It must be spring! Roy Moore Lobster Co. opens today! 9:00-6:00 each and every day.
Head on down to Bearskin Neck in Rockport, do some shopping, and grab something delicious to eat!
Author: Nichole S.
Nichole’s Picks 3/26 +3/27
Pick #1: Egg-Cellent Easter Adventure at Appleton Farms
Saturday, March 26th 10:00-12:00
Say goodbye to the cold and celebrate the arrival of warmer weather here on the Farm! While we often associate eggs with the Easter Bunny, in many cultures eggs symbolize new life and are tied with the coming of spring. At this event, we celebrate spring, new life on the farm, and the bounty of fresh eggs produced by our hens. Go on the Egg-cellent Quest around the farm and learn about the journey from egg to chicken, collecting Easter eggs at each station to complete the Quest! Enjoy homemade refreshments in our Carriage Barn, visit with the calves, and make some fun farm crafts! Quest begins at 10am. Please plan to arrive by 11am and bring a basket of your own to collect the Quest eggs.
Please Note: It is only necessary to register for one ticket per family. If you have more than 6 in your family, please register for 2 families so we have enough eggs and refreshments for everyone.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
Pick #2: Children’s Drop and Shop
Head over to The Pingree School in Hamilton to score some great spring clothes, toys, sports equipment, and more at this year’s Spring Children’s Drop and Shop.
Spring/Summer
Children’s Clothing &
Gear Consignment Sale
March 23-26, 2016
CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE INFORMATION YOU’LL NEED
Pick #3: The Walk to the Sea
Enjoy a nice spring afternoon in Boston….and learn something along the way.
The free walk, beginning at the State House on Beacon Hill and ending at Long Wharf, spans one mile that covers Boston’s historic landmarks and skyscrapers.The Walk to the Sea consists of ten freestanding glass panels located at the eight spots throughout the city.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN ALL ABOUT THE WALK TO THE SEA
Walk through the city of Boston, stopping along the way to learn about the transformation that made Boston what it is today.
Destinations along the way include:
Beacon Hill
King’s Chapel
Government Center
The Old State House
Financial District
Custom House
Rose Kennedy Greenway
Long Wharf
As always, for a more comprehensive list of family activities, visit our friends at North Shore Kid
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Know Someone Interested in an Engineering Career at Sea? Check out This Opportunity.
While I may not be an expert, I know enough about the Merchant Marines (and standard college tuition rates), to know that this is a pretty incredible opportunity…and an even better deal. Think hard about whether or not you may know someone who should take advantage of this….before this ship sails. This program is currently being offered to help find qualified marine engineers as a shortage of such individuals is becoming evident.
To summarize…this program, created by American Maritime Officers and the Seafarers International Union …is offering free training and tuition, room and board, travel expenses, medical insurance, an on-shore stipend, wages for time at sea, and more to qualified candidates to prepare them for a seafaring career. In just about 30 months, upon successful completion of the program and its phases, graduates will finish, qualified by the United States Coast Guard, and ready to sit for the Third Assistant Engineer exam. Upon passing the exam, a pretty sweet salary, a career at sea, and the opportunity to travel around the world, will be theirs.
Take a look at their brochure for much more information….and then share with someone who may be interested.
Also find more information at the link below…including an application
The application deadline for the class beginning in January of 2017 is August 8th, 2016.
https://www.star-center.com/techprogram/techprogram.html
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The Academy at Penguin Hall
This looks to be a fantastic new option for High School aged girls.
The Academy at Penguin Hall, in Wenham, is scheduled to open its doors in the fall for its very first class of students. Be there from the beginning.
Read All About Penguin Hall HERE and call to schedule a tour.
The Academy at Penguin Hall’s Mission is to educate, enlighten and empower young women to live and to lead exemplary lives.
The Academy at Penguin Hall is an independent, college preparatory secondary school for young women, rooted in the Catholic tradition of education which is committed to developing the whole person; intellectually, spiritually, socially, physically and creatively.
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Closest Guess Wins!
No, no, no….you don’t win all of it, but here’s the deal…..
Over the course of the next couple of weeks, one of my “To Do” items is to count, roll, and cash in this water jug full of change.
Make your guesses as to how much $$ is in there and the closest guesser will score $100. I’ll personally write two checks. A $50 check to the winner….and a $50 check to the charity of their choice.
This will have to be somewhat on the honor system, but I promise to show a photograph of all of the rolled coins….and the receipt from the bank upon depositing the $.
Closest guess wins…whether over or under. There may be some foreign currency in there….it won’t count. Only guesses made within 48 hours of this post will count. So, guesses made after 9:00 a.m. on 3/23 won’t count. I’ll keep you posted as I begin to roll…as it will surely take me several days. I, personally, have NO idea what to expect upon counting this change….but, I’m excited to find out! So, let’s play.
