Kudos to all of Friday night’s Greasy Pole contestants. Good showing!
Author: Nichole S.
Captured the Flag
Congratulations to Michael Sanfilippo for capturing the flag to become Friday’s Greasy Pole Champion!




So Much Spinning
A whole lot of spinning was going on. Funny….ever since riding the Twirling Strawberries at the Topsfield Fair 7.5 years ago and feeling violently ill from the spinning….only to discover two days later that I was pregnant with Finn… I haven’t been able to handle spinning. Roller Coasters…no problem. Spinning, twirling, twisting kiddie rides. Shoot me.
Sunset Practice
Enjoyed watching the seine boats practicing at sunset from the rooftop deck of the Beauport Hotel

Nichole’s Pick. Period.
I guess you could say that I’m boycotting my Picks Post this week, because….while I haven’t missed one since Joey asked me to start writing them….there is only one true pick for this weekend… The 89th Saint Peter’s Fiesta.
Here is your list of events for this year…. taken from
http://www.stpetersfiesta.org/2004program.html
| St. Peter’s Fiesta 2016 |
Novena to St. Peter Monday, June 13 – Tuesday, June 21 |
Wednesday, June 22
7:00–10:00 p.m. Musical Entertainment….St. Peter’s Park:
“Barry Mooney and The Sounds of Legends ”
Thursday, June 23
Youth 3 on 3 Basketball Tounament Time to be announced.
For further details, contact the Cape Ann YMCA.
6:30 p.m…… Fiesta 5K Road Race – with Cape Ann YMCA –
Starting location Stage Fort Park,
Finish line at St. Peter’s Park.
For further details, contact the Cape Ann YMCA.
8:00–11:00… Entertainment, Dance and Music featuring…..
“WILD FIRE” …. St. Peter’s Park
Friday, June 24
4:45 p.m……. Greasy Pole Contest…and…Women’s Seine Boat Races
Pavilion Beach
6:30 p.m……. Entertainment….Before Opening Ceremonies
7:30 p.m. …… Formal Opening ….St. Peter’s Square
Entertainment immediately following to 11:30 p.m…. featuring Elio Lorusso and SEABREEZE
Saturday, June 25
9:30 a.m…… Family Activity Day….Newell Stadium
For further details, contact the Cape Ann YMCA.
10:00 a.m……. Pavilion Beach…Military Seine Boat Race: –
U.S. Coast Guard vs U.S. Navy…
Gloucester Fire Department vs Gloucester Police Department
3:00 p.m…… Children’s Games…. Beach Court
4:45 p.m…… Sports Events… Pavilion Beach
Seine Boat Races..&..Greasy Pole Contest
8:00–11:30 pm. Musical Entertainment…St. Peter’s Square….
“Gian Faraone and Big Band Orchestra”
Sunday, JUNE 26
10:00 a.m…… Celebration of MASS OF ST. PETER….. at St. Peter’s Park
10:00 a.m…… Celebration of MASS OF ST. PETER….. at St. Peter’s Park
12:00 noon….. Procession following the Celebration of Outdoor Mass
3:00 p.m…… Blessing of the Fleet… Stacy Boulevard.
3:00 p.m… … Concert….United States Navy Band Northeast…St. Peter’s Park
4:45 p.m…… Sports Events…at Pavilion Beach –
Seine Boat Races..&...Greasy Pole Contest
6:30 p.m…… Children’s Pinata Contest – Pascucci Court
6:30 -7:15 pm Musical entertainment.. St. Peter’s Square… featuring Jimmy Geany
7:15 p.m……. Awards Ceremony – Trophies awarded to winners of the Sports Events
8:30 p.m…… Musical Entertainment – St. Peter’s Park featuring Paul London
11:00 p.m…… Raffle Drawings and Closing Procession
Save the Date: Next Year….
St. Peter’s Fiesta, 90th Anniversary, June 21 – June 25, 2017

Fresh Paint
Looking good. As if the beautiful scenery isn’t lovely enough.

Jones Creek
The one and only Finn turned 7 yesterday and was very clear about how he wanted to spend the day. Soccer camp, ice cream, bike riding, paddling boarding, and sushi. We added the Summer Solstice as a bonus. Why not.
While the whole day was pretty great, my favorite part of it all was taking the SUPs to Jones Creek and having some quality time with the birthday boy. With Thatcher off at sailing lessons, Finn and I were able to spend some time on the river, hunt for crabs, and enjoy the view.




