My View of Life on the Dock
Hosted by the Sawyer Free Library and The Bookstore of Gloucester, a wonderful time was had at Alice Gardner’s book launch party for her children’s book St. Peter’s Fiesta!
Sara Favazza and Alice Gardner
Rosie Verga, Sara, and Marie Linquata
Joey often uses the expression “God’s Country” when describing East Gloucester, not only because of the beauty that surrounds but because of the wonderful community of East Gloucester friends. I came home to find in my mail basket three jars of Dan Allen’s amazingly delicious ‘Peace, Love, and Honey,’ made by honey bees gathering nectar in his rambling and rambunctiously gloious garden. At Dan’s garden, you’ll find an exquisite array of Massachusetts native flowering trees and shrubs, as well as cultivated herbs, fruit trees, vegetables, flowers, and vines, all of which have made his golden yellow honey rich with a unique complexity of flavors and fragrance. At our home, we eat honey nearly everyday, on toast, in tea, and I love to cook with it. Dan’s is simply the best I have ever tasted.
Michelle, Dan’s thirteen year old daughter, designed the new labels – Peace, Love, and Honey ❤
Dan is currently selling honey directly to friends and will hand deliver to your doorstep. To order your honey, email Dan at dan_gallen@yahoo.com.
Post by Len Burgess, photo by Matt Frank.
SAIL BOSTON…ESSEX BUILT SCHOONERS FRONT AND CENTER!!!
“Roseway” and “Adventure” right behind the Coast Guard’s “Eagle” to start the Sail Boston parade Saturday.
Photos from Alice Gardner’s children’s book launch party will post tomorrow when I have a little more time. It was lots of fun and there was a great turnout. Here is Crazy Hat Lady Amy Clayton at the Sawyer Free Library teaching children the call and response “Me chi samiou tutti mutti – Viva San Pietro!”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BVcmZcMFtsE/
Gloucester’s own Fiesta Hat Ladies Robyn and Amy with Mayor Sefatia, sister Rose, niece Lia, and friends. I can’t wait to see the sister’s whimsical, wild, and wonderful creations this year!!
HAPPY #cephalopodweek!
Imagine how many of these Colossal Squid versus Sperm Whale battles take place every year. Take a guess–a dozen, two dozen? I think you will be just as surprised by the answer as was I.
The answer is here after the page break. Continue reading “GIANT SQUID VS. SPERM WHALE EPIC BATTLE”
With rainy weather predicted for Saturday and Father’s Day celebrations Sunday, this weekend would be the perfect time to try the wonderfully delicious weekend brunch fare at Feather and Wedge. My girlfriend Claudia and I went last Saturday and it was delightful in every way. The decor is exquisite (I think I mentioned that in a previous post) and now with Chef Doug Papows at the helm, the food, and welcoming wait staff, make for a dining trifecta of fabulousness.
I regret to say that the photos that I took of our lovely brunch went the way of my faulty memory card. Memory cards occasionally wear out, and usually at the worst times. Dear reader, you don’t need photos of the food, just go, you’ll have a wonderful dining experience, we sure did!
The menus change everyday. Brunch is not posted on the Feather and Wedge website, but you can imagine how delicious are the brunch offerings by checking out tonight’s dinner menu.
Pemaquid oysters | cucumber mignonette 2.75 ea.
