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.”
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
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
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
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.
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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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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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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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.
Photo from https://ussconstitutionmuseum.org/event/in-the-yard-a-celebration-of-540-years-of-service/
Join the National Park Service, USS Constitution Museum, and USS Constitution in celebratingthree 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 day
Tattoos & 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 lineis thrown ashoreto 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 PM
USS 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 Young
Radio 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 PM
USS 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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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.
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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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!
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So many fantastic things going on this weekend right on Cape Ann! Take advantage of some of it for sure!
Pick #1: Rockport’s Harvest Fest
Saturday, October 13th 10:00-5:00, Downtown Rockport
About the Festival
The annual Rockport Harvestfest celebration features the best regional bounty of the season — all in an unbeatable setting.
Take the train to Rockport and start your Harvestfest experience with the makers’ shops at Whistlestop Mall. Head downtown to T-Wharf for local beer and a showcase of food producers and growers. Enjoy all that Rockport has to offer: beaches, parks, shops, galleries, and restaurants as we celebrate New England at Harvestfest.
New England food producers gather on one of Rockport’s historic working wharves to celebrate the best of local food with fresh lobster, chowder, pastries, grass-fed beef, wood-fired pizza, small-batch jams, locally-grown produce and more. Craft beers produced in Massachusetts are on hand, along with Rockport’s own Twin Lights, with soda crafted from the 120-year-old company’s original recipes. Cooking demonstrations take place throughout the day demonstrating the riches of harvest in New England.
Harvestfest features plenty of live bluegrass, jazz, folk, indie rock, cooking demos, a farm expo, and plenty of activities for families.
NOW SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14th from 1:00-5:00 on Gloucester’s Meeting House Green
Over 30 Classic Cars! Come join us on Meetinghouse Green! Admission to the public is free but donations to the Foundation are greatly appreciated. Hourly tours of the building with performances on the historic 1893 pipe organ. Food and beverages will be available and the Dixieland band John’s Giddy Gang will perform. The audience will judge the cars with prizes awarded at the conclusion of the show.
There will be a 50/50 raffle, GMF caps, mugs, totes and umbrellas for sale, and an available judging sheet with 9 categories for the audience to determine the winners. John Hicks’ Dixieland ensemble ‘John’s Giddy Gang’ will play for the crowd’s enjoyment, the Causeway Restaurant will have delicious food like their famous chowders and lobster rolls, and there will be hourly tours of the Meetinghouse including a piece performed by Bob Wech on the 1893 Hutchings-Fisk pipe organ. If you or a friend have a classic car you would like to show (entrance fee $25), please register at info@gloucestermeetinghouse.org.
The fun begins at 1pm and will include a festive award ceremony at 5:00pm. We are hoping for a beautiful autumn day (rain date is Sunday afternoon), as summer and the 3rd season of Music on Meetinghouse Green fades from memory. Please plan to stop by, bring family and friends, and enjoy the show!
In the spirit of giving back to the community each concert is partnered with a Cape Ann non-profit organization. The public is invited to make a free-will donation (So if you can, please bring cash/check.) This week’s organization is GMF.
BOSTON, Mass. (Oct. 10, 2018) – The 2018 Vittoria Northeast Cyclocross Series presented by Clif Bar and Cycle-Smart begins this weekend with the 20th edition of the CRAFT Sportswear Gran Prix of Gloucester presented by Ipswich Brewing. Taking place this October 13 and 14, in Gloucester’s iconic Stage Fort Park, cyclists of all ages and abilities will take on the twists and turns of the park with competitions culminating with the men’s and women’s professional races.
Union Cycliste Internationale sanctioned (UCI) Elite Class 2 (C2) races will be held both days for professional women and men. Athletes will compete for points on the USA Cycling Pro Cyclocross Calendar (ProCX), as well as for the Vittoria Series overall competition. Winning athletes will be awarded coveted Verge Sport leader’s jerseys at the Gloucester event.
The Vittoria Series includes four weekends of competition on classic cyclocross courses in the Northeast in Gloucester, Mass., Northampton, Mass., Suffern, N.Y., and Warwick, R.I. The longest standing UCI cyclocross series in the United States continues in its mission to drive the sport forward and set an example.
Courtesy of Good Morning Gloucester’s Donna ArdizzoniCourtesy of Good Morning Gloucester’s Donna Ardizzoni
Pick #4: Cape Ann Plein Air
Fabulous artists can still be discovered painting all around Cape Ann. It is such a treat to catch them in action as they capture the gorgeous scenery that surrounds us.
The Bridge Cape Ann hosted its 6th annual Harvest Fest at Cape Ann’s Marina Resort this past weekend. It is always a good time. We had an incredibly busy day but I was happy to stop by for a little bit.
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Have you tried these coffee energy bars yet? You should. Tremendous.
Oddly enough, formerly I wasn’t a big fan of granola bars, energy bars, protein bars, and the like. I had tried many and while some were ok, I hadn’t found one that I’d bother to purchase a second time. That having been said, these JavaUp bars have me hooked.
The first time I tried one was during this summer’s Bluefin Blowout. JavaUp was on site as an exhibitor handing out samples….convenient for me during a four-day tournament that typically comes with little sleep. Convenient also for the captains and crews out on the water in search of bluefin tuna. In fact, I heard many sing praise for the JavaUp bars throughout the tournament.
