beauport, visit their Facebook page here.
Click menus to view full size.
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HAPPY HORRIBLES PARADE!
Awesome job all you Horribles!
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GLOUCESTER’S S-P-E-C-T-A-C-U-L-A-R FIREWORKS DISPLAY!!
The view from the Beauport Hotel restaurant looking towards Stage Fort Park. Happy 4th of July!
Red, White, and Blue Grand Finale
I thought the fireworks this fourth extra stupendous. If you agree, the Gloucester Fireworks Committee is looking for donations, small and large, for the fireworks display during Schooner Festival over Labor Day Weekend.  If you haven’t already contributed, they would appreciate your help. You can donate by clicking here or sending a check to:
The Gloucester Fund
45 Middle Street
Gloucester, MA Â 01930
Please make the notation on your check “Fireworks.”
A few more
Spectators Along the Boulevard
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PAVILION BEACH GORGEOUS TWILIGHT FROM THE BEAUPORT HOTEL RESTAURANT DECK
Beauport Princess and Greasy Pole
Last night’s spectacular fireworks display was preceded by a glorious twilight. After photographing the parade, I met my husband at the Beauport for a fabulous al fresco dinner of fresh, locally sourced fish and veggies. The deck was filled to capacity with expectant firework’s viewers yet despite that, our meals were delicious and the service exceptional. Marly was our waitress and although it was her first night on the job, she is top notch. Colleen was the hostess. Many may recall what a sweet and welcoming person she is from her years at the Studio and Rudder. It was a treat to see Colleen at the Beauport!
The sky changed from golden violet to violet pink within seconds and it was fun to see all the boats jockeying into position for firework’s viewing.
Schooner Lannon and the Greasy Pole
Pinky Schooner Ardelle and Ten Pound Island from the Beauport Hotel Deck
Schooner Thomas E. Lannon
Beauport Hotel’s very helpful and friendly concierges  Emily Jermyn and Chris Horack
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MESSAGE FROM MAYOR ROMEO THEKEN: #gloucestermovingforwardtogether
“Local Foods, Local Places” Launched in Gloucester
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | Posted: Sunday, June 19, 2016 5:05 pm
BOSTON, Mass. —
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Regional Administrator Curt Spalding visited Gloucester, Mass., recently to applaud the commencement of a workshop to help the city of Gloucester promote use of underutilized fish species as a way to enhance and make the local economy more robust, to advance public health and nutrition,
as well as revitalize the downtown. The workshop is being conducted as part of the White House Rural
Council’s effort to promote Local Foods, Local Places, a federal initiative that helps communities increase economic opportunities for local food producers and related businesses, creating vibrant places and promoting wellness by improving access to healthy local food.Gloucester is one of 27 communities in 22 states that has been selected to participate in this program, and is the only New England municipality selected under this program.
“EPA is pleased to be working with the city of Gloucester and their diverse partners to ensure that the Local Foods, Local Places program will help these hardworking people to continue with their livelihood and provide healthy local seafood for local residents and other New England families,” said Curt Spalding, regional administrator of EPA’s New England office. “By working together to bring healthy local food to market, we can ensure we are making the right decisions for our environment, for public health and for our economy.”
The workshop started with a public meeting at the Gloucester House Restaurant and continued with an action planning session at City Hall. After the workshop ends, Gloucester will receive a “Next Steps” report
that describes options for actions the city and their partners can take to support a healthier and stronger Gloucester through local food and community planning strategies.
“Gloucester is proud to continue all efforts around healthy, community-based initiatives through Local Foods, Local Places. Our partnership starts with local leaders and is maximized with care and support from our friends at the EPA. We strongly endorse this economic opportunity to better help local farmers, foster entrepreneurship and improve access to healthy food,” said city of Gloucester Mayor Sefatia
Romeo Theken.
Developed as a partnership among the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Transportation, the Appalachian Regional Commission, and the Delta Regional Authority, the Local Foods, Local Places Initiative is part of the White House Rural Council’s Rural Impact work to improve quality of life and upward mobility for children and families in rural and tribal communities. As one of the 27 projects selected under the program, Gloucester’s
program was chosen from more than 300 applicants. The Local Foods, Local Places partnership is bringing a team of experts to Gloucester this week to help community members with technical assistance to integrate seafood into food systems planning and use local foods to improve health and drive downtown revitalization.
SOURCE: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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WOUNDED WARRIORS WITH CAPTAIN DAVE AND NANCY MARCIANO ABOARD THE YANKEE FLEET CELEBRATE THE FOURTH OF JULY
In honor of our American military veterans and Independence Day, Wicked Tuna’s Captain Dave and Nancy Marciano are hosting a group of veterans aboard the Yankee Freedom. Captain Dave first began working with the Wounded Warrior Project about four years ago. He usually treats small groups throughout the season but his year has been incredibly busy for the Marciano’s and he needed a larger boat to bring out a larger group of vets.
Capt. Orrell and Capt. Dave
Captain Dave naturally turned to Captain Tom Orrell, from where he began his fishing career. Capt. Orrell owns and operates Yankee Fleet Fishing. Orrell was all on board with the idea and has donated his largest ship, the Yankee Freedom. Jim Destino donated lunch and Mayor Romeo Theken and the City helped organize gift bags.
Captain Dave and Nancy Marciano
Eva Rose and Nancy
Salted and chopped sea clams are used to bait the groundfish
Read more here in Saturday’s Gloucester times.Â
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AMERICAN FLAG FOLK ART AND WHIMSY
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!