Tomato fennel soup | gruyère crostini 10
Ahi tuna tartare | white miso citrus vinaigrette, chives 14
Smoked bluefish pâté | arugula, lemon, crostini 10
Halibut crudo | radish, bronze fennel, ginger scallion sauce 17
Pâté de campagne | cornichons, whole grain mustard, crostini 10
Cheese plate | daily selection with accompaniments 14
Charcuterie plate | daily selection with accompaniments 15
* * *
Simple salad | field greens, turnip, tomato, red onion, house vinaigrette 8
First Light Farm greens | cucumber, hakurei turnips, radish, green goddess dressing 13
Beet salad | arugula, feta, orange vinaigrette
* * *
Clams and pork belly | tomato, beer braised chickpeas, lime, cilantro 26
Lobster and asparagus | prosciutto, poached egg, turnips, soy hollandaise, spicy bread crumbs 29
Sea Scallops | Japanese eggplant, mushroom trio, yuzu and Thai basil aioli, Oolong rice 29
Organic Faroe Islands salmon | scallion, quinoa, bok choy, togarashi aioli 26
Chicken under a brick | bulgur, mirepoix, lemon rosemary pan sauce 24
Bone-in pork chop | maple mustard brined, new potatoes, rainbow chard, marrow butter 25
Prime ribeye | salsa verde, new potatoes, rainbow chard 35
Housemade cavatelli puttanesca | crispy pancetta, pesto, sunflower seeds, mozzarella 23
add halibut | 32
Seared eggplant | quinoa, arugula, cucumber, peas, feta, pistachios 16
* * *
Sauteed spinach 6
Roasted beets 6
* * *
Plum blackberry crumble | buckwheat crust, vanilla ice cream 10
Fresh strawberry tart | sweet shortbread crust, sweet cultured cream, apricot glaze 10
Vanilla bean panna cotta | mango coulis 10
Warm chocolate budino | sweet cultured cream, fresh blackberries 10
Affogato | vanilla ice cream, hot espresso, amaretto, toasted almonds 10
Feather and Wedge is located at 5 Main Street, Rockport. They are open Wednesday through Sunday for dinner and Saturday and Sunday for brunch. For reservations call 978-999-5917.
Feathers and wedges photo by Reiner Flassig
All the beautiful images you see on the walls of Feather and Wedge are from the archives of the Cape Ann Museum and Sandy Bay Historical Society.
Thank you to Rocky Neck resident Anne Malvaux for sharing her photo of Mr. Swan, spotted last night sitting on the beach at Wonson Cove. When I checked on him at Niles early this morning, he was sleeping peacefully in the middle of the pond. 
Do you know anyone that would like to join our Cape Pond Ice “Coolest Guys & Gals” Team?
We have a part time summer position available at our Gloucester location!
We are looking for an Office Assistant / Tour Guide to help handle the day-to-day office functions, Gift Shop, web orders, manage merchandise inventory, social media accounts and be an Historic Ice House Tour Guide!
Come to Cape Pond Ice “down the Fort” to fill out an application. 104 Commercial Street, Fort Wharf.
email: office@capepondice.com or CoolestGuys@capepondice.com
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
The beautiful Bluenose II was sailing along the backshore at top speed in this afternoon’s wind and whitecaps.
Bluenose II is operated by the Lunenburg Marine Museum Society on behalf of the Province of Nova Scotia. Read about Bluenose II here.
Bluenose II rounding Brace Rock
The Tall Ships Drop Anchor in Canada and the US
More than 40 Tall Ships will be sailing Canadian waters to honour the 150th anniversary of the Canadian Confederation in 2017. They are scheduled to stop at host ports in Ontario, Québec and the Maritimes, giving thousands of people the opportunity to admire the majestic beauty of these cathedrals of the seas.
Mr. Swan super stressed and panting while being chased around Henry’s Pond.
Photos courtesy Kim Smith
A popular swan at Henry’s Pond in Rockport managed to stay one step ahead of rescuers who were trying to capture him Tuesday.
The elderly bird, known affectionately as “Mr. Swan,” has been a common sight at the pond for many years. During that time, he’s fathered many cygnets and outlived two of his mates, and led a peaceful existence on the water.
But things took a turn recently when Mr. Swan hurt his leg. Although he could still swim, some people began to notice that Mr. Swan was having difficulty walking. And they began to worry.
Soon enough, the Animal Rescue League was called in to help.
“The swan is considered a community pet, so the goal was to capture it, have it treated, and then returned to the pond,” said Michael DeFina, a spokesman for the Animal Rescue League.
While that mission sounds simple, carrying it out proved to be anything but. Catching Mr. Swan turned out to be an impossible task for the organization’s rescue team. Armed with large nets, the two rescuers — Bill Tanguay and Mark Vogel — used kayaks to pursue Mr. Swan on the water. At one point, Vogel almost caught Mr. Swan in his net, but the bird was able to break free.