I will accept guesses from both comments here on GMG and from the GMG Facebook page.
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Happy Birthday to One of My Favorites
So this Gloucester icon turned 70 the other day and I was so happy to be able to celebrate with him for a bit at his surprise party yesterday afternoon.
Happy, Happy Birthday Fred Shrigley! You have given so many of us tons of laughs and lots of love for years on end! You’re one of the best for sure! xoxoxoxo
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Keeping the Faith
I love this memorial. It makes me sad…and it inspires me.
While I’ve previously researched it for my own purposes and have more than likely read about it here on GMG, when questioned about it the other day, I was at a bit of a loss for information. So, I was happy to come home, look through my photos, and brush up a little.
I actually like to refer to the statue as “them” …because that’s what I see. While clearly it is a statue…I just see the family…a them. Pained, proud, haunted, hopeful, wonderful, worried, scared, strong, certain, uncertain….and much more. They are really beyond beautiful.
Please visit the Gloucester Fishermen’s Wives Association here to read about the great work that they do, the Memorial, and more. Below is a bit of what they include about the memorial.
On August 5, 2001, the Gloucester Fishermen’s Wives Association (GFWA) dedicated a monument to honor the women who have been – and are – the soul of fishing communities.
As Angela Sanfilippo, GFWA president, so eloquently said at the dedication ceremony:
“The memorial serves as a testimonial to what wives, mothers, sisters, and children of fishermen of the world have endured because their men chose to be on the water. They had no choice but to stand on rock, to be on land.”
Envisioned by the wives, mothers, daughters, and sisters of Gloucester fishermen, the memorial honors not only the faith, diligence, and fortitude of the wives of fishermen and mariners everywhere but also honors all women for their unselfish contribution to the well being of their families and their communities.
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Nichole’s Picks 3/19 + 3/20
Pick #1: The Power of Play Festival
This has received a lot of press…and rightfully so! What a fantastic event this will be and with such an important message.
See Kim Smith’s post from yesterday to read more
The festival, open to families and children of all ages, will feature games, art projects, dance, sports and other activities to celebrate the importance of play in educating children. The Power of Play Festival will feature giant building blocks; tiny, 3-D house- and boat-building; Lego-building challenges; sensory play tables with water, sand and goop; giant floor puzzles; collaborative art projects; taekwondo and yoga; puppet workshops and shows; and an obstacle course.
Pick #2: The Boston Flower & Garden Show
March 16-20, 2016
Seaport World Trade Center, Boston
CLICK HERE FOR ALL NECESSARY INFORMATION!
The Boston Flower & Garden Show will return to the Seaport World Trade Center in Boston on Wednesday, March 16 through Sunday, March 20, 2016 with the theme “Nurtured by Nature”. The care we put into our gardens comes back to us a thousand-fold. Well-designed landscapes rejuvenate by offering places to connect with nature and each other. Floral arrangements, houseplants and containers enliven and refresh our living spaces. Homegrown food and the results of popular urban agriculture activities like beekeeping fill our tables with nutritious delights. Celebrate the bountiful benefits of the garden and learn how to keep yourself, and your garden, growing strong!
Please share your photos on our Facebook page and check back often to watch the show take shape!
Package and coat check is available. There are a limited number of wheelchairs available on a first come first serve basis.
Don’t forget to bring your camera and video recorder to the Show! There are tons of great photo opportunities and the pictures will help you plan your new garden long after the Show is over. Share your best footage with your family and friends, and of course with us!
Pick #3 Boston’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 20th at 1:00 pm.
Did you know that “the South Boston, St. Patrick’s Parade is Listed as the second largest parade in the country, being viewed by nearly 600,000 to 1 Million people every year!”
As always, for a more comprehensive list of family activities, please visit our friends at North Shore Kid
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A Do Over. AKA…Freakin’ Balloons.
Shhhhh. I am planning on surprising the boys with a trip to Disney next month. Although, honestly, I don’t know why. You could say that I’ve been there and done that already. And….it was fairly anticlimactic. Sigh. You’ll see what I’m talking about in a moment.
My boys are 8 and 6…and they’ve been asking to go. The last time we did Disney they were 5 and 3. Thatcher was a good age for it all back then, but Finn was just a hair too short for some of the best rides and, while he had a blast, much of it was kind of lost on him.
I’m kind of excited for them to do it again at this age. If I’m being honest, at this point they could care less about the characters (sorry Mickey, Donald, Goofy, and crew) but they are huge ride fanatics, they LOVE water parks so Aquatica, Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon will be awesome, and I think they’ll really enjoy Universal now that they’ve seen most of those movies.
