Author: Nichole S.

Those Sea Cadets are Just Flying Helicopters, No Big Deal

Posted on by Nichole S.

Gloucester’s David G. Ouellet Division of the US Naval Sea Cadets had the pretty phenomenal opportunity to fly with Boston Helicopter yesterday.  Each member took a turn to take to the air with a pilot and even got the go ahead to take the controls.  Unseasonably warm temperatures and a bright blue sky made the day all the more perfect.

In Sea Cadet fashion, the day wasn’t only about the chance to fly.  Under the direction of their distinguished leaders, instructors, and Petty Officers the cadets also participated in combat medical training and gun safety training.  They practiced marching, spent some time in class, and took a brief exam on the material presented to them at their last drill.

I can’t say enough about this program.  If you have or know of a child age 10-17 who may be interested in or could benefit from the US Naval Sea Cadet program do yourself a favor and inquire.

READ ABOUT THE US NAVAL SEA CADET CORPS HERE

READ ABOUT GLOUCESTER’S DAVID G. OUELLET DIVISION HERE

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Nichole’s Picks 10/21 + 10/22

Posted on by Nichole S.

Pick #1:  Essex ClamFest

The annual Essex Clamfest has everything the small town is known for including arts and crafts, K-9 demonstrations and, of course, the ever popular clam chowder competition. Nearly 1,000 people taste the best of the best, each voting for their favorite in the People’s Choice Award, while nine esteemed judges helped to select the winner of the Judge’s Award.

Read more at the Essex Chamber of Commerce HERE

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Pick #2:  Boston Children’s Theatre Presents: Goosebumps, The Musical Phantom of the Auditorium at the Larcom Theatre

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Brooke and Zeke have been cast as the leads in the school’s new production of an old play about a…Phantom. Strange things start disrupting rehearsals and they have to wonder: is this someone’s idea of a joke? Or is the Phantom real? A silly and spooky adventure ensues that will keep the whole family in suspense until the final curtain! Suggested for families with young people ages 7-16+. The show is 70 minutes long with no intermission.

READ MORE HERE

Dates from now through to November 5th available.

Pick #3:  The Addams Family at Stage 284 at the Hamilton Community House

READ MORE HERE

The Addams Family

The Addams Family features an original story, and its every fathers nightmare. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family  a man her parents have never met. And if that werent upsetting enough, Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something hes never done before  keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesdays normal boyfriend and his parents.

Please note: Addams Family Musical may have some “spooky undertones” therefore, Parental Discretion is advised for this production.

Seating Description:
Green Seating is Premium Interactive Seating and handicapped accessible
Yellow Seating is General Seating and handicapped accessible
Red Seating is Riser Seating not handicapped accessible

RUN TIME: Approximately two hours.

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Performances on these dates:

Saturday, October 14 – 7:30pm
Sunday, October 15 – 2pm
Saturday, October 21 – 3pm & 7:30pm
Sunday, October 22 – 2pm & 6:30pm
Thursday, October 26 – 7:30pm
Saturday, October 28 – 3pm & 7:30pm
Sunday, October 29 – 2pm & 6:30pm

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

The Bruins Academy and Former Bruin Andrew Alberts at Talbot Rink

Posted on by Nichole S.

This past Saturday the Boston Bruins learn-to-skate program, the Bruins Academy, teamed up with Cape Ann Youth Hockey at the Dorothy Talbot Rink in Gloucester for some on the ice instruction and fun.

Some very lucky skaters received, in many cases, their first on-ice lesson, completely decked out in Bruins gear, alongside former Bruin and NHL defenseman, Andrew Alberts.

It was so much fun to watch him skate with the kids.  He was beyond phenomenal and played group games like the best of them….while also offering up many special one-on-one moments to wobbly first timers.

My favorite moment of the day?  Watching Andrew Alberts give his undivided attention to a tiny one who had fallen and had absolutely no idea of how to get up.  I hope the video footage finds its way to this little one’s parents as his potential skating career unfolds so they can look back and laugh at how it all began….on the ice at Talbot Rink…with a Boston Bruin cheering him along.  See video below.

A huge “thank you” to the Boston Bruins, the Bruins Academy, and the Cape Ann Youth Hockey volunteers who worked together to make this a huge success.

Read More About the Bruins Academy Here

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Halloween Decorations #1

Posted on by Nichole S.

The boys have challenged me to make hunting for stellar Halloween decorations a thing like when we drive around and look for the best Christmas light displays in December.  So, for the next few weeks we’ll evidently be looking for and taking photos of Halloween decorations.  Feel free to share good locations!

Here’s some found at the Rockport Inn and Suites.

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Nichole’s Picks 10/14 + 10/15

Posted on by Nichole S.

Pick #1: Rockport Harvestfest

Saturday, October 14th.

Always a great time!  READ HERE FOR MORE!

The annual Rockport Harvestfest celebration features the best regional bounty of the season — all in an unbeatable setting.