Mr. Swan eventually sought refuge in the reeds, and the rescuers decided to call off the chase.
“The swan was stressed, and the soaring temperatures made him very tired,” said DeFina. “The fact he eluded capture and was able to swim without showing obvious signs of pain led to the conclusion that the injury may not be that severe.”
“After giving up the chase, ARL and the concerned parties agreed to continually monitor the swan’s condition, and if it worsens, ARL will be contacted to get the swan medical attention, and again, have him returned to the pond,” DeFina said.
Kim Smith, a Gloucester resident who counts herself among one of Mr. Swan’s many fans, described the rescue attempt as a “wild swan chase.”
“He was chased back and forth across the pond,” she said.
What made his escape even more impressive is Mr. Swan’s age. According to Smith, sightings of Mr. Swan date back to the early 1990s, which would make him at least 27 years old. (Smith knows Mr. Swan well: she’s spent the past six years filming him for a documentary film.)
“He’s an amazing creature,” she said.
DeFina said that the average lifespan for a swan in the wild can be about 10 to 15 years due to the hazards they can encounter (getting caught in fishing gear, getting hit by a boat, etc.), while a swan living in a protected environment can live 20 to 30 years.
“It’s clear that there are certainly people in Gloucester who care for this swan, if he’s in fact been around that long,” DeFina said.
Smith said that although the Animal Rescue League’s efforts were well-intentioned, she’s happy that Mr. Swan eluded capture.
“He’s lived this long, he deserves to spend his last days in his own neighborhood with his friends,” she said.
Long live Mr. Swan.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BVSBFcSl46P/
Emily Sweeney can be reached atesweeney@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter@emilysweeney.
NEW ENGLAND PREMIERE of THE EFFECT
features
Lindsay Crouse, Brad Hall,
Susannah Hoffman & Mickey Solis
Gloucester Stage Company continues its 38th season of professional theater on Cape Ann with the New England Premiere of Lucy Prebble’s The Effect from June 16 through July 8 at 267 East Main Street, Gloucester, MA. Lucy Prebble’s funny and moving look at medicinal trial and error explores the depths of attraction and attachment, and wonders at the limits of medicine and the ever-elusive rules of the heart. In The Effect Tristan and Connie, volunteers in a controlled drug test, fall in love, but is their chemistry real or induced? The GSC production features Sam Weisman in his Gloucester Stage directing debut and a cast led by GSC favorite Academy Award nominee and Gloucester resident Lindsay Crouse as Dr. Lorna James with GSC newcomers: Saturday Night Live alum Brad Hall as Dr. Toby Sealey; Mickey Solis as Tristan and Susannah Hoffman as Connie. Gloucester Stage is a reunion for Sam Weisman, Lindsay Crouse and Brad Hall. The three worked together in the 1995 feature film Bye Bye Love which was written and produced by Hall; directed by Weisman and starring Crouse.
Lucy Prebble’s The Effect comes to Gloucester after a premiere at the The National Theatre in London and a smash hit extended run at the Barrow Street Theatre in New York last year. Ms. Prebble won the George Devine Award 2004 for her debut play The Sugar Syndromefollowed by the TMA Award for Best New Play in 2004. She also won the 2004 Critics’ Circle Award for Most Promising Playwright. She is the creator of the television series Secret Diary of a Call Girl,starring Billie Piper in the main role. Ms. Prebble’s second play,ENRON, transferred to The West End and Broadway in 2010 after sell out runs at both The Royal Court and Chichester Festival Theatre. Sony has optioned the rights to develop ENRON into a film. ENRONwon Best New Play at the TMA Theatre Awards, and was shortlisted for The Evening Standard Award for Best New Play 2009.