When I was little we did Disney every.single.year. I LOVED it. It never got old. I know many families could take it or leave it, but for me it is kind of a “must do” of childhood. Don’t get me wrong, I can’t wait for the day that I can take the boys to Costa Rica to swim with wild dolphins in Drake Bay. I’ve been dying to recreate my time spent there with them since the second they were born. Likewise, I’d give anything to relive my trip to Africa…with them by my side this time. I’ve never been to Alaska, Australia, or Hawaii….and to experience those destinations with them will be a dream come true some day (hopefully). While I’m a big fan of ecotourism and seeing less chartered corners of our world….a good trip to Disney is good for the soul too. So, that’s where we’re at right now. We’re going to Disney World.
The “I don’t know why part” was directed at the intended surprise. Three years ago I planned and plotted to surprise them…thinking, of course, they’d be over the moon. Not so much. Freakin’ balloons…all they cared about were those balloons….and how I knew whose suitcase was whose. Heaven forbid they unzip the wrong freakin’ suitcase.
So, I want a do over. And, I’m open to suggestions. Any great tips? Anyone out there surprised their kids with a vacation before? I’m kind of tempted to wait until the day we leave. Deep down I’m a romantic. Big time. I kind of like the idea of a big reveal early that morning. But…I also like the idea of them having something to look forward to…and helping with the planning.
Thoughts?
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Do Your Kids Need Summer Plans?
Did you know that the Harborlight-Stoneridge Montessori School in Beverly offers a wide variety of one-week summer sessions for grades 1-8 and great options for younger children too!
Think Paddle boarding, trips to museums, surfing, cinematography, BMX-biking, hiking with the AMC, soccer, rock on and join a band, geology on Thompson Island, beaches, the Sea Station Endeavour, art, theatre arts, and even camps run in conjunction with The Hive and Maritime Gloucester.
CLICK HERE FOR SUMMER ADVENTURES INFORMATION Including locations, descriptions, schedule, and much more
CLICK HERE FOR DESCRIPTIONS OF SESSIONS AVAILABLE FOR GRADES 1st-8th.
and see below…
Week 1: June 20- June 24
4 MUSEUMS & A SKETCHBOOK (Grades 1-8)
Learn about the history of art through four amazing museums– The Museum of Fine Arts,The Institute of Contemporary Art, The DeCordova, and our local Peabody Essex Museum.
In minimalist fashion, all you need is a water bottle, lunchbox, and *sketchbook. Develop your ability to sketch and your power of observation while harnessing the power of the masters. (*Provided)
SOCCER (Grades 1-8)
Professional coaching with Kyle Yellin will allow all players to gain a better understanding of, and continued passion for, the game.
Week 2: June 27- July 1
SOCCER (Grades 1-3)
Professional coaching with Kyle Yellin will allow all players to gain a better understanding of, and continued passion for, the game.
CLAY DREAMING (Grades 1-3)
Expand your skills working with clay at Clay Dreaming Studio in Beverly. Lessons will allow the students to work at their own pace and developing their growing understanding of the medium and ability to work through the multi-stepped process of designing an original piece.
GEOLOGY & THOMPSON ISLAND (Grades 4-8)
Hiking, geology, outward-bound experience at Thompson Island is the adventure of a lifetime! This island, located 2-miles offshore from downtown Boston, is an Outward Bound Education Center where the students will spend a full-day engaged in their science, history, and challenge activities.
Week 3: June 5- July 8
NORTH SHORE BEACHES (Grades 1-3)
Explore the north shore beaches with a new perspective. While visiting these destinations in typical fashion -sandcastles, sea glass, swimming, reading, and picnicking- we will also explore their similarities and differences in coastal science and maritime history.
THEATER ARTS (Grades 4-8)
Join our own professional playwright and performing arts director, Katie Oberlander. Learn theater games, speaking, singing and stage presence. Put it all together in an informal performance. This week will include a trip to Canobie Lake Park, NH.
Week 4: June 11- July 15
THEATER ARTS (Grades 1-3)
Join our own professional playwright and performing arts director, Katie Oberlander. Learn theater games, speaking, singing and stage presence. Put it all together in an informal performance. This week will include a trip to Canobie Lake Park, NH.
MARITIME GLOUCESTER (grades 4-8)
Explore Gloucester from Sea to Table with our partners at Maritime Gloucester. Travel with captains on a fishing boat, build a lobster trap, cast it and catch your dinner. Learn all about local fisherman and their quest to make it sustainable, and find your own connection between sea and table.
Week 5: July 18- July 22
ART @ THE HIVE (grades 1-3)
The Hive in Gloucester has art facilities for all large-format and small-scale media. The gallery, classroom, and multi-use spaces are just what you need to channel your creative energy.
COSTA RICA (FULL)
Due to high demand, this adventure is already full. We will post our travel adventures and photos when we return!