Detail: the stars are made of folded vintage photographs.Â
My friend Charlotte Forsythe has decorated the hotel that she co-owns with her husband Gerald Fandetti, The Kendall Hotel, with an unerring eye for beauty and whimsy, and all displayed with a sophisticated charm and wit. The Kendall is a restored firehouse located in the heart of the MIT area of Cambridge (Google offices are just across the street). Charlotte scours flea markets, art exhibits, and antique shows across the country for American folk art.
READ MORE HERE Continue reading “AMERICAN FLAG FOLK ART AND WHIMSY”
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SUPER PROUD OF OUR SON ALEX
Our son Alex, one of several awesome chefs at Passports Restaurant, not only loves to cook, but is also an avid bike rider. This week he finished building a bike he has been working on in his spare time. It’s beautiful and very super cool. Proud. ❤
https://www.instagram.com/p/BHTQ0AmjMpx/
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LOVERS OF SAINT PETER’S FIESTA DON’T MISS THIS FILM FOOTAGE OF FIESTA PARADES OF YESTERYEAR
St. Peter’s Fiesta Parades of Yesteryear
So many thanks to Grace Parisi for sharing these clips that her Dad Anthony J. Parisi took from the 1950s and early 60s. It is amazing to see the beautiful floats and costumes, and the amount of work that surely must have gone into making the floats.
Grace writes, “Various clips of the parade from 1955 to 1960’s (?). This is an old film and a bit long but I hope you enjoy. The work that went into these floats absolutely wonderful. Maybe you will see yourself or a friend on a float, marching or riding a donkey. Thank you to my Dad, Anthony J. Parisi, for taking most of this video.”
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STUNNING VIDEO FROM MARTIN DEL VECCHIO – CARNIVAL!
Beautiful and gorgeous drone video from Martin Del Vecchio, of Saint Peter’s Fiesta carnival lit up at night. Love this and thank you for sharing Martin!
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Last Chance To Catch Albatross at Gloucester Stage
Last Chance To See Award Winning Albatross At Gloucester Stage Company
The critically acclaimed Albatross by Matthew Spangler and Benjamin Evett runs through July 3 at Gloucester Stage Company, 267 East Main Street, Gloucester, MA. The production has been receiving rave reviews and nightly standing ovations during it run in Gloucester. Inspired by Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s classic, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, Albatross brings Coleridge’s tortured seaman into the present day to recount one man’s doomed journey on the open sea. A fast paced adventure filled with sea battles, storms, and ice-bound ships, Albatross uses visually thrilling stagecraft powered by the latest multimedia technology to bring The Mariner into the modern world. Directed by Rick Lombardo, this rollicking sea yarn features actor and co-author Benjamin Evett recreating his bravura 2015 Elliot Norton-winning solo performance of The Mariner in his Gloucester Stage debut. In 2015 Albatross enjoyed an acclaimed premiere at The Poets’ Theater in Boston winning two Elliot Norton Awards for Outstanding Production by a Small Theater and Outstanding Solo Performance. Following the limited engagement at GSC, Albatross will move to The Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August, 2016 and Off Broadway at 59E59 Theaters in New York City in January, 2017.
Matthew Spangler and Benjamin Evett’s Albatross July 3rd at Gloucester Stage Company. Performances are Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 pm and Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 pm. Single ticket prices are $28 to $38 with discounts available for Senior Citizens and Patrons 25 years old and under. Gloucester Stage Flex Passes for the 2016 Season are also on sale now. All performances are held at 267 East Main Street, Gloucester, MA. For more information about Gloucester Stage, or to purchase tickets, call the Box Office at 978-281-4433 or visit http://www.gloucesterstage.com.
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SAINT PETER’S FIESTA CARNIVAL PHOTOS
Photos from Thursday evening after the 5k race when the light and clouds were simply exquisite. Anyone else feeling the post-Fiesta blues?Â
Patriot Nation
You’ll-Never-See-Me-On-This-Ride
After filming the 5k and the rides, I walked over to Pavilion Beach and caught a Seine boat practicing by the Greasy Pole in the very Fitz Henry Lane-like luminous atmosphere. It’s all captured on film and am fortunate that the one evening that I could film at the carnival, the twilight could not have been prettier. Viva!
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POLYPHEMUS MOTHS MATING!
Polyphmeus Moth update ~ The evening of the day that Jane’s female Polyphemus Moth emerged, she found two males outside the net enclosure eager to get in and meet the female. Amazingly, the wild males had found the captive female by the pheromones that she began to release soon after emerging from her cocoon. The purpose of the male’s large and feathery antennae is to detect the females pheromones. This is the natural biological world functioning as it should, but I still find it so interesting and extraordinary!
Jane opened the door for the males and in the morning, discovered the female and one of the males mating. They stay coupled together for about a day. The female will begin to oviposit eggs almost immediately.
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Polyphemus Moth cocoon. The hole at the end is from where the moth emerged. The cocoon is constructed of leaves wrapped around a cushion of spun silk. In the photo you can see the leaf structure and silk.
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JOY! #stpetersfiesta
Madison
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GLEE! #stpetersfiesta
Dante
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SAINT PETER’S FIESTA 2016 PROCESSION AND MASS PHOTO ALBUM
A picture perfect day for the Saint Peter’s Fiesta mass at Saint Peter’s Square and procession through the city. Viva!
Thank you to Bruce Nicastro for kindly allowing photographs and filming from his front steps
Good Morning Gloucester 