While off on our annual Day-After-Thanksgiving-Christmas-Tree-Cutting-Trek, I encountered this super cute little one-eyed trash monster behind the shed.
Author: Nichole S.
Do Your Children Have March School Vacation?
If so, have them join us for two action packed weeks at Gloucester Stage!
Harborlight will be spending two full weeks learning all there is to know about the world of theatre at Gloucester Stage Company. At the end of the two weeks they will perform an original show. Thanks to the amazing team at Gloucester Stage and Harborlight’s Performing Arts Director, Katie Oberlander, students will have the opportunity to learn what it takes to pull off a professional production….from soup to nuts.
Earlier this week teams from both organization met to structure the week. So many exciting components are in the works and the two-week session promises to be one that these students never forget.
I n t en s i v e T h e a t r e P r o d u c t i o n
Harborlight Players, grades 4-8
This two-week course takes students to Gloucester Stage Company (GSC) for an intensive experience in theatre production, on stage and backstage. In addition to acting, students participate in all aspects of production, including box office management, lighting and set design, auditions and casting, costumes and props. Actors, assistant directors, stage managers, designers, and marketing and sales are all part of what it takes to stage an original production, which is what the students do on the GSC stage as the culmination of their theatre experience.
Harborlight Montessori in Beverly is ecstatic to be debuting Experience Weeks this year. For six weeks, one in February, two in March, one in April, and two in June, students (both enrolled at Harborlight and from elsewhere) can participate in rich, exciting, experiential, and fun Experience Weeks.
The two week collaboration with Gloucester Stage is just one example. Students from other schools are invited to join us during February vacation, April vacation, and the last two weeks of June as well! See what is happening during your child’s school vacation! Partnerships with Maritime Gloucester, Salem Sound Coastwatch, and much much more!
LEARN MORE HERE
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Nichole’s Picks 11/17 + 11/18
Pick #1: It’s All About the Turkeys in Essex This Weekend
On Saturday, enjoy the Essex Turkey Scavenger Hunt thanks to the Essex Youth Commission. 1:00 at Essex Town Hall at 30 Martin Street.
Join us in a hunt for turkeys throughout Essex and a chance to win a free Thanksgiving Turkey. Meet at Town Hall for the clues and work with your family or a group of friends to find all the hidden turkeys.
And then on Sunday enjoy the Annual Turkey Trot 5K Race and Fun Walk. The Race begins at 1:00
Pick #2: The North Shore Food + Gift Emporium
Sunday, November 18th 10:00-4:00 at the Turner Hill Estate in Ipswich
The most delicious event of the season celebrating 4 years. No, we are—still—not a holiday craft fair. Think of us more as a vibrant marketplace nestled in the rooms of a beautiful historic mansion.
This event is a celebration of food + gifts made by local passionate individuals (we consider them courageous, as well). We’ve procured 50 deliciously talented makers and have brought them together for a day of tasting + shopping.Who knew there were so many talented entrepreneurs in our midst? Honestly, we feel like this area has some pretty awesome local businesses. Why not create an event to celebrate them + showcase their goods?! Boom . . . the North Shore Food + Gift Emporium is born.
Come taste + shop from over 50 local food + fine gift makers—even more than last year! Sweet, savory, salty, spicy, crunchy, chewy, colorful, festive, shiny, fragrant, unique . . . you name it, we’ll have it. This event is designed to bring out the fun lovin’ foodie + savvy shopper in everybody.
Hosted at the gorgeous historic Turner Hill mansion in Ipswich, the North Shore Food + Gift Emporium will be the perfect event to get a head start on your—dare we say—holiday shopping. But don’t be dismayed, you’ll easily find something for everyone on your list . . . including something for yourself!
This FREE community event is created by two friends who share a deep love for the North Shore + for local entrepreneurs:
Lauren Guley
Creator of Now & Zen “Planting Ideas”
&
Jessica Brand
Cofounder of the online magazine, ATasteforLiving.com
Pick #3: Opening Weekend at the MarketStreet Rink
MarketStreets ice skating rink now boasts a warming room where skaters can don their skates away from the elements and hop inside when the weather gets a bit too chilly for extended ice skating.
As always, for a comprehensive list of family activities, please visit our friends at North Shore Kid
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For the Love of Hockey
For a few years now you have been subjected to reading my thoughts about Thatch and Finn’s hockey experiences with Cape Ann Youth Hockey. There is, after all, a lot to say….or, I suppose, write about. Rites of passages, teammates, championships, early mornings, smelly gear, miles of travel, scheduling nightmares, learning opportunities, goals, assists, penalties, wins, losses and laughs…lots and lots of laughs.
