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."

Check Out the Native Wildflowers at the HarborWalk Tonight Before the Outdoor Screening of Wizard of Oz

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Bee Purple Prairie Clover Dalea purpurea Gloucester Harbor Walk Butterfly Gardens ©Kim Smith 2014. JPGPurple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea)

Yesterday afternoon and evening while weeding at the HarborWalk butterfly gardens I encountered a gorgeous male Summer Azure butterfly, lots of friendly Red Admirals, and myriad bees. If you are there at the HarborWalk tonight watching the The Wizard of Oz, stroll through the gardens and have a look at these beautiful native wildflowers in bloom today!Veronicastrum virginicum Bee Gloucester Harbor Walk Butterfly Gardens ©Kim Smith 2014

Veronicastrum virginicum

You may notice some bare spots in the garden, which will soon be filled! Hose spigots were just installed this week at the gardens and we now have an improved way to water!!!!! Up to this point, for the past several years, Lenny Linquata has graciously allowed the city to hook up hoses and fill watering cans at his restaurant spigot. Monarda didyma Bee Balm Gloucester Harbor Walk Butterfly Gardens ©Kim Smith 2014

Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)

See previous GMG posts for more information about Gloucester’s Summer Cinema:

Coming This Summer: Free Movie Night

Free Out Door Summer Cinema Series summer-cinema-free-movies Veronicastrum virginicum Gloucester Harbor Walk Butterfly Gardens ©Kim Smith 2014

Hellenium Purple Prairie Clover Dalea Gloucester Harbor Walk Butterfly Gardens ©Kim Smith 2014JPGHelenium autumnale and Dalea purpurea make a cheery bee and butterfly attracting duo!

New Film: Mark Allen ~ Sunday 2014 Greasy Pole Champion Walking for Loved Ones

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Mark Allen Walking for Loved Ones

Congratulations to Mark Allen, the 2014 Sunday Greasy Pole Champion! This was Mark’s first win, after 16 previous years of walking! Allen was walking for his cousin Peter “Black” Frontiero who has the second most wins of all time, with a total of nine.

Each year I look forward to filming and photographing the greasy pole events. The determination on the men’s faces, the camaraderie, the ecstasy and pride in winning, the anguish of defeat, the hilarious costumes, and the Felliniesque antics combine to create a fabulous fiesta of stories and images.

The film opens at the childhood home of the Giambanco Family, with Sefatia leading the Greasy Pole Walkers and guests in the rallying “Viva San Pietro,”  the cheer that is heard throughout the city of Gloucester during Saint Peter’s Fiesta. Giambanco sisters Marianne, Grace, Rosaria, and Sefatia continue with their mother Rosalia’s, “Lia’s” custom of feeding the Greasy Pole Walkers dinner before the walk. The tradition began years ago when their brother, Anthony “Matza” Giambanco, began walking. Sefatia explains that Lia had always held a huge family feast with relatives from all around the country attending. The first year her brother walked he told his mom he couldn’t eat because he was meeting everyone. She said I don’t care; you have to eat, and told him to bring everyone back to their home. That was in 1978!

Next the Walkers head over to rally at the Gloucester House, where they greet Lenny shouting his name over and over, to a packed restaurant full of guests. Several more stops are made along the way before the next rally at the Saint Peter’s Club. The Walkers make one last stop to say a prayer to Saint Peter, and perhaps pin a gold charm or coin to the statue, before departing for the greased pole platform at Pavilion Beach

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With special thanks and appreciation to Nicky Avelis and all the Greasy Pole Walkers for allowing me to ride on the boat. It went by way too fast! And thank you to the skipper for giving me a ride back to shore.

With thanks and appreciation to Rosaria, Sefatia, Marianne, and Grace for inviting me to come film the Walker’s rally at your welcoming Fiesta Sunday Feast!

The song “Love Runs Out,” is by OneRepublic for the reissue of their third album, Native.

The song “The Walker” is by Fitz and The Tantrums from the album More Than Just a Dream.

Follow Kim on Twitter @kimsmithdesigns and be her friend on Facebook.

Mark Allen Sunday Greasy Pole Winner ©Kim Smith 2014

Save the Date: Tom Hauck Reading at Toad Hall Bookstore for THE BODY ON THE ROCKS

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Save the date for a reading by my husband Tom Hauck of his recently published thriller The Body on the Rocks at Toad Hall Bookstore, Rockport, on Wednesday, July 16th at 7pm.

I hope you can join us!

