Author: Nichole S.

I heard on the radio that today is National Lobster Day…but, I wasn’t so sure so I did some research.  I’ve found conflicting reports.  Some sources say that National Lobster Day in the United States was June 15th and other say that it is indeed today.  Hence my question mark in the title.  It does seem that it used to be celebrated back in June, but the US Senate, lead by a resolution from Maine State Senators, agreed to designate this day in September as “the day” four years ago.

So, thank a lobsterman….or maybe a certain lobster buyer….you happen to know for all of their really hard work…and go enjoy a lobster.  Is anyone in town offering deals today?

Here is a “have a great day (whatever day it is) from my littlest lobsterman.  And….no, that wasn’t a keeper and was definitely thrown back.

Here is one source that claims today is the day.  

Senate Recognizes September 25th as National Lobster Day for 4th Straight Year

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SeafoodNews] – September 25, 2018

National Lobster Day is here – again!

Although some celebrate on June 15, the U.S. Senate has recognized September 25 as the official National Lobster Day for the fourth year in a row.

Maine Senators Susan Collins and Angus King introduced a resolution to designate September 25, 2018 as National Lobster Day back in July.

 

Working in Beverly, I’ve been watching the development of North Shore Crossing for quite some time now….specifically the progress being made on the new Whole Foods Market.  While I don’t ever imagine doing a “full shop” at the Whole Foods, I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I’m excited about the ability to run in and grab some of their nice array of prepared foods for the afternoon rush of “son juggling” to/from different hockey rinks.  Thatcher attends school in Rockport and plays for a hockey team out of Peabody….which means evening practices up there.  Finn attends a school in Beverly where I work and practices out of Talbot rink at O’Malley.  So, there’s a lot of back and forth up/down Route 128 and coordinating of schedules.   With hockey season kicking into full swing the exact same time school was back in session, we’ve been dropping the ball big time in regards to meal planning.  We are far too guilty of feeding the boys on the fly and the choices have been less than healthy.

Whole Foods will be a nice option for afternoon snacks and later dinners….or at least I hope….until crock pot weather is upon us.

Whole Foods Market, Beverly is scheduled to open on October 18th.

READ MORE HERE

Here are some store features:

Special features of the store include:

• Hundreds of products throughout the store from local suppliers, seven of which are recipients of Whole Foods Market’s Local Producer Loan Program, which provides low-interest loans to local producers to help grow their businesses

• Fresh produce department featuring seasonal fruits and vegetables and selections from over 12 regional growers

• Bakery department offering an array of breads baked in-house, locally-made pastries and items for vegan and other special diets

• Full-service butcher department with a variety of ready-to-cook options, such as made in-house sausages and fresh ground beef, and selections from local suppliers

• Seafood department featuring fresh seafood from local suppliers, including sea scallops, littleneck clams, oysters and haddock fillets, as well as a large selection of packaged and frozen fish

• Specialty foods section with artisanal chocolates, locally sourced cheeses and seasonal antipasti items made in-store

• Bulk section with about 90 items and five make-your-own nut butter grinders

• Prepared foods department featuring hot and cold food bars and stations for made in-house  signature sandwiches, build your own bone broth bowls, Mediterranean grain bowls, charcuterie, pizza, sushi and oven-ready meals

• Full-service coffee and tea bar

• Beauty and body care department featuring products from about 30 local suppliers

 

Pick #1: Trails and Sails Week in Essex County

These fabulous activities are so rich and important….and are such an asset to families and residents in this area.  There is a full calendar of 10 FREE Days of Events

Get your calendars out and start marking the ones that you would like to squeeze in!  There truly is fun for the whole family.

Discover special places in your backyard! Be guided through unique landscapes on land and sea, explore historic properties, and take in cultural experiences of all kinds. Find what makes Essex County like nowhere else during Trails & Sails!

GMG’s own Pat D. did a great post about Trails and Sails earlier today as well.  Please read hers HERE

You can find the TRAILS AND SAILS WEBSITE HERE

Pick #2: KidsFest at Wachusett Mountain

So this may be kind of a hike, but it sounds worth it.  Plus, you can stop at the AWESOME Wachusett Brewing Company on the way home.

