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."

ADDISON GILBERT HOSPITAL’S MICHAEL ARSENIAN, MD, TO RECEIVE AWARD!

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Addison Gilbert Hospital’s Michael Arsenian, MD, to Receive Rev. J.J. Healy Award

Michael Arsenian, M.D. will receive the Rev. J.J. Healy Award on February 14, 2018 at the “Hearts for Health Women’s Valentine’s Luncheon,” an annual fundraiser benefiting the Addison Gilbert Society.

Dr. Michael Arsenian, a cardiologist and intensivist at Addison Gilbert Hospital, has provided lifesaving care to Cape Ann residents and visitors for since 1989. His service has saved many lives. He is known to go above and beyond the care and interest that he takes in his patients and their recoveries.

In 2017, State Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante (D-Gloucester) established the Rev. J.J. Healy Service Award in honor of Reverend Jeremiah J. Healy, P.R., to the individual who best epitomizes the social Gospel of Matthew:

When I was hungry did you feed me; thirsty, did you give me drink; naked, did you clothe me; homeless, did you give me shelter; imprisoned, did you visit me; and dead, did you mourn me? (Paraphrase of Matthew 25: 34-35).

Rev. Healy was a highly regarded priest at St. Ann’s Church in Gloucester, Massachusetts, from his arrival in 1871 until his death in 1910. During his life, Healy served the Cape Ann community by living the social gospel. Healy built St. Ann’s church, school, rectory and convent. By undertaking these construction projects, he offered employment to the Irish, who found “they need not apply” for other employment. He also established a fund at City Hall for the Poor, and constructed and dedicated the non-sectarian, non-denominational Gloucester Free Library. Finally, he remains one of the single largest contributors to the Addison Gilbert Hospital in inflation-adjusted dollars for the free care of the poor.

“I know that many on Cape Ann credit the talented staff at Addison Gilbert for treating them and ultimately, saving their lives,” said Frances Ferrante, Co-chair of the Hearts for Health Luncheon. “Like many others, I know that without the attention of Dr. Arsenian and the Emergency staff, I would not be here today. I am happy to see that Dr. Arsenian will be honored at this event.”

The Hearts for Health Fundraiser is an annual event co-hosted by Frances Ferrante and Jane Fonzo. Ferrante and Fonzo started the event last year to benefit services provided by Addison Gilbert Hospital. All contributions from the luncheon are made to the Addison Gilbert Society, founded by Robert and Jan Crandall to benefit Addison Gilbert Hospital.

Proceeds from the “Hearts for Health Women’s Valentine’s Day Luncheon” will help the hospital meet the generous $200,000 challenge offered by the Crandalls, which seeks 20 supporters who will commit to an annual gift of $10,000 or more for five years. Last year’s event contributed over $20,000 to the Addison Gilbert Society. Ferrante and Fonzo hope that the annual event will raise over $20,000 in each of the next five years.

Jane Fonzo said, “’The Hearts for Health Fundraiser’ is a way that everyone can contribute to the generous match challenge issued by Robert and Jan Crandall. It’s a way for women and ‘honorary men’ to attend and to make a smaller contribution to a larger goal.”

The Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, February 14, 2018 from 11:30am to 1:00pm at the Gloucester House. For more information about the luncheon and to RSVP, please call Frances Ferrante at (978) 281-2104 or Deb Sacco at Addison Gilbert Hospital at (978)283-4000. Attendance for the luncheon is $100.

For those who are unable to attend and would still like to contribute, contributions can be made to the Addison Gilbert Society, c/o Hearts for Health, 11 ½ Proctor Street, Gloucester, MA 01930. All contributions in any amount will be accepted in honor of Dr. Michael Arsenian.

REMINDER: PRINTING A LIMITED EDITION OF “Super Blue Blood Moon Over Gloucester”

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Thursday is the last day that we are taking orders for the limited edition prints of this photo. Please email if you are interested. Thank you so much.  

PRINTING A LIMITED EDITION OF “Super Blue Blood Moon Over Gloucester”

 

Dear Friends,

I am receiving so many requests for photos and would like to honor your requests while also trying to find a hassle-free simple way to do this and not take time away from completing my documentary film about the Monarchs.

