Author: Nichole S.

Hanging out with Bob Sweeney the other day as he presented a sweet check to the Gloucester Education Foundation and listening about where he was off to next, made me take pause and appreciate (again) just how much these incredibly dedicated organizations do to help positively impact communities in their “fan nations.”  I’ve climbed onto my soap box many times to recall the hours and countless nights (often several right in a row) that the high-ups in the Red Sox front office spent making appearances, offering large donations, and simply being in attendance to show their support to so many diverse charities, groups, schools, etc. during the years that I had an inside view.  Organizations such as the Red Sox Foundation, the Bruins Foundation, and the Patriots Charitable Foundation do more than many people may ever guess to give back and help make a difference.

Ok, done.  On that note, being in Bob Sweeney’s presence also reminded me of a fantastic day my boys spent skating on the ice at the TD Bank Garden.  Bob and the Bruins Foundation put on quite an event and made the boys and all other guests feel like little VIPs.  The best part, however, is the proud Mother moment that I got watching the video below a few days later.  While the boys flash by and make several appearances in the Bruins short video…. second 50 is where I have to stop and think, “Super.”  After watching the same video, Thatcher said, “The Ice Girl thinks we’re cute.”  Super, again.

If you have a 1:55 seconds of spare time…take a peak.

http://video.bruins.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=499909

Here’s Thatch dropping gloves with Lyndon Byers…totally a good sport.

Remember that little event called the Bluefin Blowout?  If you need a reminder, refer to this post right here.

https://goodmorninggloucester.wordpress.com/2015/07/25/last-day-of-the-2015-bluefin-blowout/

The tournament is for sure a win, win, win (maybe even another win).  In addition to being nothing short of an absolute BLAST, it is also a big draw for out-of-towners to head to Cape Ann….hence, a great addition to our amazing year-long schedule that promotes tourism.  It also happens to be a really premier fishing tournament!

Another giant win is the fact that, thanks to Bob Sweeney and the Bruins Foundation, a large donation was just made to the Gloucester Education Foundation.  It was an honor to be in attendance at the check presentation yesterday.

Tina Raimo and Kathy Clancy were pleased to accept the $5,000 check on behalf of the Gloucester Education Foundation from the one and only, Bob Sweeney.  In attendance also were Gloucester Mayor, Sefatia Romeo Theken, Drew Hale, co-founder of the Bluefin Blowout along with Rob Bouley, Tobin Dominick of Cape Ann’s Marina Resort, Ken Riehl representing the Cape Ann Chamber, Cidalia Schwartz and Kruti Kansara representing the Lyon-Waugh Auto Group (who are the proud and exceptional Platinum Sponsor of the Bluefin Blowout Tournament), Nicole Tongue of the Gloucester Fishing Company and key organizer or the event, and D.J. Scottie Mac, “The Voice of the Bluefin Blowout.”

To get ready for the 5th Annual Bluefin Blowout, shaping up to be the best one yet, check back here often…http://bluefinblowout.com/

Pick #1:  Free Admission to TONS of Museums

One day each year, visitors can enjoy free admission to participating museums across the country as they join the Smithsonian Institution in it’s tradition of offering free admission.  This Saturday is that day.

Head to the link below to search for participating museum’s in our area and don’t forget to print your ticket prior to heading out for the day!

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/venues/?state=MA&zip_code=&name=

For the record, our very own Cape Ann Museum and Cogswell’s Grant in Essex are on the list!

Pick #2 Super Blood Moon Eclipse

because I won’t do this justice, head to this link and get excited…and then pick a spot to view it!

http://earthsky.org/?p=51212

Pick #3  The 11th Annual Fairy House Festival

Head up to Portsmouth for two fun events and make a great day of it!

Portsmouth’s beloved annual Fairy House Festival takes place this weekend in Portsmouth’s historic South End on the grounds of the Governor John Langdon House, Strawbery Banke Museum, Prescott Park and Peirce Island.

More than 200 handcrafted fairy houses made by local artists, florists, garden clubs club members, businesses, families and local school children will be on display, including 10 select fairy houses build by creative professionals and judged by a panel of three judges, including Fairy Houses Series® Author/ Illustrator Tracy Kane.

HEAD HERE FOR ALL THE DETAILS

and then, while in Portsmouth….

Pick #4  Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival

READ ALL ABOUT IT HERE!!

Join the dozens of folk and sea music performers who bring maritime folk music and song to downtown Portsmouth every September. The 16th annual festival showcases music from the US, British Isles and Canada at venues in the Market Square area, including RiRa Irish Pub (22-26 Market Sq), and the Portsmouth Athenaeum (9 Market Sq).

