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."

MANY, MANY THANKS TO THE ADDISON GILBERT EMERGENCY ROOM TEAM

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I find myself for the second time this year sending a heartfelt thanks to the compassionate and infinitely competent emergency room staff and EMTs at Addison Gilbert Hospital. 

Embarrassingly, yesterday morning I fell on the rocks along the berm. The nicest person you could ever meet, Carol, helped me to my feet and waited with me for the ambulance, taking care of Rosie, car, and camera until husband and son arrived.

The EMT Jeff Romeo was terrifically kind (both Jeff and the ambulance driver, whose name I did not learn, were terrific).  When I asked him if he pronounces his name the same as does our Mayor, we laughed when he said no, because he is from New York, his name is pronounced like the Romeo of Shakespeare fame.

So many thanks to Doctor Berger for getting my elbow back in place, and to nurse Dana and x-ray technician Jennifer Ella for their gentle touch. I would especially like to thank Kariann Bergman. She is the most kindhearted and sympathetic nurse, and was thoughtful in every way possible. Thanking Kariann too for sparing my warmest winter coat and not cutting it off!

This is the third time our family has received stellar medical attention at Addison Gilbert, stemming from an emergency. I can’t express enough how very fortunate we are to have such an incredible team of doctors, nurses, and the entire AGH team serving the medical needs of our community, and located in the very heart of our community.

I would like to write more about AGH but left handed typing and mouse moving are slow going. Please forgive typos for the next several months while I work on developing lefty skills.

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Help from GMG and FB Friends

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This morning a wonderfully kind woman helped me after I took a tumble on the rocks at Brace Cove. I would love to thank her but only know her first name, Carol. She is tall and slender and has a friendly and sweet large black dog named Rider. If you know her name and have her contact information, please email me at kimsmithdesigns@hotmail.com. Thank you so much for your help!

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM NICHOLS CANDY HOUSE

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Barbara Nichols wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!

Nichols was humming today, filling orders for customers near and far. My father-in-law always puts in a request for their freshly roasted mixed nuts as do my sister-in-law and Mom adore Nichols’s fudge, all four flavors! And it goes without saying that their homemade chocolate treats make wonderful stocking stuffers.

Nichols has terrifically convenient shopping hours, particularly if you are in a pinch (for that always much appreciated chocolate hostess/host gift). They are open seven days a week, Monday through Saturday, from 9am to 8pm and Sunday, from 10am to 6pm.

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Nichols Candy House ©Kim Smith 2015

Last Chance to See Holiday Comedy at Gloucester Stage

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unnamedThe fast-paced and funny romp, Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) by Michael Carleton, Jim FitzGerald and John K. Alvarez with original music by Will Knapp ends its run on December 20 at Gloucester Stage, 267 East Main Street, Gloucester, MA. The Grinch, Rudolph, Frosty the Snowman, Charlie Brown, and George Bailey—and just about every other holiday character—make an appearance in this hilarious comedy when three actors decide to retell every Christmas story ever told in only 90 minutes rather than perform yet another rendition of A Christmas Carol. A holiday comedy for all ages features holiday traditions from around the world, a sing-along of every carol ever sung, audience participation and all your holiday favorites reshaped into something entirely new. Directed by Allison Benko in her professional directing debut with a set design by 2015 Scenic/Construction Apprentice Rogin Farrer, Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) features three actors: Brady Adair, Arthur Gomez and Suzan Perry all making their Gloucester Stage debut in this comic holiday treat. Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) performances are Wednesday through Saturday at7:30 pm and Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 pm through December 20. Tickets are $26 for Adults and $11 for Children 12 years old and under. For more information and to purchase tickets, call the Gloucester Stage Box Office at 978-281-4433 or visitwww.gloucesterstage.com.

MORE INFO HERE Continue reading “Last Chance to See Holiday Comedy at Gloucester Stage” →

LEADEN DECEMBER SKIES :)

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How fortunate we are to be experiencing a delightfully warm El Nino December although many regions in the rest of the country are not faring as well as we in the Northeast. Thinking about where we were almost to the date a year ago at this time…see the end of this post.
GLOUCESTER HARBOR CITY HALL DECEMBER 2015

GLOUCESTER HARBOR ROCKY NECK DECEMBER 2015Rocky Neck

GLOUCESTER HARBOR OUR LADY DECEMBER 2015Our Lady of Good Voyage

Photographing from the same location last year at this time, Smith’s Cove, December 18, 2014 ~

LOBSTER TRAPS SMITHS COVE EAST GLOUCESTER ©Kim Smith 2014SMITHS COVE EAST GLOUCESTER ©Kim Smith 2014Pirate’s Lane Smith’s Cove East Gloucester

DUCKWORTH'S BISTROT EAST GLOUCESTER ©Kim Smith 2014Duckworth’s Bistrot December 2014