If you would like an 8 x12 print of the “Super Blue Blood Moon Over Gloucester’s UU Church” photo, please place your order by emailing me at kimsmithdesigns@hotmail.com, commenting in the comment section of this post, or facebook messaging me. We are printing a limited edition at 95.00 each, which includes shipping and tax. The image will be a giclee print on fine art hot press paper.

The next Super Blue Blood Moon won’t occur until January 31, 2037 (and it could very well be cloudy and not visible).

We will accept checks or cash. Place your order before February 8th (within this upcoming week) and payment must be received by February 15th (within two weeks). The limited edition images will be printed that week and mailed immediately. Your order is not placed until you have received a confirmation of payment.

If this system works smoothly, I think we’ll do the “We Love You Too Snowy Owl” or Piping Plovers “OctoPop” next 🙂

Thank you all so much for your interest ❤

SAVE THE DATES! OFFICIAL SAINT PETER’S FIESTA 2018

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WEDNESDAY JUNE 27th THROUGH SUNDAY JULY 1st!!!

Sara Favazza, Joe Novello, Al Millefoglie

Thursday, June 23

6:30 p.m. Fiesta 5K Road Race, start at Stage Fort Park, finish line at St. Peter’s Park. Contact Cape Ann YMCA.

8-11 p.m. Entertainment, Dance and Music featuring Wild Fire at St. Peter’s Park

Youth 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament: Contact Cape Ann YMCA

Friday, June 24

4:45 p.m. Greasy Pole Contest and Women’s Seine Boat Races, Pavilion Beach

6:30 p.m. Entertainment at St. Peter’s Square

7:30 p.m. Formal Opening, St. Peter’s Square, followed by Elio Lorusso and Seabreeze entertainment until 11:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 25

9:30 a.m. Family Activity Day at Newell Stadium, Gloucester High School

10 a.m., Pavilion Beach, Military Seine Boat Race: U.S. Coast Guard vs. U.S. Navy, and Gloucester Fire Department vs. Gloucester Police Department

3 p.m. Children’s Games at Beach Court

4:45 p.m. Sports Events off Pavilion Beach: Seine Boat Races and Greasy Pole Contest

8-11:30 p.m. Musical Entertainment at St. Peter’s Square: Gian Faraone and Big Band Orchestra

Sunday, June 26

10 a.m. Celebration of Mass of St. Peter, at St. Peter’s Park

Noon: Procession begins after Outdoor Mass, Washington Street to Prospect Street to Main Street

3 p.m. Blessing of the Fleet, Stacy Boulevard

3 p.m. Concert, United States Navy Band Northeast, St. Peter’s Park

4:45 p.m. Sports Events off Pavilion Beach: Seine Boat Races and Greasy Pole Contest

6:30 p.m. Children’s Pinata Contest, Pascucci Court

6:30-7:15 p.m. Musical entertainment at St. Peter’s Square: Jimmy Geany

7:15 p.m. Awards Ceremony: Trophies awarded to winners of the Sports Events, St. Peter’s Park

8:30 p.m. Musical Entertainment at St. Peter’s Park: Paul London

11 p.m. Raffle Drawings and Closing Procession, St. Peter’s Park

Thank you to Saint Peter’s Fiesta Committee member Al Millefoglie for sharing the dates of the Saint Peter’s Fiesta 2018!


Sunday Walkers 2017

“Sisters” Giambanco Greasy Pole Rally

 

VALENTINE’S EVENING GLOUCESTER STAGE PRESENTS TRIALS OF LOVE FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY

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Robert Walsh, Artistic Director     Jeff Zinn, Managing Director

From: Heidi J. Dallin, Media Relations Director Phone: 978-281-4099/978-283-6688 Email: hjdallin@hotmail.com

Dating Comedy Show Trials of Love arrives at Gloucester Stage for Valentine’s Day

 