Summer Solstice at Good Harbor
I so badly wish that my iPhone could have done this better justice, but the moon tonight…on this summer solstice…was phenomenal high above Good Harbor Beach.


If
I can’t help but think each Father’s Day, as a mother of two young boys, that they are most likely going to grow up to be fathers themselves one day. I hope that I am preparing them, as best as I can, be be good fathers, good husbands, good friends, and good people.
I first read If by Rudyard Kipling in college during a poetry course. I kind of feel in love with it. I have thought of its words often while watching my young boys sleep, giggle, stumble, smile, play, skate, cry, struggle, succeed, throw and grow.
If
By Rudyard Kipling

Live from the Roof Top: This is Beauport
The Beauport Princess makes its way past the beautiful new Beauport Hotel.

Live From the Rotary
So this was just happening on my way home…

That Melissa Cox, She’s One of the Good Ones
Not only is she a good sport, but she’s generous too.
Melissa agreed, thanks to a $500 request, to be tossed into the pool in the name of charity.
That $500 will go to a charity set up to help the Orlando shooting victims and their families.
You just never know what you’re going to run into when you meet up with a friend for a drink in Gloucester. While I missed the actual splash…I landed on the roof top deck in time to see a wet, chilly, but still smiling Melissa Cox spreading cheer the way she always does.
Thanks so much to Christopher Sicuranza for capturing and sharing the moment…and to Melissa for allowing me to post it. Thanks also to Steven LeBlanc for “the push” and Sean Nolan for stepping up big with the $500 donation.
(and, how about that roof top pool area!) #Beauport Hotel


Nichole’s Picks 6/18 + 6/19
Pick #1: Father’s Day Weekend Campout at the Crane’s Estate with REI.
Read all about it HERE For Trustees members only…so sign up now if you haven’t already.
Adult $45 and Child $25. Registration Required
Spend an adventure-filled weekend camping at the Crane Estate! Our special site in the Pine Grove is an ideal location for both experienced campers and first-timers. This overnight includes a choice of optional programs and activities on Saturday afternoon, which may include a Great Marsh Creek Walk, a Dune Hike through the Crane Wildlife Refuge, a Guided Kayak Paddle in Essex Bay, or a Scavenger Hunt for the little ones. Of course you are also free to simply lounge on the beach, or explore the property on your own. Bring a bag lunch for Saturday. REI will teach us how to make a delicious, nutritious camp out supper – and we’ll follow that with s’mores around the campfire on Saturday night. A light breakfast will be provided on Sunday morning. After you pack up on Sunday morning, you are welcome to spend Sunday afternoon at the beach (parking in the lot by the Barn only).

Pick #2: Connors Farm Strawberry Festival, Danvers
Always a favorite kick-off to summer!
READ ALL ABOUT IT HERE AND PURCHASE ADVANCED TICKETS IF YOU’D LIKE
Saturday, June 18, 2016 – 9am to 6pm (Rain date Sunday, June 19, 2016)
$7.95 Admission per Person, 2 and under are free.
(A Portion of the Proceeds Benefit Jimmy Fund Clinic at Dana Farber)
Note: Everyone must pay the $7.95 fee for entrance to pick your own and all festivities
Activities Included with $7.95 admission: The Boston Rockabilly Band LIVE from Noon to 4pm, Jumping Pillow, Farm Animals, Hayrides, Cow Train, Grain Train, Duck Races, Pedal Carts & more!
Additional charge for: Food, Our Famous Strawberry Shortcake, BBQ Food, Pick Your Own Strawberries, Pony Rides, Strawberries Dipped in Chocolate and Face Painting.

Pick #3: Arts Fest Beverly
Saturday, June 18th, 2016 10am-4pm on Cabot Street
NEW – Arts Fest is expanding – Cabot St will be closed from Judson to Bow St
Rain or Shine
Join us at Arts Fest on Saturday, June 18th from 10am-4pm. New this year, Arts Fest has expanded to include one more block of Cabot Street. Artist tents will be set up all the way from Judson Street to Bow Street. For fourteen years, Arts Fest has brought fine artisans and crafters downtown for a free festival that attracts thousands of shoppers and visitors. Artist tents will be set up with jewelry, clothing, furniture, paintings, photographs, pottery and more for sale. The free event also showcases live painting and local performers. There is plenty of fun for the whole family!

