Over a year old now and still not sure what to do with his shadow and/or reflection. This guy loves the beach as much as the rest of the family!
Author: Nichole S.
Kestrel Summer Program Fair
If you are looking for great options for your children for this coming summer, you should make a point to visit the Kestrel Summer Program Fair this weekend! Several local organizations will be on site to educate you about their summer program offerings to help you piece together the perfect summer fit for your family’s needs.
Sunday at 2:30 at the Kestrel Get Outside Center at 186 Main Street in Gloucester.
Visit HERE to read all about the Kestrel Summer Program Fair
Kestrel Educational Adventures Summer Adventures will be featuring a presentation on What makes our summer adventures so special?
Local organizations Art Haven, Maritime Gloucester, Waldorf School Camp, Gloucester Museum School Project Adventure Camp, Sail GHS, Harborlight Montessori, Seaside Sustainability, and Clark School, will also be present to show what summer programs they are offering for 2017! The event is free and there will be free snacks and lots of fun activities for kids and adults.
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Nichole’s Picks 1/28 + 1/29
Pick #1: Visit Patriot Place at Gillette Stadium
Get Down and Get Your Patriots Fix While We Have a Week of Rest!
READ ALL ABOUT THE HALL AT PATRIOT PLACE HERE
Pick #2: Young Company Winter Festival
READ ALL INFORMATION AND PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
WINTER FESTIVAL 2017
January 25 – February 5, 2017This year, the young company presents four fantastic Winter Festival shows! Family-friendly The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley Junior takes us on an incredible adventure all across the globe, while The Emperor’s New Clothes teaches us to open our eyes to what’s right in front of us! Mary Poppins uses magic, common sense, and a spoonful of sugar to teach the entire Banks family to value one another. Lastly, the dark and edgy Sweeney Todd shows us just how far some will go for those they love.This audition-based program for students in grades 1-12 culminates in performances on Stoneham Theatre’s stage. Anyone can audition, and free workshops prepare seasoned actors and newbies alike!
Student matinees available. Please contact Carol Dempsey, Director of Sales, carol@stonehamtheatre.org or
781-587-7905 for more information.Click here to see the Calendar.
Click here to see the Audition & Workshop Calendar.
Pick #3: Harvard Square Chocolate Festival
Because, well…why not.
Friday, January 27, 2017 – Sunday, January 29, 2017
The Harvard Square Business Association is excited to announce the highly anticipated 9th Annual Chocolate Festival. For three days, Harvard Square establishments pull out all the stops to celebrate all things chocolate! Harvard Square restaurants will feature chocolate appetizers, entrees, desserts, cocktails, cordials and nightcaps while Harvard Square retailers will dazzle you scrumptious chocolate specials and deals.
The highlight of this beloved weekend extravaganza is the free Chocolate Tasting Event on Saturday, January 28th from 1pm – 2pm. Please join us on Brattle Plaza (in front of Crema Café at 27 Brattle Street) for delicious, delectable and decadent chocolate treats from Harvard Square’s finest purveyors including Cabot’s Candy, Crema Cafe, DAVIDs TEA, El Jefe’s Taqueria, En Boca, Flour Bakery, Henrietta’s Table, Hotel Tria, JP Licks, Shake Shack, Starbucks, Toscano , wagamama and Zinnekens. Make sure to come early! This tantalizing event is very popular and attracts hundreds of sweet tooths!
When you’ve had your fill of chocolate, take a jaunt through Harvard Yard to the Museum of Natural History. Visit the famed Glass Flowers gallery where realistic hand-crafted glass models of Cacao, as well as cashew nuts, mango, pineapple, and other edible plants are on display.
Special thanks to Camp Cody, Seacoast Sweets and Rescom for their support of this tasting event.
Whether you are a serious chocolate aficionado or a fun-loving chocaholic, please join us for the sweetest weekend of the year in Harvard Square.
As always, for a comprehensive list of family activities, please visit our friends at North Shore KidNorth Shore Kid
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A Room With A View
Not a bad view.