Mike Dorval’s hilariously interactive Trials of Love comes to Gloucester Stage for one night only on Valentine’s Night, Wednesday, February 14 at 7:30 pm. After playing to sold out houses at the Charles Playhouse in Boston — the side-splitting cast will be laughing along with couples on this side of the bridge. According to GSC Managing Director Jeff Zinn, “Trials of Love is truly unique — each new couple and audience brings fresh fodder for comedy. It’s the perfect date night out, ladies’ night, or group outing.”  This interactive problem-solving comedy show, hosted by Mike Dorval, the show’s creator, will run Valentine’s Night, Wednesday February 14th at 7:30pm at Gloucester Stage at 267 E Main St, Gloucester MA 01930. Doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m.; reserved seating; tickets available online at gloucesterstage.com.

 

Trials of Love, crafted by Dorval, a renowned standup comedian, brings everyday couples into the Love Judge’s (Dorval’s) ‘courtroom’ to have their relationship conflicts worked out through comedic insight and juried audience participation. The couple receives prizes and a lifetime courtroom pass — as well as having their relationship saved — and the partner who emerges victorious is awarded an official proclamation for their triumph. The Love Judge promises there isn’t a couples’ conundrum he can’t resolve — although he does footnote that “isn’t an actual promise.”

The show features fellow comedians from around the East Coast and New York, Carman Lagala, Sam Evans, Emily Ruskowski, Katie McCarthy, and Srilatha Rajamani.

In addition to each night’s featured couple on trial, the Lightning Round of Love gives every member of the audience an opportunity to stump the Love Judge with their relationship dilemma, and the top problem of the night also wins a prize — in addition to their newfound flaw-free relationship!

For more information or tickets visit gloucesterstage.com or  Facebook/Twitter/Instagram@GloucesterStag

KIM SMITH POLLINATOR GARDEN LECTURE AT THE IPSWICH TOWN AND COUNTRY GARDEN CLUB

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Please join me Thursday, February 8th, for my Pollinator Garden program at Ebsco, 5 Peatfield Street, Ipswich. The program begins at 6:30pm and is sponsored by the Ipswich Town and Country Garden Club. I hope to see you there!

Common Buckeye Butterfly nectaring at Seaside Goldenrod

“Following the rhythm of the seasons, celebrated landscape designer Kim Smith presents a stunning slide show and lecture demonstrating how to create a welcoming haven for bees, birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. Native plants and examples of organic and architectural features will be discussed based on their value to particular vertebrates and invertebrates.”

SOCIABLE SQUIRREL -By Kim Smith

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On my way home from visiting my daughter Liv who lives in Brooklyn, I stopped at several locations along the Connecticut coast where Snowy Owls have recently been sighted. Although no owls materialized, it was super interesting to learn about the diverse range of habitats hosting Snowies during this fantastic Snowy Owl irruption of 2017-2018. Liv and I spent Saturday morning exploring Jamaica Bay wildlife refuge and other habitats along the Brooklyn coastline where Snowies are also spending the winter. Photos to come when I have time to sort through but in the meantime, this funny little squirrel followed me about the Connecticut Audubon Refuge, coming quite close and seemingly wanting to play hide and seek. I played along for a bit and wished I had a peanut in my pocket 🙂

https://www.instagram.com/p/Be1OX2elxhw/

SANDPIPER BAKERY AND EASTERN POINT LIT HOUSE JOIN FORCES TO BRING THE “BREAD POETS SOCIETY” INAUGURAL EVENT!

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MY WHAT BIG FEET YOU HAVE HEDWIG! -By Kim Smith

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My what big feet you have Hedwig! A Snowy Owl’s feet are covered in feathers, providing insulation against Arctic temperatures–just like a pair of warm fluffy slippers.

Hedwig left her perch and walked over to a patch of snow, which she proceeded to eat. She also washes her face and feet in snow patches.

 

A GLORIOUS GOOD MORNING! BROUGHT TO YOU BY TWIN LIGHTS SUNRISE -By Kim Smith

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Twin Lights Thacher Island Sunrise

HOW LONG WILL THE SNOWY OWLS STAY IN GLOUCESTER? -By Kim Smith

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Not all Snowy Owls migrate south, but the ones that do leave the Arctic tundra to winter over in North America arrive at their wintering grounds (areas such as the Massachusetts coastline) usually beginning in mid-to late-November. Some don’t arrive until December and some as late as January. They migrate along coastlines, prairies, river valleys, and even mountain ridgelines are thought to help guide the Snowies.