New England food producers gather under a giant tent on one of Rockport’s historic working wharves to celebrate the best of local food with fresh seafood, pastries, cider doughnuts, chowder, small-batch jams, locally-grown produce and more.

Local craft beers and wine 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, the highlight of which is the Seafood Throwdown, a competition-style showcase between two chefs, demonstrating the versatility of fish, coastal New England’s most significant harvest.

Harvestfest features plenty of live bluegrass, jazz, folk, indie rock, cooking demos, a farm expo, and plenty of activities for families.

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Pick #2: Grand Prix of Gloucester

READ MUCH MORE HERE

CRAFT SPORTSWEAR Gran Prix of Gloucester | 14 & 15 Oct 2017
Rounds 1 and 2 of the Vittoria Northeast Cyclocross Series presented by Cycle-Smart

“Gloucester is a special race for me. It’s a true New England classic: the big, rowdy crowds always show up, the course is dynamic and challenging, and all the top riders line up.  Historic, classic, and epic” – Jeremy Powers US National Cyclocross Champion

“There is something about that place. It’s got a soul. I’ve been everywhere in the world that cyclocross races, and little comes close to the aesthetic drama of Gloucester.”
– Christopher Zigmont, cycling industry representative (Boston Globe)

“The incredibly well-organized event and huge, energetic crowds of racers and fans make Gloucester an amazing weekend of racing. It’s no surprise that it’s called ‘The New England World Championships.'” – Maureen Bruno Roy, Bob’s Red Mill-Seven Cycles

Read Posts from year’s past by GMG contributors at these links

https://goodmorninggloucester.wordpress.com/2016/10/17/grand-prix-gloucester/

https://goodmorninggloucester.wordpress.com/2016/10/15/video-2016-gloucester-grand-prix/

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

Forced Family Freaking Fall Fun

Posted on by Nichole S.

I jest. Really. But still, there are definitely some must dos this time of year….and I have wicked parent guilt if we don’t squeeze them in.  Silly as it is.

I know that I’m supposed to be doing a “Nichole’s Picks” post, but honestly this is a tricky time of year to get creative.  If we’re keeping track, these are my picks…and the fall must dos.

  1. Topsfield Fair
  2. Awesome Autumn Fun at one of the MANY fantastic farms/orchards near us
  3. Salem…..  get your Halloween freak on for sure.

We do the Topsfield Fair every year, for sure. That’s 1 point for Team Schrafft.

Contrary to that, every year I say we’re going to go enjoy some Halloween fun in Salem, but we never do.  That’s tie score, Schraffts 1, Fall Forced Fun 1.

Apple picking is the dark horse of our fall fun tour.

I always want to go apple picking….and sometimes the stars (and by stars I mean hockey schedules) align and we get to participate in some Forced Fall Family Freaking Farm Fun.  But lately, we’ve been letting the season get by us without nearly as much farm fun as normal!  This year I won’t have it.

My favorite farm is Applecrest up in Hampton Falls, New Hampshire.   I’d really love to know….what is yours?

Read all about Applecrest HERE

GoSun Stove

Posted on by Nichole S.

Anyone out there ever use this?  I’m intrigued…especially for fish on the boat.

GoSun is a young company comprised of designers, engineers, and change-makers, intent on serving the world with unparalleled green cooking solutions. We are passionate about our products and how they power our customers’ lives. Founded in a small suburban garage, we grew quickly thank’s to our community of committed customers, who not only believe in our products, but also use them to bring people together.

At GoSun, we are big believers in nourishing the good things in life and helping others do the same.

GoSun Sport

Our fastest solar oven. Bake, roast or steam a meal for two people in minutes, reaching up to 550°F (290°C). GoSun Sport sets the bar for portable solar stoves.

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GoSun Grill

Bake, boil or fry a meal for eight people, (4x more food than the speedier GoSun Sport) using only the sun. Due to unprecedented demand, the Grill will be on back order, shipping in October/November 2017.

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Read the reviews here

Click HERE for GoSun Stove Website

 

 

That Ship Has Sailed

Posted on by Nichole S.

That ship has sailed….well, actually, The Ship has sailed.

I’m not sure how I missed this fact until just last weekend, because I’m fairly certain I’ve been by since its demolition, but regardless…it is gone.

What’s next?  Hilltop or the Orange Dinosaur Mini Golf….oh, wait.

Local fun fact:  I read last night that the ship was actually built by a retired Gloucester sea captain named James F. Wilkinson….back in 1925.

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Photo from itemlive.com 

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All Growed Up

Posted on by Nichole S.

Remember these six little cygnets? Well, they’re getting all grown up and are doing well…except there seem to only be five now.  Super cute.

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Local Teacher and Students Celebrate Play Publication

Posted on by Nichole S.

I am very proud and excited that a play written by our Director of Performing Arts, Katie Oberlander, and performed by our students at the 2016 Massachusetts Middle School Theatre Festival, where they won a gold medal, has been published by Eldridge Publishing and will performed by two other schools, located in Texas and Indiana, in the next few months.  