Continue reading “NEW ENGLAND PREMIERE of THE EFFECT at the GLOUCESTER STAGE COMPANY “
Cape Ann Symphony Celebrates Successful 65th Concert Season
The Board of Directors of the Cape Ann Symphony hosted a pre-concert reception at Innovation House in Magnolia, MA to celebratethe conclusion of the orchestra’s highly successful 65th season of concerts. According to Cape Ann Symphony Music Director and Conductor, Yoichi Udagawa, ” The 65th season was a resounding success! The musicians and I were so eager to share all the wonderful music with our audiences and the fabulous CAS audiences responded – All of the concerts in the 65th season were sold out! Bravo!” Invited guests at the season ending celebration included major donors, diplomats representing Scandinavian countries, and members of Cape Ann’s Scandinavian community in recognition of the theme of thefinal concert of the 65th season: “Scandinavian Spectacular,” featuring works by Sibelius, Nielsen and Grieg. A proclamation from Gloucester Mayor Sefatia Romeo-Theken designating the day of the concert, Scandinavian Heritage Day, was read to the crowd of overfifty people, along with similar proclamations from the other Cape Ann municipalities. Congratulatory notes from the consul generals of Norway and Finland were also shared with the reception guests. Next season, the Symphony’s 66th, opens with a program called “Russian Fireworks” with two performances: Saturday, September 23 at the Manchester-Essex High School Auditorium and Sunday, September 24 in the Dolan Performing Arts Center at Ipswich High School.
All Photos Jeph Ellis
After suffering the extraordinary trauma of yesterday’s attempted capture, Mr. Swan was seen late in the day by friends, peeking his head out between the reeds. I stopped by to see him this morning at about 6:30, thinking perhaps I would catch a glimpse, and to my utter surprise he was sitting on the edge of the road that divides Pebble Beach from Henry’s Pond. Very deliberately, Mr. Swan was heading to the open ocean. He was obviously extremely weary from the effort, and from the previous day’s event, taking only a few difficult steps at a time, before plopping down, then a few steps more. Slowly and determinedly he made his way. 
Crossing the road between Henry’s Pond and Pebble Beach
Friends Lois, Serena, and Skip Monroe stopped by to offer food and encouragement. After at least an hour of effort, he made it to the water’s edge and took off toward Niles Pond (it usually takes him about five minutes to cross the road).
Making his way through the super yucky red seaweed.
Shortly after we got a call from Lyn that Mr. Swan had arrived safely at Niles Pond. I stopped by Niles on my way to work to see him and he appeared so much happier and relaxed than earlier in the morning. A true survivor, he was gliding and preening and vocalizing. Long live Mr. Swan!
In regards to how old is Mr. Swan, I was reminded by another great Friend of Mr. Swan, Skip Hadden, that Mr. Swan is actually at least TWENTY SEVEN years old!! When Skip arrived at Niles Pond in 1992, Mr. Swan was an adult breeding male with a family (swans do not begin to breed until they are at the very least two years old).
Regarding Mr. Swan’s foot injury, Skip writes, “He has injured this foot in the past. He fell off our roof after crash landing there in turbulent winds circa 2000. Heartily agree in daily monitoring as he is one determined character. He has a strong chance of survival if left to his own devices and our small efforts to assist from a distance.”
Mr. Swan at Niles Pond this morning! I hope he chooses to stay here to recuperate.
Despite repeated attempts by Boston Animal Rescue League workers Bill Tanguay and Mark Vogel to capture Cape Ann’s beloved swan, Mr. Swan escaped.
The day began a little after 6:00am when the Friends of Mr. Swan convened at Henry’s Pond to strategize on how to manage and understand the mysterious notice posted at the pond, which read, “Please don’t feed swan. He is being rescued on Tuesday.” The Friends of Mr. Swan are a group of people who feed and monitor Mr. Swan on a daily basis throughout the year and they include Skip Hadden, Lois, Serena, Skip and Joel Monroe, Lyn Fonzo, Elaine Somers, and myself. The news had spread quickly amongst the group about the scheduled rescue. Mr. Swan’s left foot appears to be sprained or in some way injured at the ankle (possible snapping turtle bite) but we had taken the tactic of allowing the foot to hopefully heal on its own. Wildlife capture can lead to euthanasia and that is truly the last diagnosis any of us would want for Mr. Swan (also known as Buddy, Poppa Swan, Old Blue Eyes, and Papa Swan).