By mid-April, most Snowies have left Massachusetts, although one study that I read recorded a Snowy that did not leave Logan Airport until July 7th! Another study reported that in most cases, the Snowy Owls that did not leave until summer were non-breeding birds in their first year of life.

How long will Hedwig stay? She appears to be getting plenty to eat and is quite well adapted to backshore living, despite her throngs of weekend fans. Let’s hope her stay is a good one and that she returns to the Arctic this summer to make lots of little Hedwigs and Bubos!

SNOWY OWL WATCHING TIPS: The following are some helpful tips for watching Snowy Owls.

  1. Watch from a comfortable distance–comfortable for the bird that is. Nothing makes the Owls more stressed than people getting too close.
  2. Please keep children from throwing rocks towards the Snowy or anywhere within the vicinity of the Owl.
  3. Please don’t allow dogs to play near the Snowies.
  4. There have been reports of Snowies flying into cars. They often fly low when flushed and it is easy to understand why this may happen, especially as the Snowies are drawing so much traffic. Please be on the look out when you are in known Snowy Owl territory.
  5. Slamming doors, radios blasting, barking dogs, and loud mufflers all stress the Snowies.

Thank you Everyone for being good caretakers of Hedwig, Bubo, and all the Snowies during their stay in Gloucester!

Jennifer and her daughters Ellie and Isla are super Snowy stewards, keeping well beyond the 150 feet recommended for safe observation.

PRINTING A LIMITED EDITION OF “Super Blue Blood Moon Over Gloucester”

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PRINTING A LIMITED EDITION OF “Super Blue Blood Moon Over Gloucester”

Dear Friends,

I am receiving so many requests for photos and would like to honor your requests while also trying to find a hassle-free, simple way to do this and not take time away from completing my documentary film about the Monarchs.

If you would like an 8 x12 print of the “Super Blue Blood Moon Over Gloucester’s UU Church” photo, please place your order by emailing me at kimsmithdesigns@hotmail.com, commenting in the comment section of this post, or facebook messaging me. We are printing a limited edition at 95.00 each, which includes shipping and tax. The image will be a giclee print on fine art hot press paper.

We will accept checks or cash. Place your order before February 8th (within this upcoming week) and payment must be received by February 15th (within two weeks). The limited edition images will be printed that week and mailed immediately. Your order is not placed until you have received a confirmation of payment.

If this system works smoothly, I think we’ll do the “We Love You Too Snowy Owl” or Piping Plovers “OctoPop” next 🙂

Thank you all so much for your interest ❤

A FEW MORE PHOTOS #SuperBlueBloodMoon OVER GLOUCESTER -By Kim Smith

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A rare beauty treat this morning to see the Super Blue Blood Moon descending, with a touch of the lunar eclipse. My favorite photo is the one posted this morning and here are a few more.

#SuperBlueBloodMoon OVER GLOUCESTER -By Kim Smith

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A rare and spectacular trifecta of Moon events occurred this morning– a Blue Moon, a Supermoon, and a lunar eclipse. Additionally, I have been trying to get a shot of the Moon slipping behind the UU Church. I thought it would be beautiful if it ever lined up all at once, to see Moonlight coming through the open arches of the UU Church’s steeple. In the past either the weather didn’t cooperate or the site line was off. Today, joy! And because of the eclipse there is a magnificent red shadow edging the Moon’s glow.  

From NASA: So for viewers in the East the Moon will enter the outer part of Earth’s shadow at 5:51 a.m., but Johnston says it won’t be all that noticeable. The darker part of Earth’s shadow will begin to blanket part of the Moon with a reddish tint at 6:48 a.m. EST, but the Moon will set less than a half-hour later. “So your best opportunity if you live in the East is to head outside about 6:45 a.m. and get to a high place to watch the start of the eclipse—make sure you have a clear line of sight to the horizon in the west-northwest, opposite from where the Sun will rise,” said Johnston. 