Body on the Rocks 300dpiExcerpt from The Body on the Rocks

The instant Chris Mark heard the scream he knew something was very wrong. At the edge of a narrow chasm a woman was backing away from something. Her dog strained at its leash. Mark took his hands from his pockets, broke into a run. The woman saw him and pointed. The dog pulled excitedly, trying to get close to whatever was down there. Mark approached the crevice and looked down. On the rocks ten feet below him a man lay on his back. He was clad in jeans and a sweatshirt. While the body was in bad shape – bloated and discolored – the waxy face still had its nose and ears, and the two bluish hands were at the ends of the arms. The limbs and small bits had not yet been devoured by predators. “I’m sorry that I screamed like that,” stuttered the woman. “I just looked down and there he was. What do you suppose happened?” Mark shrugged. “The ocean can take you any which way.” “The Body on the Rocks” presents twelve thrilling stories featuring detective Chris Mark. Set in the rugged port city of Gloucester, Massachusetts, each story offers human drama, passion, intrigue, and a glimpse into the complicated life of an Iraq War vet who only wants to help people solve their toughest problems. This fast-paced collection is perfect for a day at the beach or an evening by the fireplace, and will keep you turning the pages long past your bedtime.

New Video: Kyle Barry ~ Saturday 2014 Greasy Pole Champion!

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Congratulations to Kyle Barry, the 2014 Saturday Greasy Pole Champion! This was Kyle’s second win. He was also the 2013 Friday Champion.

The first clip is especially Felliniesque but then again, the entire time I am shooting the greasy pole I feel as though I am in the midst of a Fellini film. Friday’s and Sunday’s films are coming in the next few days, with some Very Fun Footage.

I Loved this song when first I heard it and thought it perfect for Greasy Pole Walkers. Written and performed by Fitz and The Tantrums, “The Walker,” (that is really the title of the song!) is from their second album, More Than Just a Dream.

Previous GMG Posts about Kyle Barry: Kyle Barry for the Win! Greasy Pole Kyle Barry for the WIN! Saint Peter's Fiesta ©Kim Smith 2014 -2 Additional music note ~ Fitz and The Tantrums will be performing at the House of Blues in Boston on November 15th.

Follow Kim on Twitter @kimsmithdesigns and be her friend on Facebook.

World’s Best and Zippiest Tartar Sauce Recipe ~ Made with Maitland Mountain Farm’s Holly’s Spicy Pickles

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Best tartar sauce for your summer’s grilled fish dishes ~ and simplest, too!

Maintland Mountain Farm Pickles ©Kim Smith 2014Have you tried locally made Maitland Mountain Farm’s Holly’s Spicy Pickles? Not only are they super yummy, but when craving crunch they are fabulously satisfying. Using Maitland Mountain Farm’s pickles in tartar sauce makes for a wonderfully flavorful condiment, not the usual sticky sweet stuff more typically found.

Holly’s Spicy Pickles are available for sale at the Cape Ann Farmer’s Market on Thursdays as well as wherever fine pickles are sold!

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Recipe makes approximately 2 cups.

8 Maitland Mountain Farm’s Holly’s Spicy Pickle Spears, finely chopped

2/3 Cup Hellmann’s or homemade mayonnaise

1/3 Cup whole milk yogurt

1 teaspoon pickle juice

S & P to taste.

Combine all ingredients and serve with fresh fish. The remainder can be stored in an airtight container for several days.

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Visit Maitland Mountain Farm’s Facebook Page Here 

Maintland Mountain Farm Pickles ©Kim Smith 2014.-2

More Photos of Mark Allen ~ Sunday’s Greasy Pole Winner

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Not the winning walk, but when looking through photos realized that this sequences was of Mark Allen, Sunday’s Greasy Pole Champion, and believe it was his second walk of the event. Click to view larger.Mark Allen Sunday Greasy Pole Winner ©Kim Smith 2014 Mark Allen Sunday Greasy Pole Winner ©Kim Smith 2014. -2 Mark Allen Sunday Greasy Pole Winner ©Kim Smith 2014. -3 Mark Allen Sunday Greasy Pole Winner ©Kim Smith 2014. -4

Baby Robins, Brought to You by Wolf Hill

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We are so fortunate in Gloucester to have not one, but two, terrific garden centers, Wolf Hill and Goose Cove Gardens (and Corliss Brothers in Ipswich isn’t too far off the beaten track, either). Barbara and her team at Goose Cove are phenomenal as is the team at Wolf Hill–Kate, Joe, Ben, Dave, Jake, and all the guys. Baby American Robin ©Kim Smith 2014 Both Wolf Hill and Goose Cove take wonderful care of the wildlife that makes their home in the very inviting environment of their nurseries. Last year Kate kept me well supplied in butterfly eggs, which had been deposited on Wolf Hill plants, and whenever I shop at either garden center, a frequent topic of conversation is the robins because they oftentimes build their nests smack dab in the middle of a plant, or group of plants, that are for sale. Robins especially like to nest in hanging flower baskets. This year was no exception. Today when at Wolf Hill I spied a mama robin zooming away from a balled and burlapped tree. The nest was at eye level! I ran and got my cameras but filmed for only a moment because both parents found it highly disturbing. The babies were hungry, with wide gaping greedy mouths, and it was clear my presence was keeping them from their breakfasts. As soon as I turned away, the parents resumed feeding the babies.