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

LEARN ALL ABOUT WACHUSETT MOUNTAIN’S KIDFEST HERE

10am – 5pm

This one’s all about kids and families! Two days filled with entertainment, shows, giveaways, vendors, activities and more! No shortage of fun for everyone!

 

As always, for a comprehensive list of family activities, please visit our friends at North Shore Kid

Check out this awesome shot thanks to “Wicked Rick”.   It isn’t a huge tuna, but it is still a fantastic catch….with the camera that is.  This playful humpback was happy to take a closer look at their boat.

 

I went to Fenway Park on Saturday night to see Billy Joel.  He opened the concert by saying how nice it was to be back in Boston… (it was his 6th time playing at Fenway and he is now the 1st official inductee into the Fenway Music Hall of Fame).  He then told the crowd that he had spent the two days prior up in Gloucester.   Did anyone happen to bump into him?   A bit later in the evening he talked about his time in Gloucester again and said that his time there always reminds him of “this song” …. and then sang “Downeaster Alexa.”  (video attached)

During a weekend when we lost two iconic musicians, it was really fantastic to hear him perform as strong as always.

 

Pick #1: 5th Annual Harvest Music Festival 

Pick #2: Farm Day Festival

Sunday, September 15th 10:00-3:00

FOLLOW THIS LINK TO READ MORE

Come celebrate and support Appleton Farms at our annual Farm Day Fall Festival! Bring your friends, family, neighbors and everyone you know for some good old fashion fun on the farm. This event is perfect for all ages. Your ticket and attendance support Appleton Farms continued effort to provide quality food, programs and space for our community.

This year we are excited to be growing and expanding our longest running event! We will have your usual favorites that include visiting with our farm animals, painting your own pumpkin, challenging your friends in a potato sack race or hay obstacle course, taking a ride on the ponies, enjoying a wagon ride across the farm, climbing aboard our tractors, listening to some live music, and so much more. New additions will include an Appleton Farms cafe with farm goodies, local craft vendors with quality homemade goods, info and educational booths from local organizations and experts, and a pumpkin launcher!

All of this activity will surely have you hungry and thirsty. Luckily you will be able to visit our food court where you will find local food trucks, snack vendors and some delicious desert. A vendor list will be posted on our Facebook page. However, you can expect some BBQ, baked goods, ice cream, shaved ice, and more. Old Planters will also be stopping by to serve some beer beginning at noon. Yum!!

Admission includes everything except food, beverages and the pumpkin launcher. This event runs rain or shine. Admission fee is by the car load, so we encourage you to car pool. We will be offering a single adult ticket for those who will be traveling alone. Become a Trustees member at this event and recevie the ticket difference back along with a free gift!

Pick #3: Open Newbury Street, Boston

While shopping on Newbury Street is a bit out of my league, I love that they now close off the street to all automobile traffic three times each summer so that people can stroll, shop, eat, drink, and listen to music on Newbury Street.

This Sunday, September 15th, from 10:00-6:00 marks the final Open Newbury of this season.

Building on the success of the last two years of Open Newbury Street events, Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced that “Open Newbury Street” will continue this year over a series of three Sundays this summer. From 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on July 8th, August 12th, and September 9th, Newbury Street will become a pedestrian-only walkway, closing to vehicles to allow pedestrians the opportunity use the full width of the street. Newbury Street will be pedestrian-only from Arlington Street to Massachusetts Avenue.

“Over the past two years, we’ve had overwhelming success in creating a pedestrian-friendly experience for Newbury Street visitors and businesses and I am excited that we’ll be continuing this series again this summer,” said Mayor Walsh. “From being able to shop for products both in the store and out, to enjoying lunch next to a street performer, we are happy that residents and visitors will get to experience this opportunity, and are grateful to the business owners and residents who have worked with us to expand this next edition of the Open Newbury Street series.”

“We’re so happy that Open Newbury Street is returning this summer,” said Brianne Dyke, Manager of Crush Boutique. “These pedestrian friendly shopping days draw a wonderful crowd, and create a strong sense of community. It means so much to us that as Boston continues to grow, the Mayor’s Office continues to be supportive of small businesses like ours. We’ve truly enjoyed collaborating with our neighbors to create special events for the Open Newbury Sundays, and we look forward to another wonderful summer on our vibrant street.”