Through it all, the highs and the lows, shines the Sal Grasso Memorial Friendship Tournament. It’s a big deal with Cape Ann Youth Hockey Nation….and this past weekend was the 26th annual.
Since 1987, Cape Ann Youth Hockey teams have been playing in this tournament against Westmount teams from Quebec. The tournament alternates home ice. Two years ago the maroon and white caravanned to Montreal and enjoyed three days of hockey over the border. Last year, the Westmount teams came to us. Then again, in turn, this same time last week Cape Ann families started the trek north.
Some left on Wednesday, some Thursday, and others finally on Friday. Some made pitstops in Burlington, Vermont, some stopped to visit family along the way, and others checked in early to catch a Canadiens game at the Bell Center. All, however, were united in the children’s love for the game…and, if I do say so myself, their commitment to foster that passion and turn it into memories to last a lifetime. Martyrs we are not, however….for most of us were also united in having a really good time for ourselves. No doubt we all get a kick out of watching our children take the ice (over and over again) especially in Canada, but we get just as much of a kick out of team dinners, yummy cocktails, and late night hours in the hotel lounge. The Westmount Tournament is a perfect balance of all of the above.
Sportsmanship, friendship, and teamwork are at the heart of it all, but both countries will tell you that winning is nice too. The Westmount teams, unbelievably, took the trophy for the tournament’s first 14 years in a row! Since then, Cape Ann has won seven and Westmount four…well, now five. This year the competition was neck and neck, but in the end Westmount was victorious by just a couple of games.
While Cape Ann was sad to leave the trophy behind, we are all looking forward to next November already. We will be back on home ice, ready to make new memories and regain possession of that prize.
Thank you to the organizers, volunteers, and coaches. Thank you for the time, effort, and hours you put in every day, but especially during the time leading up to and during the very special Westmount Tournament. For the love of the game, for the love of hockey, and for the love of our hockey families. Until next year.
The Cape Ann/Westmount Friendship Tournament was started back in 1987 by Sal Grasso of Gloucester and Mike Deegan and Peter Wallace of Westmount when Sal paid for a bus out of his own pocket and took a crew of Gloucester kids 6 hours north to play some hockey. The trek was a huge success as most players billeted with host families and formed bonds that continue to this day. When Sal passed in 2006 the Tournament was aptly re-named the Sal Grasso Memorial Tournament.
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Peace, Love, and Beauport
Beauport’s iconic Volkswagen Beach Buses, our Hippie buses as they were called when I was first learning to drive, exude Peace and Love….. if I were naming the darling duo that’s what I would call them.
I stop and snap a photo of them each and every time I see them parked at the Beauport.
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Who Wore it Better?
Something happened over the weekend that made me remember that I snapped these photos at Stone’s Pub right around Halloween.
Freddy and I happened to be sitting at the bar for a quick bite when one of Stone’s patrons came in dressed as, none other than, Stone’s bartender Jamie.
Nice job. He did, in fact, shave his head and dye his beard to complete the outfit along with donning the Stone’s Pub t-shirt and jeans.
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Holiday Trolley Ride with the Good Witch of Salem
Sometimes when I do my “Nichole’s Picks” post on Thursdays…just prior to the beginning of a new weekend, events are already booked up.
So, with that in mind, I am throwing this event out now. It doesn’t take place until December 9th, but no doubt it will fill up.
Reserve your tickets now. Sounds like a super fun day for young children!
DATE AND TIME
Sun, December 9, 2018
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM EST
Join the Good Witch of Salem on a quest to find the Gingerbread Man aboard the Holiday Trolley! The race through Downtown Salem will begin at Jodi Bee Bakes with a story time all about the Gingerbread Man and how he came to life one day. All will get to view the baking equipment and tools used to create the Gingerbread Man prior to boarding the Holiday Trolley. Be on the lookout for the Gingerbread Man throughout the entire event. Together we will take off to find that cookie! You’ll never know where he will pop up!
Filled with songs, instruments, dancing, and special surprises along the way, this trip is sure to be a memorable one. In addition, the trolley will make a stop to spread some magic reindeer feed for Santa’s most beloved animals, his reindeer! The trip will conclude once the Gingerbread Man has been caught and then end with a special treat.
