BLESSING THE CHILDREN AT MARIA CANNOVA’S SAINT JOSEPH ALTAR

Blessing the children yesterday at Maria Cannova’s home.

Maria Cannova Gloucester Feast of Saint Joseph blessing children -2 Kim Smith 2016

Maria Cannova Gloucester Feast of Saint Joseph blessing children -4 Kim Smith 2016Maria and beautiful Giliana Mari

Maria Cannova Gloucester Feast of Saint Joseph blessing children Kim Smith 2016 -8Maria Cannova Gloucester Feast of Saint Joseph blessing children -7 Kim Smith 2016Maria Cannova Gloucester Feast of Saint Joseph blessing children -3 Kim Smith 2016Rosalia and Pierina with MariaMaria Cannova Gloucester Feast of Saint Joseph blessing children -6 Kim Smith 2016

Maria Cannova Gloucester Feast of Saint Joseph blessing children Kim Smith 2016Maria’s son Leo and Giliana

A SEA OF ZEPPOLES (AND SFINCI, TOO)!

Caffe Sicilia’s sea of zeppoles, and sfinci, too!

Caffe Sicilia Maria Domenic sfinci Saint Joseph. 2016 Kim SmithSfinci

Caffe Sicilia Maria Domenic zeppole -2 Saint Joseph. 2016 Kim Smith .JPGZeppole in progress 

So many thanks to Maria, Nina, and Domenic for their continued help with Gloucester’s Feast of Saint Joseph Community Film Project. 

Caffe Sicilia Maria Domenic zeppole Saint Joseph. 2016 Kim Smith

https://www.instagram.com/p/BDGoMs5Dyle/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BDGjl8HDyrq/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BDGkUOmDytI/

 

 

Are fishcakes obsolete #9 from Al Bezanson

Fort Square Cafe fishcake closeup__1024 (1)Fort Square Café formula for fishcakes

  1. Take a short walk down the street to a just-arrived dragger
  2. Select a couple large hake from the top of the catch
  3. Wait a  minute for a crewmember to fillet the fish
  4. Hand over the fillets to Heidi at the Fort Square Café
  5. Enjoy another cup of Rusty’s coffee as you wait for breakfast
  6. Note that the spuds are on the side – not in the fishcake
  7. Enjoy.  You won’t be needing lunch after this breakfast Fort Square Cafe fishcake with one egg__1024 (1)

NOVENA BALLERINA

Madison’s grandmother Geri informs that this was Madison’s idea on how to dress for the Novena! I think it perfect, her colors coordinate beautifully with Nina and Jane’s vibrant pink and orange altar roses.

Madison Groppo Novena Gloucester Feast of Saint Joseph -1 Kim Smith

Madison Groppo Novena Gloucester Feast of Saint Joseph -2 Kim SmithMadison Groppo Novena Gloucester Feast of Saint Joseph -3 Kim SmithWaltz of the Flowers

One More Photo Here Continue reading “NOVENA BALLERINA”

BREAKING EXTRAORDINARY UNBELIEVABLY GRAND NEWS: BACKSHORE LOTS SAVED BY NEW PLAN TO PURCHASE!!!

EDITOR’S NOTE ~ PLEASE READ TO THE END AND DONATE TODAY. EVERY SINGLE DOLLAR DONATED WILL HELP GET US ONE STEP CLOSER! Link to donate: SAVE OUR SHORES

 

Save Our Shores Gloucester (SOSG), a group working to protect Gloucester’s undeveloped coastline, signed a purchase and sales agreement for $75,000 to buy 4 lots at 166-178 Atlantic Road owned by Cheryl Soones.  The group intends to protect and preserve this land for the public in perpetuity. The sale will close in mid-April.

For months, these lots have been under assault by developers who wanted to build houses on the ocean side of Atlantic Road and prohibit public access.  SOSG members fought them every step of the way- at the Conservation Commission, the Planning Board, and City Council, where hundreds of people turned out in protest.  Undeterred by community opposition, the developers returned with larger and more elaborate plans.  Last week Cheryl Soones filed a lawsuit against the City requesting that the Back Shore Overlay District be declared invalid.

In light of these realities, SOSG is prepared for a long and expensive legal battle.  The group hired land use attorney Jamy Madeja, of Buchanan and Associates, and sought out the best experts in land conservation, and protection of natural habitats. They worked closely with Marilyn Hyde, a local real estate broker, to secure the land.