FROM THE MARITIME GLOUCESTER GIFT SHOP COME GREAT GIFTS FOR ALL YOUR LOVERS-OF-THE-SEA

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maritime gloucester -5 ©Kim Smith 2015Fran Miondello maritime gloucester -4 ©Kim Smith 2015So many thanks to the super helpful and wonderfully welcoming Fran Mondello for the gift shop grand tour. Maritime Gloucester’s shop is simply bursting with terrific and interesting gifts for your seafarer, budding young marine-biologist-oceanography, and just about anyone who loves anything and everything about the sea!

maritime gloucester -1 ©Kim Smith 2015Schooner Ardelle gift passes start at the unbelievably low price of $24.00 and would be an incredibly fun gift. Book a chartered sail aboard the Ardelle by January 1st and receive up to 200.00 off. For more information about Schooner Ardelle trummel tickets and charters visit info@schoonerardelle.com or call 978-290-7168.

maritime gloucester -3 ©Kim Smith 2015Don’t you want this Lighthouse Bingo? What a fantastic way to learn about lighthouses!!

The gift shop is open Monday through Friday from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Maritime Gloucester is located at 23 Harbor Loop. Besides shopping locally at the heritage center, giving the gift of membership to Maritime Gloucester is another tremendous way to support this gem of a resource for our community. For more information about member benefits and the modest cost of membership visit here.maritime gloucester -6 ©Kim Smith 2015

maritime gloucester -2 ©Kim Smith 2015While visiting the gift shop, check out the Harbor dredging from the great vantage point of Gloucester Maritime’s pier.

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SHOP LOCAL, SHOP MAIN STREET, SHOP TOAD HALL!

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Toad Hall Bookstore -2 ©Kim Smith 2915We are so blessed on Cape Ann to have truly a wealth of wonderful bookshops. I was picking up a few gifts Saturday to get my boxes off to family members who live out of town and stopped by Toad Hall to say hello. Leta and Mary-Beth were very busy nonetheless, super helpful and friendly. Toad Hall always has a thoughtfully selected collection of superb and interesting books and I especially love their display of books by local authors. Stop by and browse, you’ll be sure to find treasures for loved ones!TOAD HALL BOOKSTORE ©Kim Smith 2015JPG

 

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Toad Hall is located at 47 Main Street in Rockport and is open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sundays from noon to 5pm. Ask about their fantastic frequent buyers program!

Rockport motif #1 ©Kim Smith 12-12-2015The harbor water was a stunning crystal clear ultramarine blue in the (warm, tropical-like) December light and while shopping I couldn’t resist taking a few snapshots of Motif #1.

LIVE FROM LOBSTER TRAP TREE LIGHTING! 

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COUNTDOWN!

IMG_5031A new feat in lobster pot tree engineering–we can walk inside the tree!

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Lotus caroling at the tree lighting

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Another view from inside the tree

DIANE AYOTT OPENING TODAY AT TRIDENT GALLERY!

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After attending the lobster trap tree lighting today, walk a few doors down to meet the artist Diane Ayott and see her new show at the Trident Gallery.

Matthew Swift, Trident gallery director writes,

Dear Friends,
This is a quick reminder that you are invited today Saturday, December 12th, 5-7pm, to a reception for artist Diane Ayott at Trident Gallery in celebration of her new exhibition Love in December.
A catalog with an artist’s statement, critical commentary, and biographical information is available at the gallery.
Those purchasing art from this exhibition may take possession immediately.
I look forward to seeing you soon, and I wish you and your families all the best of life during this holiday season,
Sincerely,
Matthew Swift
Director

 

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Diane Ayott: Love in December
Diane Ayott: Love in December

THE THREE CAPTAINS! CAPTAIN HEATH ELLLIS, CAPTAIN TOM ELLIS, AND CAPTAIN HAROLD BURNHAM

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My favorite pix from today’s Discover Gloucester terrific holiday party and awards ceremony.

Three Captains Heath and Tom Ellis, Harold Burnahm ©Kim Smith 2015

MAYOR SEFATIA, KAY ELLIS, AND BOB RYAN HONORED AT DISCOVER GLOUCESTER HOLIDAY PARTY!

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Mayor Romeo Thekan Discover Gloucester 2015 Holiday PartyThe annual Discover Gloucester holiday and awards party was held today at Latitude 43. A delightful luncheon was served followed by the award presentation. A stellar group of Gloucester can-do citizens  was in attendance and it was a pleasure and honor to be amongst so many who have dedicated themselves to doing tremendous good for our community, especially where so much of their work is done behind the scenes and goes unsung. Thanks to Joey for suggesting that I cover the event for Good Morning Gloucester. He wished so much that he could be there to honor Kay, Bob, and the Mayor but it’s that time of year when work at the dock is nonstop.

A rising tide lifts all boats!

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Sefatia Discover Gloucester 2015 Holiday PartyMayor Sefatia Romeo Thekan was awarded the Discover Gloucester Heritage Award, which recognizes a person, business or organization that works towards ensuring that our maritime and cultural heritage remains current and relevant.