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Rusty & Ingrid Creative Company
I have meaning to get over to Magnolia to visit the studio of Rusty & Ingrid Creative Company since purchasing some of their artwork at City Hall Plaza’s “Boston Winter” back in December. I have yet to do so, but wanted to give a shout out to their amazing work now anyway. If I’m being honest, I didn’t realize when I first started to look through their shop for some holiday gifts that Rusty & Ingrid actually calls Gloucester/Magnolia home. I was poking around and picking out some prints when I overheard someone mention that their studio was located on Cape Ann. How have I missed that? Their artwork is gorgeous! Of course, and I should have know, upon conducting some research, both Donna and Joey have done numerous posts here on GMG about the phenomenal art that this talented duo creates…and their super cute kids.
While the boys were skating at #BostonWinter that afternoon I quickly purchased a print of Brant Point, Nantucket for my own home (that’s where we got engaged) and a print of Martha’s Vineyard for my mom…who visits there often. I really wanted, however, to also buy the print of Fenway’s Green Monster and at least ten of the prints depicting many of my favorite haunts of both Gloucester and Rockport…including, of course, Thacher’s Island for Thatcher. I also texted photos of a print of Lake Winnipesaukee to a friend who owns a home up there….and several of their ski destination prints to friends who frequent various mountains. I would totally decorate a beach cottage or ski lodge with a large series of these….if I had one to decorate.
If you haven’t seen their work, take a peek at their website in the link below. I’m in love with their work…but also that they are local and make magic happen as a small, family run business.
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Best Air Freshener Ever
Two boys + lots of hockey + two dogs + wet trips home from the beach = need for a good car air freshener.
And, this is it. First of all, I welcome any reason at all to visit Surfari. Secondly, they’re super cute. Third, they’re inexpensive. And, fourth, they work crazy well!
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Sincerely, Barack Obama…
I think I have posted this letter from the White House once before, but it seemed extra fitting today of all days. As with the letter I wrote about earlier this week, this is another piece of mail that I will always treasure. No political rants here…just thankful for this letter…and thankful for the message. “We wish you a long and happy life filled with chances to learn, ideas to explore, people to love, and dreams to fulfill.” Thank you.
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Nichole’s Picks 1/21 + 1/22
Pick #1: VANESSA TRIEN & THE JUMPING MONKEYS
Part of the Family Series at The Cabot in Beverly, this show is at 10:30 on Saturday. Doors open at 9:30. Tickets cost $8.50 for children and $13.50 for grown-ups.
Vanessa Trien has been performing music for kids and families since 2005, many of those years in collaboration with her lively folk/roots/pop band, the Jumping Monkeys. She has three Parents’ Choice award-winning CDs for kids and families and is currently working on her fourth album, due out this winter. Vanessa packs concert halls, preschool fundraisers and outdoor venues with dancing kids and families.
She is known for her highly interactive shows, featuring plenty of group singing and movement. One of her most requested songs, “Tickle Monster” has families sneaking around on tip toe and then on queue, all start tickling each other!
In addition to performing, Vanessa teaches as an early childhood music specialist in preschool and pre-K classrooms in Brookline and has also taught parent and child group Music Together classes for ten years. Originally from New York City.
Vanessa moved to Boston in the nineties to attend Harvard’s Graduate School for Education and has stayed ever since, first diving into the Cambridge folk music scene and festival production and then eventually jumping with her whole heart into the wild and wonderful world of children’s music!
Pick #2: Snow Tubing at New England Sports Park in Amesbury.
Tickets are available for different tubing sessions. You can choose either from 10:00-2:00 or 2:00- 5:00, or 5:00-8:00 (Saturday only).
Pick #3: The Cape Ann Museum
Read all about the fabulous Cape Ann Museum HERE
We are so fortunate that the Cape Ann Museum is free to all Cape Ann residents for the month of January! This is the time to go! What a wonderful escape from the winter blues.