These tactics worked!  SOSG is thrilled that the land purchase is the least expensive and quickest strategy by far, for ensuring preservation of these lots on the Back Shore. As Madeja exclaimed, “The best way to assure public safety and public access, visual and physical, for centuries to come, is to buy these properties and preserve them, on the deeds.  These local heroes are doing this for everyone.  I’m proud to be associated with them. This is the best possible outcome. “

Now the group needs to raise $100,000 for the sale and purchase, closing costs, and legal fees.  As Marty Del Vecchio, a leader of the group points out, “”We urgently need to raise this money and have it in hand by April 12th, just a few short weeks away.  We need the support of those who love the Back Shore; please donate so that this tremendous opportunity to preserve this land is not lost.”

Donate now and own a piece of the Back Shore Tax-deductible contributions can be sent to the Gloucester Fund, 45 Middle St., Gloucester MA 01930.  Please add SOSG to the memo line.  Donations may also be made through GoFundMe at https://www.gofundme.com/sosgloucester.

For more information, contact Barbara Silberman at barb@sosgloucester.org.

9459435_1456424884.5119

ARTIST RECEPTION FOR MARILYN SWIFT’S BEAUTIFUL WATERCOLORS

My friend Marilyn Swift’s reception is this coming Saturday the 19th from 11am to 1pm. If you can’t make it to the reception, her paintings will be on display through May13th. Exquisite paintings Marilyn!

BkGlou invite email

HIRING INFORMATION EMERSON INN BY THE SEA ONLINE APPLICATION AND UPCOMING JOB FAIR

Emerson In By the Sea is now hiring. The information below was provided by Chef Doug Papows. Doug also shares that the Emerson is hosting a job fair on Saturday, April 2nd, from noon to 4:00pm. 

Employment

Thank you for your interest in employment at Emerson Inn. Emerson Inn selectively offers career opportunities to outstanding individuals with a proven record of success and demonstrated service ethic. We are currently accepting applications for many roles at the Inn including Front of House, Guest Services, Housekeeping and the Kitchen.

Emerson Inn is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate by race, gender, religion or physical challenges.

Candidates are encouraged to apply with us via our Online Application. Alternatively, you can download Migis Hotel Group – Emerson Inn Application for Employment and send it to:

Emerson Inn
Attn: Human Resources
1 Cathedral Avenue
Rockport, MA 01966
– OR –
info@emersoninnbythesea.com

gallery2-1

Gloucester Education Foundation to Host First Ever Power of Play Festival

AR-160317292     Photo Martin DelVecchio

The Gloucester Education Foundation will host its first Power of Play Festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 20 at the Gloucester High School fieldhouse, 32 Leslie O. Johnson Road. The festival, open to families and children of all ages, will feature games, art projects, dance, sports and other activities to celebrate the importance of play in educating children.

“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning but for children, play is serious learning,” said Fred Rogers, the late children’s educator and longtime host of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” “Play is really the work of childhood.”

The Power of Play Festival will feature giant building blocks; tiny, 3-D house- and boat-building; Lego-building challenges; sensory play tables with water, sand and goop; giant floor puzzles; collaborative art projects; taekwondo and yoga; puppet workshops and shows; and an obstacle course.

The event is sponsored by Cape Ann Savings Bank and Cape Ann Savings Trust & Financial Services. Admission is $5 per family.

“Play teaches children how to solve problems, communicate with others, and think creatively — skills that will serve them their whole lives,” said June Steel, president of the Gloucester Education Foundation board of directors. “That’s the real Power of Play. The Gloucester Education Foundation recognizes that children’s education is about more than memorizing facts and preparing for tests. We’re committed to improving our children’s education inside and outside the classroom.”

The Gloucester Education Foundation was created to help drive innovation and encourage creativity in the Gloucester Public Schools and empower educators to strengthen teaching and learning. The foundation’s goal is to help the Gloucester Public School District be one of the best school districts in Massachusetts.

Rockport in Bloom

The Rockport Garden Club, Rockport, Massachusetts

Friday, June 24, 2016 at 10:00 AM Saturday, June 25, 2016 at 4:00 PM (EDT)

This is a self guided tour of 10 private gardens from Pigeon Cove to the South End, and in town Rockport. The gardens range from an inviting cozy garden on Bearskin Neck to expansive seaside vistas to self-sustaining gardens replete with chickens, ducks, and bees.  The gardens show the wonderful diversity of Rockport life and invite all to enjoy all that Rockport has to offer.