This year’s performers include The Johnson Girls, Cliff Haslam, Dan Milner, Chris Koldewey and others.  A Saturday evening concert will be held at the First Methodist Church on Miller Ave. This event is open to all ages, with audience participation strongly encouraged!

Hours: Sat. 10 AM – 10PM; Sun. 1PM – 5:30PM.  All events FREE!  Donations appreciated.

For a more comprehensive list of family friendly activities, visit our friends at North Shore Kid!

I kid, seriously.  Even after seeing the big construction sign that screams “NEW STOP SIGN AHEAD” I almost forget to stop.  Rockport’s new Stop sign is in a spot where most conscientious drivers would come to a near-stop (or at least a serious slow-down) anyway, but it will definitely take some time to get used to.

Big happenings in town.

I saw this last night while playing soccer mom….fittingly.

I kind of love it.

You want to support local music and score some pretty excellent songs written about our beloved Gloucester at the very same time…. head straight to the link below!

http://satchkerans.bandcamp.com/album/wait-what

Take the time to take a listen.

Satch Kerans has just released his 5th solo album and after listening it to it during yesterday’s Patriots game it was a total no-brainer to go ahead and buy it on his “bandcamp” page for a mere $7.  The songs are “folky rock” (or at least that is what this non-musician would call them) and, when I closed my eyes…which is how I always need to listen to new music…I kind of felt like I was soaring over Gloucester Harbor, the docks, the fishing fleet, through downtown, and towards Rockport.

Of course, don’t just take my word for it….

“Years after settling into an entirely different identity and new set of priorities – Kerans reemerges with some of the best songs he’s ever written. At the collection’s core is a clutch of sturdy melodies and classic pop structures…Kerans gets better and surer with age”.

Jonathan Perry
The Boston Globe

In case you were under a rock…or maybe just not living on Cape Ann and the greater surrounding area during the 80s, the 90s, and a bit beyond…Satch Kerans drew crazy crowds with his band The Catalinas (ahhhh…the memories).  While he’s also now rocking the baseball and soccer fields as a father, husband, and coach…his musical talents have only grown stronger.

If, by any chance, I haven’t given you enough reason to go ahead and take a listen, buy a song, or buy the entire album…it is worth noting that solo album #5 by Satch Kerans is also dedicated to his friend, Ed Gieras, who passed away in April, 2015 after enduring Huntington’s Disease.

Satch was sure to include the link where we can all help find a cure for Huntington’s Disease on his BandCamp page.

“Help find a cure and donate to the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (hdsa.org).”

This is always such a fun game to watch…

While I’ve been there many, many times, the beauty of the Rose Garden at Lynch Park in Beverly always takes my breath away just a little bit.  There’s something about how gorgeous it is…and how it sits boldly, so close to the oceanfront, that always surprises me.  A great place to head for a picnic lunch if you’re looking to squeeze every last drop out of summer.

Clearly I need some more practice taking panoramic photos. That’s one freaky soccer team.

How is this for an opportunity?  The Mystic, of recent Gloucester Schooner Festival Fame, will be tied up at the GORGEOUS Nantucket Boat Basin soon and you can seize the opportunity to sleep onboard.  She’ll be in Nantucket September 21st-27th…so act soon if you’re interested!

From September 21-27, Mystic will be docked at the Nantucket Boat Basin offering visitors a unique lodging experience.  Upon boarding Mystic, you will be captivated by tall masts, elaborate rigging and large, spacious decks. The interior of the ship boasts a delightful, roomy salon and comfortable lounge.  Oversized windows provide natural light and spacious views.  All cabins and common areas are climate-controlled and offer ample room for comfortable occupancy.  Two staterooms have a double bed and private bath, and there are 14 staterooms with either a double bed or twin bunks that share bathroom facilities.  A continental breakfast will be be served in the salon.

HEAD HERE FOR ALL OF THE DETAILS!!

ALSO CHECK OUT MYSTIC ADVENTURE SAILS HERE…if you’d like to charter her or head to the Caribbean.

First order on the meeting agenda is the fact that it is almost the end of tourist season and where the heck are we going to start finding our french fries?

Did anyone bring a pencil?  Whose turn is to write the meeting minutes?  Why do you always get the highest piling?  What makes you so special?

I took this photo because I thought it was funny that 3 seagulls looked like they were having a meeting.  I just realized that there are actually 4 seagulls sitting on the pilings.

We should be proud of our Rockport Harbormasters who helped respond to this tragic situation last night.  I will update with more information as it becomes available.

From wcvb.com

The body of a woman who fell off a cruise ship off Cape Ann Friday night has been recovered, according to the United States Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard said it received word of a woman falling overboard from the cruise ship Seabourn Quest about 10 miles off the coast around 7 p.m.