Bob Ryan Discover Gloucester 2015 Holiday PartyBob Ryan, owner of Ryan and Wood Distilleries was awarded the Golden Sou’Wester Award, recognizing a person, business or organization that has jumped into tourism to add a new dimension to Gloucester’s diverse destination.

Kay Ellis Discover Gloucester 2015 Holiday Party.JPGKay Ellis, co-owner of the Schooner Thomas E. Lannon received the “Good On ‘Ya” Award, which recognizes a person or organization that has helped create a destination that is a wonderful place to visit and to live.

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SEE LOTS MORE PHOTOS HERE Continue reading “MAYOR SEFATIA, KAY ELLIS, AND BOB RYAN HONORED AT DISCOVER GLOUCESTER HOLIDAY PARTY!” →

Last Stop Larry Dahlmer Photo

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Poster and Last Stop Web
Available at Last Stop, located at 273 East Main St, framed print of “Schooner and the City” by Larry Dahlmer

SHOPPING LOCAL, SHOPPING MAIN STREET!

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No more mishmash collection of wine glasses for our next holiday dinner! Thanks to David Cox’s wonderful Main Street Antiques, I found this perfectly beautiful (and highly affordable) set of vintage wine glasses, etched with flowers and finished with a swirly stem. 

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INNER HARBOR BEAUTIFUL SUNSET

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Gloucester Harbor Sunset ©Kim Smith 2015JPGRecent stills from my perch filming the Gloucester Harbor dredging, which is well underway and continuing through the winter.Gloucester Harbor Dredging ©Kim Smith 2015

Gloucester harbor dredging men at work ©Kim Smith 2015Gloucester harbor crane ©Kim Smith 2015

SNEAK PEEK PREVIEW OF HOLIDAY DELIGHTS!

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With our Alicia Cox’s daughter Talia starring as Mrs. Claus!

See More Here Continue reading “SNEAK PEEK PREVIEW OF HOLIDAY DELIGHTS!” →

Composting at O’Maley Innovation Middle School!!! Funded by the Awesome Gloucester Foundation

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Project created by Lucy Garberg & Lila Olson
940x470#Our idea is to establish a composting system in the cafeteria at O’Maley in partnership with Black Earth Haulers. Trash removal at O’Maley has gotten very expensive. In addition, many students are uninterested in eating school lunch and are just throwing it out. Our plan will reduce trash costs and provide costly compost for free as well as establishing a sustainable garden at O’Maley that will educate and feed the school, students and staff alike. The system will be one bin for each grade’s lunch with a small bucket in the kitchen for cooking scraps. Black Earth will take away our bins weekly and in return bring us compost which will benefit the school’s gardens and get everyone at the school more involved. We will be educating everyone on what is and isn’t compostable at school wide assemblies and short videos to view in homeroom (Black Earth’s bin’s also have helpful signs that inform students about what can be composted). Amazingly, many students at O’Maley didn’t even know we had a school garden. With the help of Backyard Growers, we hope to create more planting and harvestings days schoolwide providing fresh produce for everyone to enjoy. Along with Black Earth Haulers and Backyard Growers, our school chefs and faculty member Caitlin Sumner (8th grade science teacher) are on board. With the support of many, a well devised plan, and $1000 we can make this idea into a reality.

THE CAPE ANN MUSEUM IS BRIMMING WITH FABULOUS HOLIDAY GIFTS!

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Thank you to Leslie Heffron who mentioned in last week’s podcast that she had done nearly all her holiday shopping at the Cape Ann Museum. The Museum’s gift shop is simply a treasure trove of unique and special gifts for loved ones of all ages on your Christmas list.

Cape Ann Museum -9 ©Kim Smith 2015

The inspirational and beautiful Folly Cove Designers Catalogue is in its third printing! First published in 1996 in conjunction with an exhibition held at the Cape Ann Museum, the book incorporates updated information.

Cape Ann Museum -7 ©Kim Smith 2015From the witty and wonderful art of Virginia Lee Burton comes the Cape Ann Museum’s exclusive new carry-all tote bag “Gossips.” Made of a very sturdy 100 percent cotton, with magnetic closure and zippered inside pocket. 

Cape Ann Museum -2©Kim Smith 2015Terrific Trivets!

Cape Ann Museum ©Kim Smith 2015The Museum is closed tomorrow, Wednesday, for the 7th Annual Women’s Luncheon, and will reopen Thursday at the usual 10am time. Open Tuesday through Sunday, the Cape Ann Museum also has a terrific schedule of events lined up for Saturday, December 12th, for the Middle Street Walk. Click here for programming. The Museum is free and open to the public all day.

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See More Here Continue reading “THE CAPE ANN MUSEUM IS BRIMMING WITH FABULOUS HOLIDAY GIFTS!” →