Be sure to enjoy one of the Winter Shorts during your visit.
Join the docents of the Cape Ann Museum on a variety of themed mini tours. Several twenty minute tours will be offered, beginning on the hour and on the half hour. Each tour will touch on a particular area within the Museum’s collections. Docents have created tours around their favorite topics, including Gloucester Fishermen, Women Artists of Cape Ann and 19th Century Selfies, among others. Participants are encouraged to spend the entire day at the Museum, enjoying one, two or all of the mini tours.
Tours are free for CAM members and Cape Ann residents or with Museum admission. Tours are “first come, first served” (space is limited – no reservations).
As always, for a comprehensive list of family activity please visit our friends at North Shore Kid
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Quick Little Getaway
We wanted a quick night in the city with friends after the Christmas crazies but before the actual New Year’s Eve mayhem, so I spent all of about ten minutes looking for a hotel for a Friday night in an area of Boston that has some restaurants and bars that we like to go to.
We landed at the Residence Inn by Marriott in the Seaport on Congress Street. Super inexpensive, comfortable, spacious, industrial, and funky. With a full kitchen, a seating area, and a large bedroom, we were able to sit for drinks with friends in our room before actually heading out for the night. With tons of restaurants/bars within walking distance, we didn’t even bother to hop in a taxi during the course of the evening.
If you’re overdue for a quick little getaway, can’t go far, and want it to be easy…I highly recommend it.
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Goodnight, Greasy Pole
A grainy iPhone photo, but beautiful colors with no filter even needed. What an unbelievable place we live in.
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Most Special Piece of Mail Ever…With Love, From the King Family
By far one of the most special things I’ve ever received in the mail and one (of the many) times I have been incredibly proud of my students.
Back in 2006, just days after finishing the book I Have a Dream: The Story of Martin Luther King in class during our “Read Aloud” time, I learned that Coretta Scott King had died. I shared the news with my students and, because we had just spent two weeks learning about Martin Luther King’s life, and family, and work…and probably in part because they knew of the many struggles, fights, tribulations, and ultimate tragedy that marked her life and the life of MLK and their children…they were very, very sad.
They immediately suggested that we write sympathy cards to her children. They worked hard, spoke from their hearts, and shared their emotions and their admiration for the commitment and sacrifices that the King family made to try to make life better for others.
I found the King Center in Atlanta, Georgia and mailed the letters there…not knowing what would become of them. I watched parts of her funeral…where four presidents, more than a dozen senators, and Maya Angelou, amongst many others paid tribute…and felt sad.
Imagine my surprise, when four months later, an envelope arrived at school from “The King Family.” While I know that what we received is the very same printed letter that hundreds, if not thousands of other people received, it still made me so incredibly proud of my students. In some little way, their thoughts and words and love, had reached Yolanda, Martin, Dexter, and Bernice….those same young children (now grown) that they had read about in the book about MLK. The same young children who watched their father inspire, and rally, and protect, and defend, and love, and sacrifice for others, had made certain to say “thank you” to my little group of twenty elementary students.
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How Do You Really Feel?
Got an early morning chuckle out of this this morning on the way to hockey.
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Meet Emily. She’s Pretty Cool.
So this seems like a pretty fantastic idea. Maybe especially on a boat so that one person can stay in control of the boat/ship if another is to go overboard. Also, if effective, a great way to execute a rescue without putting more lives in jeopardy.
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Nichole’s Picks 1/14 + 1/15
Pick #1: CAM Kids: Cape Ann Improv at the Cape Ann Museum
Saturday, January 14th at 11:00
What happens when history and fine art meet improv and silliness? Bring the kids and find out for yourself when Cape Ann Improv performs at the Cape Ann Museum. The arts and objects on display in the galleries will provide the inspiration for scenes and characters for interactive improvisational games throughout the Museum. Discover the art, history and culture of Cape Ann and have a good laugh with the talented and witty Cape Ann Improv performers.