Parking will once again be restricted beginning at 8:00 a.m., and signs will be posted informing drivers of the change. All businesses will be encouraged to promote the event on social media using #OpenNewbury and make customers aware of car-free day ahead of time. The public is encouraged to utilize the several different MBTA routes that service the area in addition to bicycling and walking.

As always, for a comprehensive list of family friendly activities, please visit our friends at North Shore Kid.

 

As solemn an occasion as it was, I was pleased to be in attendance at yesterday’s 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at the Gloucester Fire Department Headquarters.   Gloucester’s Police, Fire Dept., Coast Guard, Harbormaster, Veteran’s Services, City Officials, Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken, Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante, and the Gloucester Division of the Navy Sea Cadets (including my son, Thatcher) gathered for a short ceremony led by Fire Chief Smith. The ceremony included remarks from the Chief, a prayer by Chaplain Peter Aberle of the Orthodox Congregational Church in Lanesville, a symbolic “5-5-5-5” alarm on the ceremonial fire bell, and a powerful moment of silence.

All in attendance were invited to City Hall for a reception afterwards, thanks to the Mayor’s office and the Gloucester Fire Department’s Women’s Auxiliary as well as donations from Jim’s Bagels & Bake Shoppe, The Caffe Sicilia, and Virgilio’s.

A special display was open for viewing by those in attendance thanks to Gloucester residents Dan Leahy, an Army veteran of the Vietnam War who was working for the Port Authority at the World Trade Center at the time of both the 1993 and 2001 terror attacks, and Brenda Leahy.

If you were not able to attend yesterday’s ceremony, maybe make a point of attending next year. It is an important tradition for the City to continue to honor those whose lives were lost due to the attacks on September 11, 2001 and also to show our great appreciation and respect to current first responders.

This porbeagle shark was hooked accidentally the other day.  As they got it closer to the boat it became obvious that the poor guy had a plastic strap cutting into its dorsal fin and around its body.  They said that it looked like a plastic box tie strap. While the crew hoped to get the shark close enough to try to cut the strap free, it pulled the hook and swam away before they were able.

It makes me super sad.

Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken, Police Chief Edward Conley, Fire Chief Eric Smith, Harbormaster Thomas Ciarametaro and Director of Veterans’ Services Adam Curcuru announced that the City of Gloucester will hold a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony tommorrow to mark 18 years since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

The ceremony will take place at the Gloucester Fire Department Headquarters at 9:55 a.m., tomorrow, September 11.

As written in their Media Advisory:

Gloucester firefighters, police, military personnel and elected officials will conduct an observance ceremony this September to remember all those lost on Sept. 11, 2001 and in the ensuing Global War on Terrorism.

“Each year, we host this ceremony to remember the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks,” Fire Chief Smith said. “It is a somber day for us all, and it’s important that we continue to gather as a community on this anniversary to remember all those who lost their lives that day.”

The ceremony will begin with an opening statement from Fire Chief Smith and a prayer by Chaplain Peter Aberle of the Orthodox Congregational Church in Lanesville. The City will also hold a moment of silence, and in the tradition of the Fire Department of New York City, the Gloucester Fire Department will symbolically strike a ‘5-5-5-5′ alarm on a ceremonial bell to remember those who died in the line of duty on Sept. 11, 2001.

“This ceremony is an opportunity for our city to come together and support each other, as we always do in difficult times,” Mayor Romeo Theken said. “Thank you to the Gloucester Fire and Police Departments, Harbormaster, Veterans’ Services and Coast Guard for coming together to hold this ceremony, and remembering this very difficult day in our nation’s history.”

Mayor Romeo Theken’s office and the Gloucester Fire Department’s Women’s Auxiliary will host a reception at City Hall on Dale Avenue following the ceremony.