Ticket Details:
This is a ticketed event. Non-ticket holders will not be allowed entry to the event space. Everyone boarding the trolley must have a ticket. Tickets are $25.00 per person. Children 2 and under are admitted at no cost if sitting on the lap of an adult. Please note that tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable. Event begins at 3:00PM and ends at 4:30PM. Trolley will be departing promptly at 3:30PM.
LEARN MORE ABOUT JODI BEE BAKES
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Pete Frates’ “Pete’s Park”
“A Place for All”
I was so happy to have been at the Ribbon Cutting for the new Pete’s Park in Beverly this past Friday. The playground that Pete Frates grew up playing on has been rejuvenated and redesigned to be accessible to all and is really amazing. In addition to the Frates family, friends, sponsors, neighbors and more….also in attendance were Mayor Cahill, Governor Baker, Ray Bourke, and the brand new 2018 World Series Trophy.
Quite a line up to celebrate quite a collaboration….and an amazing guy.
This collaboration, in fact, began three years ago and the list of donors, sponsors, volunteers, and those who gave of time and talent is impressive. From the sports courts in Pete’s Boston College’s Maroon and Gold to the blue fish painted to indicate the accessible paths throughout the park….from the unbelievable basketball hoops to the custom built boat, the Lucy Fitz, this park has it all. It is truly gorgeous and speaks to how much love exists for Pete and the Frates family while also emphasizing their goal of creating a family friendly space for everyone!
Congratulations to all who worked so hard and gave so much. You hit it out of the park….as one of the speakers said, “for Pete’s sake.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT PETE’S PARK HERE
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Greenhead Season
The biggest greenhead I have ever seen! Looks like this fall may be a bad greenhead season. Kidding.
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Hungry? Go Score Your Free Taco Today Thanks to Mookie!
Today is the day. Don’t forget that, thanks to Mookie Betts stealing second base during the World Series, Taco Bell has promised everyone in the United States a free Doritos Locos Taco.
Visit your closest Taco Bell between 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm and maybe throw out a hashtag. Surely there is one…. maybe #thanksmookie or #stealabasestealataco or #freedoritoslocostaco or #tacohero
Here’s a link to find a list of Taco Bell locations near you…. https://www.tacobell.com/locations
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Nichole’s Picks 11/3 + 11/4
Pick #1: Cape Ann Museum Little House Exhibit
The Little House: Her Story
NOV. 3, 2018 — MARCH 31, 2019
2017 marked the 75th anniversary of the publication of the children’s book The Little House, written and illustrated by Virginia Lee Burton (1909–1968). In recognition of that milestone, for the past two years the Cape Ann Museum has been pleased to collaborate with Gallery A4 at the Takenaka Corporation in Tokyo, Japan, creating an exhibition exploring Burton’s extraordinary career and legacy. The Sawyer Free Library in Gloucester, the University of Minnesota, the Burton-Demetrios family and the Tokyo Children’s Library also contributed to the project. The exhibition that resulted from this partnership featured archival material and a model of the little house at the center of Burton’s story. After being on display at Gallery A4 the exhibition traveled to a handful of other venues around Japan including Spiral, a multi-purpose cultural center in Minami-Aoyama. The exhibition was greeted enthusiastically by large crowds at each site. Now, a year later, the model of Virginia Lee Burton’s Little House that was at the center of the exhibition is on its way to America where it will soon be on display at the Cape Ann Museum.
The Cape Ann Museum is pleased and honored to have been given this rare opportunity to engage in cross cultural dialogue on salient topics such as these and thanks its partners—and dear friends—in Japan for their generosity and kindness.
Pick #2: The Trustees present Notch Traveling Biergarten at Castle Hill
Saturday, November 3rd 12-4, Free
The Trustees and Notch Brewing are partnering to bring a series of family-friendly, outdoor ‘biergarten’ experiences to some of our parks, farms, and cultural sites this year.
Each biergarten will present family-friendly activities, food, refreshments, and entertainment, and will highlight each location’s unique character, history, and natural wonders. The weekends will feature locally crafted session (low alcohol) beer by Notch, which grows its barley and malt locally in Hadley, MA. The gardens are modeled after European-style, outdoor beer gardens growing in popularity both nationally and internationally as more and more people look for ways to enjoy leisure time together with family and friends.
The Notch Traveling Biergarten will be on site during Castle Hill’s annual Art Show.
10 am – 4 pm Crane Estate Art Show & Sale in the Great House, Casino and Grand Allée.
10 am – 4 pm Castle Hill Gift Shop and Cafe Open. The Cafe will sell sandwiches, salads, snacks, desserts, coffee, and other non-alcoholic beverages.