Free for families with school aged children. Space is limited, reservations are required. Call (978)283-0455 x16 or email lizabrowning@capeannmuseum.org for more information.
Pick #2: Swim at the Newly Renovated Aqua Room
We’ve been anxiously awaiting the opening of the pool and renovated Aqua Room over at Cape Ann’s Marina Resort for a few months now. We spend a lot of time there…especially between November and April.
Check out my blog post from yesterday to read much more information
Pick #3: Discover the Dinosaurs, Unleashed
Follow this link to read more about Discover the Dinosaurs Unleashed
Tickets also available for purchase at the link above!
Venture back to a time when the dinosaurs roamed the earth at the ALL NEW Discover the Dinosaurs UNLEASHED! Experience up-close encounters with a lifelike Stegosaurus, Velociraptor and the king T-Rex in this thrilling walk-through exhibit. Kids can also meet a baby Apatosaurus, take an exciting spin in the Jurassic Jeeps at the Dino Raceway and visit the Kids Adventure Zone filled with themed bouncy houses, crafts, face painting and more. Parents and kids can test their skills playing an all-new mini golf course, become junior paleontologists while completing the scavenger hunt as they explore the exhibit and dig for fossils in the Valley of the Bones. It’s family fun of prehistoric proportions!
As always, for a comprehensive list of family activities, visit our friends at North Shore Kid
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The New and Improved Aqua Room at Cape Ann’s Marina Resort
We’ve been a little bit lost for the last several months while the Aqua Room at Cape Ann’s Marina Resort has been undergoing some pretty sizable renovations. With the windows and doors covered, exactly what had been going on inside has been quite a mystery. Which, I’ll admit, has only added to the excitement for two little swimmers that I know well. Finn, in fact, may or may not be guilty of peeking through little gaps in the window coverings to try to get a sneak peak.
Well, the wait is over. The Aqua Room is now open. And…just in time for a long weekend! I had the opportunity to take a look around on Monday afternoon and was completely impressed with the changes and improvements that have happened!
Some of those improvements are noticeable the second you walk through the doors. Whiter, brighter walls and new windows help let natural light in. The bar has been built up has undergone quite a facelift making it an even more appealing place to sit with friends. The brand new jacuzzi is gorgeous and the new pool deck is spotless. The pool itself has been completely resurfaced and has new tile. Colored lights under the water’s surface change from blue, to green, to red, to white giving the pool a sleek and polished finish. The restrooms and locker rooms have undergone improvements including some geared to the youngest swimmers. All of this is easy to spy and looks beyond great.
What isn’t easy to see, but is equally…if not more…important, are the major steps that have been taken to ensure that the aqua room environment and pool water is the best it can possibly be year round. With a brand new, state of the art, pool filtration system, the perfect combination of saltwater and chlorine treatment for the water, new heating, and even a brand new sound system, they have thought of it all.
We have always loved stopping by the pool for a swim and lunch or dinner. The Aqua Room has been a staple on our list of easy get togethers with friends and hockey teams…and the absolutely perfect escape on rainy or stormy days. We clock some serious time there and always have a great day.
Day passes, punch card passes, and individual and/or family memberships are available to fit everyone’s needs and budgets. The pool is open daily from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm. The children’s pool hours have also been extended to Fridays and Saturdays 11am-10pm; Sundays-Thursdays 11am -8pm.
Mile Marker One continues to serve both lunch and dinner at the tables surrounding the pool and now includes new menu items as well. In addition, COMING SOON, will be the newly enclosed year-round River Deck dining area overlooking boat slips and the Annisquam River.
I am so excited to start spending some lazy afternoons in the company of good friends while watching the boys swim and play with their best buddies. I am thankful for the measures that the owners/management of Cape Ann’s Marina Resort have put into renovations that will help build community in such a clean and safe environment. We are fortunate to have the Aqua Room as an option for family entertainment….now more than ever.