Pick #4: Family Fishing Festival at Endicott Park, Danvers
Saturday, June 18th @ 10:00 a.m.
This festival is cosponsored by the MassWildlife Angler Education Program and Danvers Recreation. This is a non-competitive, family friendly, learn to fish event. Bring your fishing equipment, or borrow ours – limited equipment and bait will be provided. This is a free event; however, all visitors are subject to a $1 resident vehicle or $3 non-resident vehicle user fee. Open to the public. For more information, please contact Christine Dean at (978) 774-6518 or Jim Lagacy at (508) 389-6309 or jim.lagacy@state.ma.us.

As always, for a more comprehensive list of family activities, please visit our friends at North Shore Kid.
Point Taken
Polite and to the point.

Who is in the Know?
We mentioned the other day on the most recent podcast (from the gorgeous new Beauport Hotel) that a new restaurant is coming to Rockport.
The Feather & Wedge Restaurant and Bar (happy dance) is scheduled to open sometime this summer. I honestly don’t know a thing about it. Who can fill us in? I’d love to know more!


Well, Hello, Beauport Hotel.
I was fortunate enough to spend some time at the brand new Beauport Hotel last night. To say that it exceeded my expectations is beyond an understatement. The attention to detail is second to none and I coveted each and every piece of art, piece of furniture, lamp, sconce, throw pillow, cushion, etc.
My best attempt to describe it is Pottery Barn (or maybe Restoration Hardware) meets America’s Cup. It is crisp, modern, comfortable, cozy, bright, nautical, and chic…all at once. It feels just enough like “Gloucester” while also feeling like a wonderful retreat and escape. I felt at home….and yet a million miles away.
While there, I sat in a formal dining room to tape our podcast, at the indoor bar for a delicious tomato and mozzarella flatbread, by the rooftop pool for the sunset, and then on the expansive ocean-front deck by the fire pit. Each space had its own feel…while yet being completely cohesive. There are comfortable sitting areas everywhere you look. Plenty of nooks and crannies for intimate seating for two….and large tables and seating configurations for meeting up with a large group of friends.
Honestly, even last night with a chill in the air, I could have sat on the deck for hours on end.
We are beyond blessed to have so many fabulous choices here on Cape Ann. The Beauport Hotel is, in my opinion, the precious last piece of a puzzle. Kudos to all involved in the enormous efforts of making it a reality.
Afternoon on the Deck
Spent some time on the deck at the Studio the other day had a fantastic meal and a great time. Crazy, yummy sushi, perfectly cooked edamame, and the best mussels I’ve ever had.




Nichole’s Picks 6/11 + 6/12
Pick #1: Strawberry Festival at Mile Marker One
Always a lot of fun! Great for kids…and their grown-ups too.

Pick #2: Wee Woodland Fairy Festival at the Wenham Museum
Saturday, June 11 from 10:00-3:00
The fairy festival is included with admission to the museum…or upgrade to the Premium Tea Party for $10 per child.
ADVANCED REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED…. Follow LINK below to sign-up.
Read all about it and register HERE

Pick #3: BeanStalk Adventure Ropes Course at Jordan’s Furniture

Experience the thrill of traveling from one activity to the next. Test your agility and balance, as you make your way across our exclusive, one-of-a-kind sky ropes course. Head up 12 or 24 feet and step off onto zig zag beams, crisscross angled rope ladders, and hold tight for spaghetti hand lines. Walk the plank at 24 feet where you travel out on a 6 inch standalone beam, only to pivot ever so perfectly and return.
Admission Prices:
BeanStalk Adventure Ropes Course (with Zip Line) – $12.50
BeanStalk Adventure Ropes Course (without Zip Line) – $10.50
Must be at least 48″ tall or 42″ if accompanied by a chaperone.
BeanSprout Adventure Ropes Course – $6.25
Must be less than 48″ tall.
As always, for a more comprehensive list of family activities, please visit our friends at North Shore Kid.
19th Annual Viking Baseball Academy
I’ve heard some great things about this baseball camp, I know John Parisi is fantastic, and I’m thrilled Thatch and Finn will be attending.
What a great way to kick off summer! Check it out and consider signing up your 7-12 year-old. The organizers are making final preparations now.


Artists at Work
Artists were busy at work painting at the scenic Cox Reservation the other day. Who can blame them?