Gloucester residents Dan Leahy, an Army veteran of the Vietnam War who was working at the World Trade Center at the time of the 1993 and 2001 terror attacks, and Brenda Leahy are also organizing a display in the auditorium at City Hall in remembrance of the terror attacks. The display will include a 9/11 quilt among additional memorial items, and a video will be available to answer questions about the terror attacks. The display will be open to the public until approximately 12 p.m. on Sept. 11.

 

The light on the water caught my eye so I stopped for a quick photo.

Cape Ann Youth Hockey’s Developmental programs are starting soon.  Your young skater can join either Learn-to-Skate or the Cross Ice beginning hockey program.

Check out all details on the flyer below or click HERE to read more

On a personal note, I can’t say enough about the skills, friendships, lessons, and love of hockey my two boys have learned throughout their years in Cape Ann Youth Hockey.

 

 

I got more than a little lazy with my weekend picks over the summer….mostly because either there was something super obvious to do…or because days were best spent enjoying beaching, boating, and relaxing.   School is back in session and weekend “picks” are back as well.

Pick #1:  Beverly HarborFest

September 7th from 3:00-6:00 and FREE for all! 

“Great party on the waterfront with live music, great food, craft beers from local breweries, and fun activities for all! Saturday September 7, 3-6 pm at Glover Wharf near the Beverly-Salem bridge. See you there!”

Share #beverlyharborfest2019 with all of your friends and ask them to share!

READ MORE HERE

Pick #2: Middleton Food Truck Festival

Saturday, September 7th from 11:00-3:00 at the Middleton Golf Course on Route 114

SAVE THE DATE for The Town of Middleton’s 2nd annual Food Truck Festival! Food Trucks, Live Music, Family Fun Zone all on 114 Middleton at the Middleton Golf Course! All are welcome entry is FREE. This Event is to raise money for the Middleton Food Pantry. Brought to you by your local businesses: TrueView Financial & Vinum Wine Shop.
This Years Sponsors: The Goddard School-Middleton and Body Ambitions Fitness in Middleton.

READ MORE on their Facebook page HERE

Pick #3: Ipswich Ale Harvest Festival

Saturday, September 7th from 12:00-6:00

FREE ADMISSION @ The Spencer Peirce Little Farm in Newbury

“Bring the family and the dog and join Ipswich Ale for their annual Harvest Fest at the historic Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm!

Free admission! No tickets necessary. This is one of their favorite and biggest events of the year – come have a pint with them!

Enjoy live music all day by Bliss, Jambalaya Horns, and the Orville Giddings Band! Grab a beer off one of their tapmobiles, and food from Slim’s BBQ, Kelly’s Roast Beef, CopperDome Crust, The Whoo(pie) Wagon, and Sisters of Anarchy Ice Cream! And bring your camping chairs and picnic blanket and watch a game of vintage baseball – played with 1860’s rules. They’ll have a bouncy house, face painters, and lawn games for the kids. Oh, and don’t forget the adorable farm animals!

Sweet Paws Rescue will be on-site with adoptable dogs all day. Learn how to adopt here: https://www.sweetpawsrescue.org/adoption-info”

 

For a comprehensive list of family activities, please visit our friends at North Shore Kid

 

 

Everywhere you look there is something interesting to photograph when walking around Gloucester’s waterfront.  This “dog house” behind Maritime Gloucester always catches my eye.

 

This guy’s home may be a bit cramped, but it sure is pretty.

Finn and I spent the week on Martha’s Vineyard last week.  A highlight for him for sure was jumping off the Jaws Bridge.  We went two separate afternoons there and, in all, I’d say he easily jumped 75 times.  He also earned his, “I Jumped off the Big Bridge” t-shirt.

 

 

 

Did you miss out on the opportunity to purchase some awesome Bluefin Blowout merchandise at the tournament this year?   Well, good news!  Much of the apparel and swag is now available, for a limited time, online.

Get your Bluefin Blowout Merchandise HERE:  http://bit.ly/BFBGear

 

These are definitely the strangest fish going.   I remember seeing my first sunfish years ago and I thought it was a fish that had been cut in half by a shark or something.  As nuts as it sounds, they actually have funny little personalities.  This one came right up to us…quickly I might add.  They’re pretty fast when they want to be.