Lois and her Buddy
Mr. Swan is at least 27 years old, has outlived two mates, and fathered many cygnets. With his beautiful blue eyes and pure white cygnet offspring, Mr. Swan is a rare form of Mute Swan (Cygnus immutabilis), thought to originate from the Baltic Sea region. All these many years that he has called Cape Ann home Mr. Swan has brought joy and happiness to countless people, especially to young children. At this point, he is not showing outward signs of physical pain, he is feeding and drinking, and maintaining his feathers (preening). We hope with all our hearts that his foot will heal but believe that if it his time to go, he should be permitted to live out his remaining days in his own neighborhood with his community of friends.
Lyn and her Poppa
The Friends agreed to take turns watching for the ARL workers. Our objective was to speak with them to learn more about the specifics of the capture and how it would impact Mr. Swan’s overall health, what would be the various courses of action based upon veterinary examination, if we could determine the outcome with covering his medical bills, and to insure that Mr. Swan be returned to Cape Ann, if he did have to undergo rehabilitation.
ARL’s Bill and Mark arrived at around noon. We discussed the various options and were assured that as Mr. Swan is a community “pet,” with plenty of friends to look out for him, he would less likely be euthanized.
Coaxing Mr. Swan to the pond’s edge was easy when offered some favorite foods, but getting him to walk onshore was another story. Out came the kayaks, where Mr. Swan led Bill and Mark on a wild swan chase back and forth from one end of the pond to the other. He skillfully led the workers through the thick reeds of phragmites, where he has a secret nest and many avenues of escape. At one point it appeared as though Mark had captured him with the swan-sized net, but he wriggled out and bolted free. We could see Mr. Swan panting and visibly tiring and at that point he slipped deep, deep into the reeds and was not seen again. We all came to the mutual decision that it was best not to continue as Mr. Swan was clearly super stressed and exhausted.
Nearly captured!
Super stressed and panting
Final slip into the reeds.
Bill, Mark, and the Friends decided that the logical course of action is to continue to monitor Mr. Swan on a daily basis. If his condition worsens we will at that time call the ARL. In the meantime, we are urging everyone to please follow these simple guidelines in helping Mr. Swan on his road to recovery.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BVSBifPF3Hu/
You can’t miss the Red-winged Blackbirds at the pond and they love cracked and whole corn, too.
Meet the Swan family. They live on a pond in Eastern Massachusetts. On an island in the middle of the pond, Papa and Mama built a nest made of cattails, reeds, and sticks. For six weeks Mama and Papa Swan took turns sitting on the nest warming, or incubating, the eggs.
Within hours of hatching, the baby swans, called cygnets, are mobile. Precocial refers to animal species in which the young are relatively mature from the moment of hatching. Within a day or two, Mama and Papa take the cygnets to water for their first swim.
Unlike songbirds, which are born naked, blind, and helpless, cygnets are born with downy soft feathers and with their eyes open. Piping Plovers are another example of a bird species that is precocial. The cygnets will soon outgrow the soft down.
A family of cygnets is called a clutch or a brood.
Two week old swans are sleeping on the bank of the pond. Although cygnets are precocial and relatively independent, they are unable to regulate their body temperature. They rely on warmth from Mom and Dad, and from snuggling each other during nap time.
Cygnets absorb the last of their yolk into their tummies before hatching, which means they don’t have to eat for several days. Their first meal might be a nibble of an insect caught along the water’s edge.
The cygnets forage for insects and pond vegetation.
Precocial birds find their own food, occasionally with instructions from Mom and Dad.
See the little tiny V-shaped wing bud, tucked over the bill. Notice how much proportionately larger are an adult swan’s wings (below). Cygnet’s wings grow rapidly. They usually learn to fly by early fall, at about five months old.
Back to shore to preen and to warm up.
Time for another nap!