12 pm – 4 pm Bambolina of Salem will serve bratwurst, potato salad, sauerkraut, and pretzels in the Biergarten.
12 pm – 4 pm Lawn games and children’s eye spy in the Biergarten
1 pm Pedro Alonzo will give a curator talk at TunnelTeller, Alicja Kwade’s Art and the Landscpe installation at the former site of the Crane’s hedge maze.
2 pm Student art reception in the Casino
Pick #3: Boston Christmas Festival and Gingerbread Competition
November 2nd, 3rd, and 4th
Visit all 350+ pop up boutiques by American Artisans
Enjoy sampling the delicious products found in the Farmer’s Market Aisle. One entire aisle was not big enough and this year there are even more exhibitors to tantalize your taste buds.
Be amazed at the sensational Gingerbread Houses created by Boston’s top pastry chefs vying for Best in Show honors.
Meet the Artisans and commission a piece OR buy from their new 2018 line.
The Annual Boston Christmas Festival will feature the work of more than 350 American master craftsmen, and will highlight the annual Gingerbread House Competition to benefit Housing Families, Inc. – a non-profit organization dedicated to ending family homelessness.
Shop from 300 of America’s Finest Craft Artists at the Annual Christmas Festival, a festive holiday tradition, heralds in the season at Boston’s Seaport World Trade Center with the largest fine art and craft show in New England.
A unique aspect of the event is the rare opportunity it offers festival-goers to meet the artisans, discuss their work and commission custom pieces destined to become tomorrow’s heirlooms.
A popular Festival highlight will be the Gingerbread House Competition, where Top Chefs create gingerbread masterpieces to be judged by a celebrity panel.
Don’t forget to Print your Discount Coupon!.
As always, for a comprehensive list of family activities, please visit our friends at North Shore Kid
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Scary Lunch
I took Finn to lunch at Captain Carlos to see the Halloween Decorations on Sunday while Thatcher was off volunteering at the awesome City Hall Halloween Party!
They do a wonderful job of turning the restaurant into a treat for diners!
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Crashing Surf
The waves along the back shore were pretty terrific the other day
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Riders in the Storm
Thanks to Paul Horovitz for this great shot of some wave riders off Annisquam Light.
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To Help Get You in the Mood
Happy World Series Opening Day! To help get you in the mood for celebrating…here is a video compilation of the last out of every World Series Championship from 1980-2017!
Chills. I happen to have my three favorites.
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Ripple on the Water
What was Skipper’s Galley for a long time became Periwinkles many years ago. In driving by the other day I discovered that it is soon to be something new.
Welcome, Ripple on the Water.
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Nichole’s Picks 10/20 + 10/21
Pick #1: Essex ClamFest
October 20th, 11:00-4:00
Shepard Memorial Park, Essex
The 36th Annual Essex ClamFest from 11am to 4pm in Shepard Memorial Park in Essex. Although the highlight of the day is the Chowder Tasting Competition- come taste Cape Ann’s finest chowders- there is a great variety of activities, including arts and crafts vendors, live entertainment and plenty of food vendors on-site!
There is no charge to walk the Festival, listen to music, etc.
There is a $10 fee to be a part of the Chowder Tasting.
Pick #2: Halls of Darkness at Hammond Castle
There is little doubt that Hammond’s favorite time of year was October. He had surrounding himself with objects from antiquity, and felt a connection with the spirits of the original owners or artisans who created these objects. House guests that were invited to visit during October were never quite sure what Hammond had in store for them, especially after the sun set, and the candles were lit.
This year, 2018, marks our 30th year of hosting six evenings of Halloween haunts during the month. The theme this year–the “Halls of Darkness”–will be held on the three Friday and Saturday night sets of October 12-13, 19-20, and 26-27, from 7 PM until 11 PM. The single ticket price is $15.00 per person. Visitors must park at Stage Fort Park, and ride the free shuttle bus to the castle. Please do not drive here directly, as you will be redirected.
Pick #3: Happy Birthday to the Navy!
October 20 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
READ FULL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS HERE
Join the National Park Service, USS Constitution Museum, and USS Constitution in celebrating three birthdays: the U.S. Navy (243rd), “Old Ironsides” (221st), and USS Cassin Young (75th). Participate in hands-on activities for all ages including a Watson Adventures scavenger hunt, watch USS Constitution‘s crewmembers perform boarding pike and gun drills, enjoy birthday cake, and more! There will be a brief ceremony at 1:00 PM with a big announcement from LEGOLAND Discovery Center Boston!