I’m also looking forward to celebrating with Katie and the cast/crew of Mastermime in a few weeks.  See information below.

LOCAL TEACHER AND STUDENTS CELEBRATE PLAY PUBLICATION

Harborlight Montessori’s Director of Performing Arts, Katie Oberlander, and her former middle school students are celebrating the publication of Oberlander’s play, Mastermime, with a party at the Beverly school on Tuesday, October 24 at 6:00pm. Students are planning to sign scripts, greet fans and reminiscence about the creation of the original play.

Mastermime is an over-the-top melodrama that tells the story of a notorious criminal who distracts audiences with entrancing mime routines and then disappears with their valuables. The mystery unfolds, punctuated with theatrical cell phone ringtones, love-at-first sight encounters, and a dramatic mime battle! Oberlander wrote the play for her students to perform at the 2016 Massachusetts Middle School Theatre Festival where they won a gold medal for their performance. Eldridge Publishing, a leading play publisher based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, subsequently published the play and schools in Texas and Indiana have upcoming performances planned for November and December.

Harborlight Montessori is a preschool through 8th grade independent school in Beverly, MA, serving communities North of Boston. Mastermime is the second play to be published that teacher Katie Oberlander originally wrote for Harborlight students to perform. Oberlander works closely with her students to create plays that are fun for them to perform and specifically catered to their talents. For more information, please contact Director of Communication Nichole Schrafft at nschrafft@harborlight.net.

READ MORE ABOUT THE PLAY HERE

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Mime performance

Nichole’s Picks 9/30 + 10/1

Posted on by Nichole S.

Pick #1: Salem Food Truck Festival

The Salem Food Truck Festival is a two-day event being hosted in the Salem Common in historic downtown Salem, MA. The event will feature 40 food trucks, live music, and family fun. Save the date and save your appetites for one of the area’s biggest food truck events!

Check out their website HERE to learn more

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Pick #2: Topsfield Fair

Amusement rides, food and beverages galore, agriculture, livestock, vendors, educational experiences, live music, and much..much more.  While the Topsfield Fair may not be everyone’s cup of tea I’ve gone nearly every year of my life and always enjoy it!  Except that one time a few years back when it poured the whole time, the rides were closed, and the boys convinced us to bring home a new pet rabbit.

READ ALL ABOUT THE TOPSFIELD FAIR, PURCHASE TICKETS, FIND MAP + SCHEDULE HERE

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Pick #3: Chinatown Lantern Festival

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

Maybe Not Your Typical Girls’ Weekend….

Posted on by Nichole S.

I was super lucky to be able to sneak away from home/work with two pretty excellent peeps for a girls’ weekend away.  “Spa?” you may ask.  “Shopping?” “Beachfront vacation with a good book?” “Wine Country?” Nope. Nope. Nope….and Nope.  Three days in Kentucky at the Bourbon and Beyond Festival….that’s right.

We knocked off a a trip to Churchill Downs from the Bucket List by sneaking in just in time for the last race of the day.  Placed a bet, won a bet, had a drink, met a jockey, and looked around the grounds.  We went to the Louisville Slugger Museum and ordered some fun things for our boys. We had several phenomenal meals, stepped up our drinking game, met our fair share of Uber drivers, stalked Top Chef’s Tom Colicchio and gave him a good laugh, and heard some really, really great music.  Highlights of the weekend’s music were Eddie Vedder, Stevie Nicks, Steve Miller, G Love and Special Sauce, Buddy Guy, Amos Lee, Band of Horses, Keifer Sutherland, and Steel Wheels….but there were many other artists on the bill as well.  

Vendors, tons of food, so many drink options, live music on four different stages, corn hole, demonstrations, and lots and lots of laughs.  The Bourbon & Beyond Festival was no joke.  Huge kudos to the organizers of this phenomenal event for not missing a beat.  I was so impressed by the venue, the layout, the conveniences, the cleanliness, the efficiency, the talent, and the fun! 

While it may not have looked like your typical girls’ weekend away….I wouldn’t have traded a second of it.  Thankful for the opportunity. Thankful for friends. Thankful for a husband and kids that held down the fort at home and let me get away. Thankful for some pretty great memories.  

READ ALL ABOUT THE BOURBON & BEYOND FESTIVAL HERE 

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Don’t Sit Down

Posted on by Nichole S.

I snapped this photo in downtown Louisville the other day.  Couldn’t help but giggle at the three tiny pink penguins that looked like they’re about to peck at the massive golden statue’s behind.  A funky juxtaposition of art…..oddly enough just a few doors down from the Louisville Slugger Museum.

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Feels Kind of Like the Jetsons Cartoon

Posted on by Nichole S.

Just stepped off of our super early flight out of Kentucky and landed in Newark hungry and in desperate need of coffee.

We have a three hour lay over and a little work to do so we saddled up at a breakfast counter with work space and put in our virtual order.  Super easy and convenient…but felt a little weird about the total lack of interaction.  Good news is you don’t need to tip the iPAd.

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