_S956668Isn’t this sweet how they take care of the robins at Wolf Hill?

Shout Out to Chief Campanello and the Gloucester Police Department!

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I discussed writing this post with my husband on Sunday, just to let people know how professional I thought was the police presence at Fiesta, when the department’s own release was published yesterday (posted here). Nevertheless, I wanted to share my observations regarding the department during the Fiesta.

For the past week I have been filming throughout the square, and in the thick of Pavilion Beach for all three days of the Greasy Pole and seine boat races, amidst the throngs of thousands and thousands. I just have to say that despite all the rambunctious craziness, the officers were without fail courteous, cool, calm, and collected. I am sure their patience was tried often enough, but whether directing traffic, giving directions, riding their horses throughout the city, or when simply standing at the sidelines, they were friendly and composed. Thanks to Mayor Kirk, Chief Campanello, and all the officers on duty for helping to make this years’ Saint Peter’s Fiesta one of the best ever!

gloucester-chief-of-police-leonar-campanello copy

Officer Campanello and Family

A BEAUTIFUL SAINT PETER’S FIESTA SUNDAY ~ Good Night Saint Peter, Until Next Year!

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Part Two ~ to read part one, click hereSaint Peter's Fiesta Greasy Pole Gloucester harbor©Kim Smith 2014 -3The ride to the platform was thrilling, and a little terrifying, as I wasn’t exactly sure how my not-waterproof camera gear would fare.Saint Peter's Fiesta Greasy Pole ©Kim Smith 2014 Saint Peter's Fiesta Greay Pole ©Kim Smith 2014 -4Saint Peter's Fiesta Greay Pole ©Kim Smith 2014 -2 After the pole walkers disembarked, the skipper kindly gave me a ride to shore to continue filming from Pavilion Beach. Saint Peter's Fiesta Greasy Pole Pavilion Beach ©Kim Smith 2014 The Walks began under windy conditions and the tide was low, as it had been all weekend, which made for a very, very long drop when the guys hit the water. Saint Peter's Fiesta Greay Pole Mark Allen ©Kim Smith 2014

Mark Allen

Congratulations to Mark Allen for winning the Sunday 2014 Greasy Pole title. Congratulation to Sunday’s Senior Seine Boat champions, the Wharf Rats, and junior champions, Bad Intentions! Saint Peter's Fiesta ©Kim Smith 2014.-2Festivities continued throughout the night with the awards ceremony and live music. Around 11pm, after the late night carnival crowd had dispersed, a beautiful event began to unfold. From all corners of Gloucester, people gathered around to fill the fair grounds. Saint Peter was again lifted down from the stage and a throng of hundreds lined the square to carry the statue around the Fort. With much cheering and jubilation, Saint Peter and his followers were welcomed throughout the neighborhood. Midway during the route, the procession paused and confetti rained down on all. Rounding the bend, a fabulous fireworks display had been organized for the crowd. Sparkles shot all around, and I stayed close to my friends Nina and Frank as we reveled in the sheer beauty of it all. The fireworks concluded and the procession continued, with the sight of Gloucester’s exquisite port illuminated by the nights’ light. Arriving at Saint Peter’s Club, another shower of confetti greeted Saint Peter. The statue was carefully removed from the carrying stand and placed back in the window of the Saint Peter’s Club. 

Saint Peter's Fiesta St. Peter's Club ©Kim Smith 2014Good Night Saint Peter, Until Next Year!

Thank you to the beautiful Nina and Frank Groppo and their friends and family for always welcoming me with their open arms. Thank you to the beautiful Giambanco family for welcoming us all to their home for their fabulous Sunday Fiesta Feast and Fun! See Part One Here

A Beautiful Saint Peter’s Fiesta Sunday

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Saint Peter' Fiesta Mass ©Kim Smith 2014Part One

Every seat for the outdoor Mass at Gloucester’s Saint Peter’s Square was filled by 10am, with people spilling out under the trees and a standing room only crowd along Roger’s Street. Blue skies and wispy white clouds above made for an exquisite June morning, while the aromas of suntan lotion, popcorn, and the salty sea filled the air. The crowd was jubilant with everyone dressed in bright pretty colors and fresh fiesta whites and especially sweet were the little girls in their summer frocks and sandals. Friends greeted friends and families prayed together, accompanied by cheers of Viva San Pedro. Bishop Arthur Kennedy gave the Mass, relating Saint Peter to the work of fishermen today, and was assisted by Father Jim of Our Lady of Good Voyage and Holy Family parishes. Saint Peter' Fiesta Groppo Family ©Kim Smith 2014.-8

Groppo Family

Saint Peter' Fiesta Jope Novello AnnMargaret Ferrante ©Kim Smith 2014.