An adult swan’s bill has jagged, serrated edges that look like small teeth and are very sharp. Nesting swans can be very aggressive. They will hiss, puff out their feathers to appear larger, flap their wings, move very quickly when angered, and smash their body and wings at a perceived predator. Swans will bite and peck, too. Please keep a safe distance when observing swans, especially nesting swans.
Papa and Mama Swan need their rest, too.
One of the prettiest scents of early summer. Get your bouquet today at Cedar Rock Gardens!
Elise Jillson in the peony patch.
Cedar Rock Garden’s beautiful collection of peonies.
We Friends of Mr. Swan would like to know who posted the do not feed sign because there is a planned “rescue” of him, which is to take place tomorrow, Tuesday.
We are all aware of his injured leg, and expect that it will heal. If it does not heal, we will have a swan expert have a look at him and take him to Tufts, if needed.
Mr. Swan, filmed several days ago at Niles Pond. He is staying in the water, probably so as not to bear weight on his leg. He is eating fine and his feathers are well-groomed and in good shape, signs that he does not need to be rescued at this point. Also, in order to fly from Henry’s Pond to Niles Pond, he needs to run on his feet, otherwise he won’t become air born. Mr. Swan is well over twenty years old. If his leg is not curable, he deserves to live out his life in his own neighborhood with his friends.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BVA2oYWFuDW/
In celebration of the 90th anniversary of Fiesta, all the saints that are honored in the Fiesta Sunday procession have joined Saint Peter on the altar at the American Legion Hall.
The Novena Ladies are Jeanne Marie Linquata (center), Caryn Ryder, Grace Cusumano, Ann Sanfilippo, and Faye Quinlan. The altar and the Legion Hall look especially, especially beautiful this year, thanks to the dedication of the Novena Ladies.
The Novena begins Monday, June 12th, at 7pm, and ends Tuesday June 20th, when Saint Peter will be returned to the club. The Novena Ladies would like everyone to know that all are welcome!
Novena to Saint Peter
Monday, June 12 – Tuesday, June 20
7:00 p.m.
American Legion Hall
7:00–10:00 p.m. Musical Entertainment….St. Peter’s Park:
“Barry Mooney and The Sounds of Legends ”
6:30 p.m…… Fiesta 5K Road Race – with Cape Ann YMCA –
Starting location Stage Fort Park,
Finish line at St. Peter’s Park.
For further details, contact the Cape Ann YMCA.
8:00–11:00… Entertainment, Dance and Music featuring…..
“WILD FIRE” …. St. Peter’s Park
4:45 p.m……. Greasy Pole Contest…and…Women’s Seine Boat Races
Pavilion Beach
6:30 p.m……. Entertainment….Before Opening Ceremonies
7:00 p.m. …… Formal Opening ….St. Peter’s Square
Entertainment immediately following to 11:30 p.m…. featuring Paul London” and “Jimmy Geany
10:00 a.m……. Pavilion Beach…Seine Boat Race: –
U.S. Coast Guard vs Gloucester Fire Department and
Gloucester Police Department
3:00 p.m…… Children’s Games…. Beach Court
4:45 p.m…… Sports Events… Pavilion Beach
Seine Boat Races..&..Greasy Pole Contest
8:00–11:30 pm. Musical Entertainment…St. Peter’s Square….
“Oasis”
10:00 a.m…… Celebration of MASS OF ST. PETER….. at St. Peter’s Park
12:00 noon….. Procession following the Celebration of Outdoor Mass
3:00 p.m…… Blessing of the Fleet… Stacy Boulevard.
3:00 p.m… … Concert….Cape Ann Big Band…St. Peter’s Park
4:45 p.m…… Sports Events…at Pavilion Beach –
Seine Boat Races..&...Greasy Pole Contest
6:30 p.m…… Children’s Pinata Contest – Pascucci Court
7:15 p.m……. Awards Ceremony – Trophies awarded to winners of the Sports Events
8:30 pm Musical entertainment.. St. Peter’s Park… featuring Franco Corso
11:00 p.m…… Raffle Drawings and Closing Procession
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT THE OFFICILA WEBSITE OF FIESTA: SAINTPETERSFIESTA.ORG
Good Morning Gloucester 