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Wicked Pissah” and Friends Look Wicked Cold
Under Wraps! Wicked Pissah and all of her friends look awfully cold under their winter shrink wrap. I think “Sweet Dreams” may be dreaming of calm seas and warmer days!
How many days until summer?
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Frrrrrrozen Fenway
With the temperatures in the low 20s, I’d say Frozen Fenway is an appropriate name!
A friend and I took some avid little hockey players to check out “the big kids” on the ice. In this case, those big kids were the Boston University and UMASS teams.
The temperatures were no joke, but it was great to get in there for a bit. With some competitive hockey, cocoa, and even curling the boys had a great time. A couple of the boys had to get back to Cape Ann for their own hockey games so we didn’t stay for the double header and I couldn’t help but think how much colder it must have been for the 5:00 Boston College vs. Providence game at the end of the day. There isn’t enough “Bailey’s in the coffee” to make that sound tempting.
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This About Sums it Up
I know a few of these guys. Almost can’t blame him…depending on how big the fish was.
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Nichole’s Picks 1/7 + 1/8
Pick #1: Snowy Owl Prowl at the Crane Estate
Enjoy the Crane Wildlife Refuge on the Crane Estate in Ipswich
Wide-open coastal sites are the location of choice for wintering Snowy Owls; common perches are dunes and salt hay staddles. In winters past, the owls have been frequent visitors to the Crane Wildlife Refuge. Join us as we hike the dunes in search of these magnificent birds. Unlike most owls, snowy owls are diurnal—they hunt and are active both day and night – so we have a good chance of sighting one even in the daylight hours!
Please note: We will be hiking up and down dunes, through soft sand, for approximately 2 ½ – 3 miles. Suggested ages 13 and older. Pre-registration required.
Sunday, January 8 1-3PM
Cost: Members: $9 Nonmembers: $15
Contact Information
978.810.5892
dantczak@thetrustees.org
Pick #2: Dorothy Talbot Rink
Head to O’Maley Rink for a few different reasons.
First of all, Public Skate is 2:00-4:00 on both Saturday and Sunday.
Cost: Adults:$5, High School and under $4 . Skate Rentals $4 per pair, Skate Sharpening $5
Secondly, the Gloucester Girls JV High School team plays Groton at 6:00 pm on Saturday night. This team is making waves and is fun to watch!
Third, Rockport High School plays Pentucket at 8:00 pm on Saturday night
and Fourth, Rockport JV Team plays Essex Tech at 4:00 on Sunday
See entire Talbot Rink Schedule and future games HERE because even without a hockey player in the house, taking in a High School game is lots of fun.
Pick #3: Sense of Wonder Walk: For the Birds
Sun, Jan 08, 2017 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, Topsfield
All (suitable for children 3 – 18 years)
Members: Adult $7.00, Child $6.00
Nonmembers: Adult $9.00, Child $7.00
Meets in the Nature Center. Please dress warmly since most of our time will be spent outdoors.
Registration is required.
Register online or call 978-887-9264 to register by phone.
Come meet some of the birds that live in our area all winter long during our walk on the sanctuary. Afterwards, make a simple feeder for the feathered friends in your backyard. Bring some edibles such as nuts (unsalted, preferably raw), dried fruit, cranberries, or sunflower seeds, and we’ll supply the rest. Take home a ready-to-eat bird treat and some gourmet recipes to try.
As always, for a comprehensive list of family activities, please see our friends at North Shore Kid
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Boston Public Market
How, seriously HOW, have I never gone here before?
I remember all of the hubbub when they were in the planning stages and when they were getting ready to open…but since then, July 30th 2015 to be exact, I hadn’t made it in.
Well, that changed just before Christmas. And now I CAN NOT WAIT to go back.
Cheeses, chocolates, produce, pies, cannoli, cupcakes, fish, figs, salami, sushi, meats, muffins, wine, wheatgrass….oh my!
Cooking demonstrations, cooking lessons, wine tasting, and more.
READ ALL ABOUT THE BOSTON PUBLIC MARKET
Good Morning Gloucester 