Ann Margaret Ferrante and Joe Novello

Saint Peter' Fiesta Frank and Nina Groppo©Kim Smith 2014-10 Frank and Nina Groppo Saint Peter' Fiesta ©Kim Smith 2014-9Saint Peter' Fiesta Ann margaret Ferrante Melissa Cox ©Kim Smith 2014.

Melissa Cox and Ann Margaret Ferrante Saint Peter' Fiesta ©Kim Smith 2014 -5Following the Mass, Saint Peter was brought down from the stage and the stunning and lovingly made floats and marching bands lined up behind the statue for the procession through town. Saint Peter was hoisted upon the shoulders of eight bearers and the parade began, following the long established route up Washington Street to stop in front of Our Mother of Grace Club, then onto Our Lady of Good Voyage, before making its way back to the Saint Peter’s Club, where the statue was then carefully returned to the stage.

Saint Peter' Fiesta Saint Peter statue ©Kim Smith 2014. Meanwhile, over at the Giambanco Family home, preparations were well underway for their annual Sunday Saint Peter’s Fiesta celebration. Friends and family flowed through the welcoming doors of the childhood home of sisters Rosaria, Sefatia, Marianne, and Grace. Saint Peter' Fiesta Rosaria Floyd Sefatia Romeo Thekan ©Kim Smith 2014.

Rosaria and Sefatia

Saint Peter' Fiesta ©Kim Smith 2014 Lia and April

Lia and April

Saint Peter' Fiesta Brandon Marianne Paquette ©Kim Smith 2014.

Brandon and Marianne Paquette

Saint Peter' Fiesta ©Kim Smith 201412Sefatia and Matt Thekan Saint Peter' Fiesta ©Kim Smith 2014.

Sefatia and Matt

Anticipation for the arrival of the hilariously costumed Greasy Pole Walkers was palpable. Saint Peter' Fiesta ©Kim Smith 2014. -15 Saint Peter' Fiesta Grace Anthony Saputo ©Kim Smith 2014. Saint Peter' Fiesta ©Kim Smith 2014. Greasy pole Walkers

Saint Peter' Fiesta Sefatia Gresy pole Walkers ©Kim Smith 2014.Sefatia Leads the Cheer

After the rally at the Giambanco home, the Walkers next stopped at the Gloucester House. Upon arriving there, shouts of LENNY, LENNY, LENNY filled the restaurant as Mr. Linquata greeted the band of merrymakers. Saint Peter' Fiesta ©Kim Smith 2014.-14 Frequent stops along the way were made before arriving at Saint Peter’s Club for the final rally prior to setting off on the rig that took the Walkers to the Greasy Pole platform.

Read Part Two Here

See More Snapshots Here

Continue reading “A Beautiful Saint Peter’s Fiesta Sunday” →

Sunday Greasy Pole Free-Falling Grease-Flying Snapshots

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Saint Peter's Fiesta Free Falling ©Kim Smith 2014Mark Allen Sunday’s 2014 Greasy Pole Winner Saint Peter's Fiesta Free Falling ©Kim Smith 2014 -3Saint Peter's Fiesta Free Falling ©Kim Smith 2014 -4Saint Peter's Fiesta Free Falling ©Kim Smith 2014 -6Saint Peter's Fiesta Free Falling ©Kim Smith 2014 -7Saint Peter's Fiesta Free Falling ©Kim Smith 2014 -5

See More SUNDAY Photos Here

Continue reading “Sunday Greasy Pole Free-Falling Grease-Flying Snapshots” →

FINAL WALK for Salvi Benson ~ All Time Greasy Pole Champion Winner

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Salvi Benson All time Greasy Pole Champion Gloucester MA ©Kim Smith 2014Salvi Benson is the All Time Greasy Pole Champion, with 4 Saturday wins and 6 Sunday wins (wiki). As he swam in from the Greasy Pole platform, his friends shared that this was his last walk. Congratulations to Salvi for all his wins over the years. Very best wishes to you!

Salvi Benson All time Greasy Pole Champion Gloucester MA ©Kim Smith 2014-2Salvi Benson All time Greasy Pole Champion Gloucester MA ©Kim Smith 2014 -3.