The Rockport Garden Tour is June 24 & 25, 2016 from 10am to 4pm each day. Early bird discount: $20 if purchased prior to June 1. Starting June 1 tickets are $25. (There is an additional fee applicable for online purchases.) Tickets purchased online can be picked up at the Rockport Police Station on the days of the tour.  Tickets can also be purchased on the days of the tour for $25 at the Rockport Police Station 168 Main Street; and, at Toad Hall Book Store, 47 Main Street, Rockport, MA.  Tour is held rain or shine.

rockport-bloom-2016-25

MARIA CRACCHIOLO DEMONSTRATES HOW TO CREATE SAINT JOSEPH ALTAR BREAD

Artists-in-the-Kitchen Maria Cracchiolo, and her parents Domenic and Nina Damico, demonstrate how to create beautiful bread in shapes symbolic of Saint Joseph and inspired by nature. Watch as Maria, Nina, and Domenic artfully shape angels, a carpenter’s saw, San Giuseppe scroll, Saint Joseph sun, snails, flowers, butterflies, grapes, and more.
As you will hear Maria’s story unfold (while deftly shaping the dough), her family’s tradition of making the Saint Joseph altar bread began several years ago, for a very heartfelt reason. In 2010, her young daughter was facing a very serious operation. Maria had never made the special Saint Joseph altar bread, but decided that year to make it her devotion to Saint Joseph. Maria taught herself how to shape the bread, finding inspiration in old photos of altars, and also from images, which she found online, of bread made in Sicily. Maria lived in Italy for five years, attending art school and studying fashion design. When I write “Artists-in-the Kitchen” you’ll see why after viewing the video.

Both of Maria’s parents, Nina and Domenic, were born in Sicily and grew up celebrating the Feast of San Giuseppe in the Sicilian tradition of feeding the poor and orphaned, and welcoming all who came to their table. Thank you Maria, Domenic, and Nina for graciously welcoming me into your Caffe Sicilia’s kitchen!

Saint Joseph Bread is available by special order at Caffe Sicilia. Call to place your order at (978) 283-2345.

Many thanks to Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken for the suggestion to contact Maria and her family to interview for Gloucester’ Feast of Saint Joseph Community Film Project.

JOE VIRGILIO MAKING SAINT JOSEPH ROLLS

Joe Virgilio Makes Saint Joseph Rolls is a wonderful addition to Gloucester’s Feast of Saint Joseph Community Film Project. So many thanks to Joe for taking time from his busy work day to allow filming! Highlights include Joe sharing stories about the early days working alongside his grandfather and cousins, when the thousands of rolls needed for Saint Joseph’s Day were made by hand.

To order your Saint Joseph rolls call 978-283-5295 or stop by. Store hours are from 8:30am to 5:00pm.

Originally posted 2014.

copy-st-joe-header-final-saturated

To learn more about Gloucester’s Feast of Saint Joseph Community Film and the real story about how the project evolved, please go to the film’s website and click on the About the Film link and the Director’s Statement link. For periodic updates about the film, you can keep in touch on the blog page of the film’s website or friend me on Facebook.

EXCITING SHARED SPACE OPPORTUNITY FOR CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINERS

ATTENTION TO ALL CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINERS!!!! VIP FITNESS DANVERS IS OFFERING AN OUTSTANDING OPPORTUNITY!!!

10301957_1178413168836662_4515541132794627932_n

Shared Space Available for rent. Must have 2+yrs of experience. Great opportunity for self-motivated, passionate, and energetic individuals who enjoy helping others improve their health and fitness goals! Come and work alongside very happy independent professionals at our new location space!!! 2,500sq ft!

As the proud owner/operator of VIP FITNESS, an independent professional, I want to give this great opportunity to set your own hours, set up your own programs, and enjoy the flexibility of being in business for yourself without the risk of a long term lease. If you are a certified professional with an existing client base or you are interested in starting your own following, our new studio can provide you a place to work the way you want and build YOUR business!!! This may be the perfect opportunity for you!

Please call Enza Groppo at 617-828-2036 for more details.

12814265_1178413148836664_2069803855849818708_n

BREAKING NEWS: CHEF DOUG PAPOWS NEW EXECUTIVE CHEF EMERSON INN (AND THEY ARE HIRING)!

Chef Doug Papows has accepted the Executive Chef position for Pigeon Cove Tavern at Emerson Inn by the Sea. Renovations are well underway and he is excited to join the team at Migis Hotel Group.

They are hiring! Applications for all positions are being accepted, front and back of the house.

emersoninnbts

 

DOCKSIDER’S WINE TASTING FUN(D) RAISER AT THE GLOUCESTER HOUSE!

Come on down to the Gloucester House on Saturday evening, March 19th at 6pm, for the annual Docksiders’ Wine Tasting event! 

Here’s a great opportunity to support this terrific band in their continuing effort to positively represent not only Gloucester High School, but the City of Gloucester!

These kids work their rear ends off and are a worthy source of pride, but like everything, it takes a continual flow of resources to keep them going. The wine tasting, concert, and gift basket auction are a terrific opportunity to stop by and show these talented young musicians how much they are appreciated. Spread the word and bring your friends.

Tickets are $25 and are available at the door.