 

 

SNOWY OWL HEDWIG TAKES A BATH! -By Kim Smith

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Filming and photographing Cape Ann wildlife I have experienced extraordinary beauty and fascinating behaviors at nearly every encounter but filming a Snowy Owl take a bath has to be one of my favorite captures. I think there are a number of reasons why we are so captivated by these beautiful creatures. Most owls are nocturnal, which doesn’t allow much viewing of their day to day life. On the other hand, the diurnal Snowy Owl gives us a wonderful window into their world. Culturally, owls symbolize wisdom and intelligence and the characters they are assigned in literature strengthen our associations. Mostly though we are drawn to these creatures because they do not appear to be afraid of us, unlike most wild animals. Snowies will become irritated and depart an area when startled, or are being pestered, but I don’t sense fear in these Arctic visitors. I wonder if most have ever even seen a human being prior to migrating south.

Hedwig was a contented mess, her feet and talons blood stained reddish pink from a fresh kill. It was the morning after a storm, and the crevices atop Bass Rocks held pools of icy fresh water.

She gingerly at first hopped over to the largest pool, paused, and then jumped in. Repeatedly Hedwig dipped her face into the water to drink. After quenching her thirst, she plunged her entire face into the pool of water. She cleaned her face feathers by rubbing them against her breast feathers. Immersing, rubbing, immersing, rubbing, her face was clean in no time.

Then Hedwig went all in, dipping and soaking all her feathers, but not all at once did she completely submerge herself. I think that would have left her vulnerable to predators if she were unable to fly. She dipped and soaked, then fluffed her feathers, then repeated all several times more. The total length of time was about 40 minutes; she was still fluffing when I had to leave. Watching a Snowy Owl take a winter bath was beautiful and fascinating, unexpected and funny and am overjoyed to have captured with photos and film.

Happiness is a long winter bath.

A flock of Herring Gulls had the same idea. 

ALICE GARDNER SHARES A NOTE AND SOME LOVELY PHOTOS OF MAYOR SEFATIA AND SARA FAVAZZA FROM THE CAPE ANN READS CELEBRATION

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Wish I got a pic at your booth . Gorgeous illustrations ! What a fun and happy event .

It was great that Sara Favazza could come to the event. She really enjoyed herself .

Good seeing you !

The best , Alice

SNOW STORM BACKSHORE ATLANTIC ROAD HIGH TIDE SURGE AND EXPLODING WAVES -By Kim Smith

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Today during the snow storm at 8am at peak high tide, this is what the exploding surf along Atlantic Road looked like. Cold and windy, with big fat wet snowflakes, it was beautiful nonetheless.

CLOSE ENCOUNTER OF THE COYOTE KIND -BY KIM SMITH

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East Gloucester Friends,

Please be on alert for a pair of very bold coyotes in the neighborhood. Over the weekend I was standing with a group of photographer friends and we were noticing the coyotes along the edge of a field. The coyotes ducked behind the shrubby growth and soon after, my friends left. I became distracted and forgot about the coyotes while photographing a chatty little Downy Woodpecker. Without warning, the coyotes were suddenly quite near, within twenty feet. I yelled and clapped loudly, which did not in the least intimidate one of the pair. The smaller trotted a few steps back toward the woodland edge while the larger one started to dig in the ground, similar to a bull marking his territory. It was more than a little eerie, and while yelling I began to walk backwards off the field.

When a gentleman came to the field to walk his dog, the coyotes headed back towards the shrubs. Reappearing a few minutes later, they had circled around in the shrubs and began to stalk the leashed dog. I walked towards the man to give the coyotes the idea that we were a group and they didn’t come any closer after that. This post is not meant to alarm anyone, but to let you know that we have some very hungry coyotes in our midst; I had the oddest sensation that they had an expectation of dinner. I sure do hope no one is feeding them.

The bolder coyote is on the left in the above photo. You can see in the middle photo in the first row that the bolder one’s coat is darker (also on the left).