One can only drink so much coffee. Even if I was inclined to drink more than my morning cup, if I’m being honest, I would absentmindedly set it down somewhere to become cold….or, in ice coffee’s case, watered down. The JavaUp bars were a perfect way to both have a quick snack AND an extra little boost. Win, win.
These words grabbed my attention too. Nutritionally sound. Incredibly tasty. Sustainably-farmed. Direct Trade. And, who can leave out “the energizing equivalent of an espresso in a portable snack”?
That was my personal endorsement….but, read on to hear more about the JavaUp brand from those most in the know…and then go find some in a store near you or order on-line at the link below. I’d also be interested in knowing where you are fortunate enough to purchase these bars in stores. I swing by Willow Rest in Gloucester to grab mine once in a while.
BERKSHIRE BREWED
JavaUp™ snacks were born in the Berkshires test kitchen of healthy food and cookie entrepreneur, Lisa Newmann. Inspired to provide real food in an industry that was becoming increasingly artificial, Lisa deeply believed that snacks could and should be a source of nutritional balance and incredible taste. Fueled by the ingredients in a chocolate java recipe from her cookie repertoire, she transformed it into a nutritionally sound, coffee-fueled snack bar, packed with real food. Consumers love the toasted whole grains, seeds, chocolate and coffee — the satisfying and energizing equivalent of an espresso in a portable snack.
Boost your afternoon with JavaUp™ coffee-fueled energy bars in the office, at the gym, on the road or at your desk. Keep them in your backpack and briefcase to enjoy them while working or working out.
SHADE GROWN COFFEE – THE BEANS
The farms from where our coffee is sourced grow their plants only in the shade — under the canopy of fruit trees, clouds and on shaded mountainsides. These shaded enclaves provide habitats for migrating birds and pollenating bees and no pesticides are used.
Beyond fair trade, JavaUp™ coffee beans are Direct Trade — purchased directly from the farms and COOPs, where proceeds from their premium products go directly to the growers’ communities — to their schools, health clinics and water systems. The coffee is traceable and the farmers’ practices are documented for sustainability.
Our beans are roasted by artisan roasters at Six Depot Coffee in West Stockbridge, MA.
COFFEE THAT NEVER SPILLS™
Crafted for taste from dark chocolate melted with espresso and toasted oats that will send every coffee lover to the moon!
Made with only sustainably-farmed, locally roasted, shade grown coffee.
Enjoy either Caramel Macchiato: “Made with English toffee, shade grown organic espresso, chocolate, toasted gluten-free oats and sunflower seeds, the Caramel Macchiato coffee bar provides 5g of protein, 4g of fiber, 160 calories and is worthy of the best barista. Spill-proof, portable and delicious, there is an espresso in every bar!”
or Cafe Mocha: “The Café Mocha bar contains dark chocolate, espresso, toasted gluten-free oats and almonds, delivers 6g of protein and 5g of fiber with 160 calories. Satisfying & stimulating, there’s an espresso in every bar!”
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Pick #1: Mattos Field Private Joseph S. Mattos Jr. Flag Dedication Ceremony
Please consider joining the Cape Ann Office of Veterans Services, the City of Gloucester, and the Light Up Mattos Field Committee for this special ceremony.
JetOberfest is almost here.
Come on out and join us once again at the Plum Island Airport for 4 days of Nonstop RC Jet action (Turbine and Ducted Fan Jets, no props or rotors for this event please). Pilots from all over the Northeast and Canada will make their way to our little slice of heaven to WOW the crowds with some amazing machines.
Dates: October 4th – 7th
Times: 9-4 Thur-Sat, Sun 9-2 (pilots will be packing up for travel after noon as flying tapers off).
Location: 24 Plum Island Turnpike, Newbury, MA
Plum Island Airport
PILOT INFORMATION:
Pilot fee $ 50
Pick #3: Fall Concert Series at Appleton Farms
Date & Time
Sunday, October 7
4-7PM
Cost
Member Carload: $20;
Nonmember Carload: $25;
Join us for fall concerts in the Stone Paddock! These family-friendly concerts will feature live music, food trucks, lawn games, and an opportunity to meet our dairy cows and farm animals!
Bring a picnic from home or food will be available for purchase from local food trucks. Beer and wine will be available for purchase from Ipswich Ale and Old Planters Brewing. Enjoy our lawn games, meet our animals, and enjoy a gorgeous fall evening on the farm. Gate opens at 4pm and concert starts at 5pm. Sorry no dogs or byob.
Thatcher was walking around downtown Rockport with some friends after school yesterday when they were asked to guard a package by a gentleman on Bearskin Neck. I’m proud of him for knowing that he should call me and make sure that sounded “ok.” He told me the story, told me he was with two friends, and that they were outside in a public area…. he also explained that the man was leading his girlfriend on a scavenger hunt and that she’d be by within 30 minutes to find that package before moving on to her next surprise. I made Thatch send me a photo of the package. It was a swan, with a note, in a nice little bundle.
Sure as anything, about 20 minutes later, a woman came by, discovered the package, read the note, and continued on her way. Thatcher decided it felt too creepy to snap a photo of her. Sigh.
At any rate, kudos to the man for arranging such a fun afternoon for his girlfriend. He was kind enough to even give Thatch and his friends some money to split for making sure that no one else took off with his swan.
I hope the afternoon was everything that he expected it to be! Was there a proposal at the end? I wish we knew! Are congratulations in order? I hope so!
I’m not so sure about the duct tape though.
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