Please come and help make this event a success!

unnamed-1

The hands that teach

Feast of Saint Joseph Gloucester Groppo -10 Kim Smith Designs 2016The gentle hands that teach

If you would like to learn more about Gloucester’s Feast of Saint Joseph Community Film and the real story about how the project evolved, please go to the film’s website and click on the About the Film link and the Director’s Statement link. For periodic updates about the film, you can keep in touch on the blog page of the film’s website or friend me on Facebook.

 

Winter Shorts on Vacation at the Cape Ann Museum

Winter Shorts on Vacation

The mini tours you love in the winter are back for the warmer weather

GLOUCESTER, Mass. (March 12, 2016) – The Cape Ann Museum docents are pleased to presentWinter Shorts on Vacation, a series of mini tours highlighting their favorites from the Museum’s collection. These tours will take place on Saturday, April 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. every half hour. This program is Free for CAM members / $10 non-members. Space is limited; first come, first served.

unnamedPhoto credit: Nicole Fandel

Spend a wonderful spring afternoon viewing the Museum’s collections with fresh eyes. Winter Shorts on Vacation offers a variety of six mini themed tours, developed and led by Museum docents. They are meant to appeal to a wide range of interests, so visitors can enjoy just a few or all of the tours if they choose. The schedule of tours is as follows:

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Wood You?

Explore the wooden objects in the Museum’s collection – from everyday kitchen implements to magnificent pieces of furniture, a cigar store Indian and several sculptures by James McClellan.

10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Painting in the time of the Frog Ponders

Take a look at the paintings of Fitz Henry Lane through the lens of the Transcendentalists.

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. How Dear to Our Hearts are the Scenes of our Childhood

A quick romp through the Museum to look at several works relating to children and childhood on Cape Ann – the children who worked and those who played and those who sat still for portraits.

11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Seeing the Light-Navigation & Lighthouses

During the age of sail, navigation was iffy at best. Learn why landfalls could be the most dangerous part of a voyage, and why the Fresnel lighthouse lens was a true breakthrough.

12:00 p.m.  – 12:30 p.m. Harvesting the Sea: Gloucestermen in the Heyday of Fishing Under Sail

More than 1,000 schooners called Gloucester their home port, sailing to fishing grounds as far as 1,000 miles away in search of finny gold. Both ships and men were called “Gloucestermen” — the ships tall, fast, and beautiful; the men tough, brave, tireless, and justly proud of their work.

12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Fifteen Shades of Blue

Experience the impact of this favorite color during a whirlwind tour of the galleries.

 

Cape Ann Symphony’s Global Tour on March 20

CAPE ANN SYMPHONY

THE 64th SEASON: A SEASON TO REMEMBER

Yoichi Udagawa, Music Director

 

Cape Ann Symphony Visits Spain, Germany & Japan in

A Global Tour Concert on Sunday, March 20

Concert Debuts World Premiere from Japanese Composer Koto &

Introduces Guitar Virtuoso Grisha Goryachev to Cape Ann

 

Cape Ann Symphony features a global musical tour with music from Germany’sBeethoven, Spain’s Rodrigo and a world premiere work from Japan’s Koto on Sunday, March 20, 2016 at 2pm at the CAS performance venue at Manchester-Essex High School Auditorium on 36 Lincoln Street in Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA. Manchester-Essex High School Auditorium is handicapped accessible. Ticket prices are $40 for adults, $35 for senior citizens, $5 for Youth age 18 and under. For tickets and information, call 978-281-0543 or visit www.capeannsymphony.org.

The concert program includes Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C Minor; guest artist renowned guitar virtuoso Grisha Goryachev in his Cape Ann Symphony debut playing the exotic Spanish guitar concerto, Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez; and the world premiere of Araumi to Nagi (Stormy and Calm Seas) from Boston based Japanese composer Takashi Koto. Cape Ann Symphony Music Director and Conductor Yoichi Udagawa is eager to take audiences on this musical journey, “The fantastic musicians of the Cape Ann Symphony and I are thrilled to be able to perform such a varied and colorful program to our fabulous audience.” He is enthusiastic about the music set for the concert, “Our March concert features the fiery and explosive power of Beethoven’sSymphony No. 5 – one of the most dramatic and well known works of symphonic music ever written. It is a favorite of audiences, and we musicians love to play it! The Russian American guitar virtuoso Grisha Goryachev will join us as the featured soloist playing the gorgeous Concierto de Aranjuez by the Spanish composer Joaquín Rodrigo. The concert opens with the world premiere of Boston based composer Takashi Koto’sAraumi to Nagi (Stormy and Calm Seas). Inspired by the rhythms used by taiko drummers, this exciting new work is a musical description of the sea.”

March_2016_Grisha Photo 2012 Dec Japan

Continue reading “Cape Ann Symphony’s Global Tour on March 20”