Several search and rescue teams responded and searched the area.

Around 8:30 p.m., the Rockport Harbormaster, with emergency medical service personnel on board, recovered the woman’s body.

http://www.wcvb.com/news/womans-body-recovered-after-falling-off-cruise-ship-off-cape-ann/35231340

A photo that begged to be taken. Does it get more picturesque than this? The Ardelle and Motif #1.

It has come to my attention that I might possibly write about my boys too much.  True, not true…either way, that’s how I roll these days and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

But, since it can’t always be about scenic photographs, family activities, and super cute kids (I may be biased)…..let’s talk about super cute football players this morning instead.

There’s been a ton of talk lately about Tom Brady, the Patriots, Deflategate, Spygate, and the whatnot.  But, I think it is time we get to the meat of the matter (ahem).

The amount of handsome in the QB column of the Patriots roster is kind of crazy.  It almost seems unfair.  I don’t know how the other teams even concentrate.  Kidding, kind of.

So, the question that arose last night is:

Football skills aside, Who is your #1?

Patriots longtime Quarterback Tom Brady #12 OR the Patriot Quarterback (2nd round 2014 Draft Pick) Jimmy Garoppolo #10.

Maybe something a little less “mugshot” will help you….

Pick #1   

Coastsweep Beach Cleanup – Pitch In & Play!

A great way to help clean up the coast while also learning and enjoying family friendly activities!

Saturday, September 12

Joppa Flats Education Center and the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge announce that the Coastsweep 2015 cleanup for Plum Island, including the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and Sandy Point State Reservation, will be held on Saturday, September 12, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Along with the cleanup, outdoor family activities for children of all ages will be offered to keep everyone engaged, from 10:00 am-3:00 pm.

Along with Coastsweep, Joppa Flats School and Youth Education Coordinator Lisa Hutchings presentsCoastsweep on the Beach, a full day of outdoor family activities that include:

• Live tide pool animals
• Coastal plant walks
• Sand science on the beach

Group Games

For group games for younger kids, and participatory coastal science for older kids, families, friends, and school and scout groups are invited to meet at Parking Lot #1 at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.

In the case of inclement weather, family activities will take place indoors at Joppa Flats Education Center at One Plum Island Turnpike in Newburyport.

Participation in Coastsweep is free, for all ages, and will be held rain or shine. Participants do not need to preregister and may show up at any time during the day.

READ ALL ABOUT JOPPA FLATS COASTSWEEP HERE!!  

Pick #2

Harold Parker State Forest Family Fishing Festival

September 12: Harold Parker State Forest Family Fishing Festival, Andover – This free, non-competitive, family friendly, learn-to-fish event will take place at Sudden Pond in the Harold Parker State Forest from 10:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M. Bring your own fishing equipment, or borrow ours- limited equipment and bait will be provided. *Open to the public – Contact the Harold Parker State Forest at 978-686-3391.

 Click HERE for more information!

Pick #3   Doggie Maze Day at Marini Farm

This is the only weekend that dogs are welcome on the property to explore the corn maze with their families!  It is also the 1st weekend that the corn maze is open…can you say, “Summer must really be ending”?

Cape Ann Youth Hockey is proud to sponsor CHALLENGER HOCKEY.

This is a FREE program with a focus on introducing adaptive ice hockey to children with developmental disabilities.  Please see below for more information and spread the word to families that you know who may be interested.

A few weeks ago I wrote a post about a banded seagull that we saw down in St. Peter’s Square.  Several of you offered information with contact information for reporting seagull sightings.

I was happy to send off the details of the gull that we saw and see if it could help.

I heard back from Dr. Julie Ellis the other day.  This is what she had to say…

Thanks very much for this report. K18 was banded on Appledore island as a chick on July 10, 2011. So, we know this bird is 4 yrs old. Before your observation, we only have one other resight of this bird after it was banded: Hampton Beach, NH 9/16/2012. So, yours is only the second resight of this bird!  Very cool. These resights help us understand how long gulls live, where they go when they’re not on Appledore, how many chicks they have, what proportion return to nest on the island, and other important aspects of their biology. I have done some studies of disease in the gulls, but most of the data we get will be used for studies of population,biology and ecology of the birds.

Here is my original post…if you are interested

https://goodmorninggloucester.wordpress.com/2015/08/28/for-the-birds/

Here is a link for reading more about the Gulls of Appledore

https://gullsofappledore.wordpress.com/

Joey has captured a couple of banded gulls also….Check out his here….

https://goodmorninggloucester.wordpress.com/2010/09/29/another-banded-gull-captured-by-joeys-gmg-lens/

The schooners certainly stole the show this past weekend, but let us not forget that on Saturday evening there were some pretty spectacular fireworks too.