IN THE YARD
Hands-on History Activities, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Knot tying challenge – Visitors can try their hand at tying four basic knots that sailors and riggers use in the course of a dayTattoos & Stamps – Special commemorative temporary tattoos will be available to wear and for those who collect cancelation stamps a special commemorative stamp has been created to add to their passport stamp book.
Rope Making – Discover the techniques to make quality rope and walk away with your own sample.
Rigging – Blocks and tackle make the task of lifting heavy objects easier. Try your hand at lofting a 20 lb weight with pulleys and see which one make lifting easy
Monkey’s Fist – A weighted line called a Monkey’s Fist, attached to the mooring line is thrown ashore to tie up ships. Test your accuracy by throwing a Monkey’s Fist at a target. Challenge your friends to see who is the most accurate
Thank a Sailor – Help the USS Thomas Hudner Commissioning Committee welcome the U.S. Navy’s newest destroyer by creating a note that will be presented to the ship’s crew when they arrive in Boston later this year. Members of the Commissioning Committee will be on hand to answer questions about the ship and commissioning ceremony on December 1st.
Speaking Tube – Whisper a message at one end of an elaborate tube and your friend will hear it yards away as if you were talking in their ear.
Rosie Selfie Station – Take a selfie in front of the famous Rosie the Riveter background and post it on your favorite social media app. #navybirthday, #usscassinyoung
LEGOLAND – Build your own creation activities using LEGO bricks.
Ceremony & Birthday Cake, 1:00 PMUSS CASSIN YOUNG
Hourly Tours (No 1:00 PM tour)Fantail Talks
11:00 AM – Bringing a Ship to Life: The Navy Tradition of Commissioning a Ship
12:00 & 2:00 PM – History of USS Cassin YoungRadio Operators
Radio operators will be on the air all day; there will be Morse code from Emergency Radio (on main deck)USS CONSTITUTION
Boarding Pike & Gun Drills, every half an hour from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMUSS CONSTITUTION MUSEUM
Trouble Afloat! Scavenger Hunt, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
There are rumors afloat of a pirate threat to Constitution and we need your help to save her! Your group will need about 60 minutes, a cell phone, and sharp eyes to participate in this app-based scavenger hunt created by Watson Adventures. Please email sdunbar@usscm.org by October 19 to register your group.Built to Win, 11:00 AM –3:00 PM
President George Washington needs you to build one of the country’s 1st naval ships. Design, build, and test your own mini ship’s strength and speed. Are you up for the challenge?1812 Games, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Challenge your friends and family members to a game of “Going to Boston,” “Nine Men Morris,” or “Draughts” – a few favorites of sailors both at home and at sea!Color Constitution, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
A ship launch is an amazing sight! Fresh paint, bright flags, and cheering crowds in their finest clothes made for quite a spectacle when USS Constitution was launched in 1797. Color in these drawings and show us what you think it looked like!NAVY YARD VISITOR CENTER
Mister Roberts Film Screening, 3:00 – 5:00 PM
In the waning days of World War II, the United States Navy cargo ship Reluctant and her crew are stationed in the “backwater” areas of the Pacific Ocean. Trouble ensues when the crew members are granted liberty.
As always, for a comprehensive list of family activities, please visit our good friends at North Shore Kid
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Antique Car Show on the Meetinghouse Green
Finn and I made a point to stop by the Antique Car Show on the Meetinghouse Green this past Saturday. Unfortunately, we were there at the very beginning and couldn’t stay terribly long so I know we missed several of the beautiful cars that arrived after we departed, but the cars we saw were pretty sweet.
Here’s the link in case you want to visit it to stay posted on next year’s event as it becomes updated.
https://gloucestermeetinghouse.org/event/2018-10-14-antique-car-show-on-the-green
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Essex Roots for the Red Sox
I always like to make note of what the windows say as I drive by Howard’s Flying Dragon Antiques in Essex. No surprise that the other day the message was loud and clear. Go, Red Sox!
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Come Play Hockey!
Cape Ann Youth Hockey is beginning this year’s seasons of developmental hockey.
Learn to Skate & Play: For beginners or brand new skaters ages 3 to 10. Saturdays @ 9:00 am beginning November 17th
Cape Ann Cross Ice: For skaters 5 to 10 who have basic skating skills and who have already completed a learn to skate program. They should also be ready for a competitive game environment that uses the width of the rink. Saturdays @ 8:00 am and Sundays at noon. Cross Ice began this weekend, but new additions are still welcome!
Good Morning Gloucester 