CINEMATOGRAPHY (grades 4-8)
Learn the art and science of motion picture photography as you create your very own short film. Learn cinema technique, how to use a filter and lens, and develop your ability to capture depth of field and focus. Edit your work and utilize all the tricks of the trade from Doug Bowker, Motion Graphics, Animation, and Digital Video. Doug is a graduate of Rhode Island School of Design. Required: SLR Video Camera (recommended), IPOD, Digital Camera, or Smart Phone
Week 6: July 25- July 29
MARINE HERITAGE 1 (grades 1-8)
Explore Cape Ann’s rich marine heritage. Join the marine science crew aboard Sea Station’s catamaran Endeavour – take a trip on a lobster boat, visit touch tanks, and learn about the ocean and life on the seashore in a fun, hands-on, learning environment.
SMALL SWELL (grades 4-8)
Learn all about the ocean as a playground for the best summer sport – surfing! Balance, coordination, swimming, timing the waves, falling and getting back on the board.
Week 7: August 1- August 5
MARINE HERITAGE 2 (grades 1-8)
Explore Cape Ann’s rich marine heritage. Join the marine science crew aboard Sea Station’s catamaran Endeavour – take a trip on a lobster boat, visit touch tanks, and learn about the ocean and life on the seashore in a fun, hands-on, learning environment. This is a sequel to Marine Heritage 1 and the adventures and learning activities will vary.
WALK ON WATER (grades 4-8)
This session has become the highlight of the upper school summer program! Water adventures on paddle boards at local beaches, road trips along the north shore coast, and the big two-night trip to the Isle of Shoals – where you can hike, play tennis, jump off the dock, roast marshmallows over an open fire, and learn the local lore of the island!
Week 8: August 8- August 12
EXPLORE ARTS (grades 1-3)
Explore media and techniques to draw, design, and live your art through drama and music. An all-encompassing eclectic approach to tapping into your talents!
MOUNTAIN BIKING & BMX (grades 2-6)
More than enjoying a great ride through the trails, this session explores the science of a BMX bike. Your kinetic energy + a bike and a good trail is all you need for this adventure! Try your skills at BMX Wakefield, a track specifically designed for national competition, with the option to compete at an evening race event. This session requires competency and accessibility to a two-wheeler.
GEOLOGY & THOMPSON ISLAND 2 (Grades 4-8)
Hiking, geology, outward-bound experience at Thompson Island is the adventure of a lifetime! This island, located 2-miles offshore from downtown Boston, is an Outward Bound Education Center where the students will spend a full-day engaged in their science, history, and challenge activities like their ‘high-ropes’ course!.
Week 9: August 15- August 19
ROCK ON (grades 1-3)
Join our comprehensive music experience designed to hone music performance and ensemble skills in a creative and fun environment. Develop rhythm, music theory, and explore instruments from around the world. Join us to jam, have fun, and perform. There will be a trip to Crane Estate for an evening picnic and concert.
MOUNTAIN HIKING & OVERNIGHT WITH AMC (grades 4-8)
Grab your pack and water bottle, a good pair of hiking shoes, and your appreciation of the great outdoors. You will be hiking some great peaks and spending a night at the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Cardigan High Cabin.
Week 10: August 22- August 26
MY FIRST JOB (grades 1-3)
What does it take to have the responsibility of a job? What will your first job be? Explore the opportunities that are available to the young employee or entrepreneur!
CINEMATOGRAPHY 2 (grades 4-8)
Learn the art and science of motion picture photography as you create your very own short film. Learn cinema technique, how to use a filter and lens, and develop your ability to capture depth of field and focus. Edit your work and utilize all the tricks of the trade from Doug Bowker, Motion Graphics, Animation, and Digital Video. Doug is a graduate of Rhode Island School of Design. Required: SLR Video Camera (recommended), IPOD, Digital Camera, or Smart Phone
Week 11: August 29- September 2
SOCCER (Grades 1-8)
Professional coaching with Kyle Yellin will allow all players to gain a better understanding of, and continued passion for, the game.
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I May Have Lied…
I may have lied… Forgive me… and allow me to explain.
First of all, let me throw it out there, that I’m not proud about the mixed emotions that I’m feeling right now. But, the struggle is kind of real.
Last year, at this exact same time (only a mere two days apart) I sat down and composed a blog post entitled “Proud Mom Moment” (read it here, if you’d like). It detailed the adorable and amazing little journey that Thatcher’s hockey team experienced on their way to a fantastic Championship title. I was crazy proud and ridiculously emotional about it. I tried to capture the magic for you all so you could enjoy the ride.
Somewhere in the post I wrote the words, “PLEASE don’t get me wrong….losses would have been fun to watch too” ….and now, I fear, I may have lied. Because…yesterday, when they were down and didn’t come back….it wasn’t actually that much fun to watch after all.
Before you hate….let me explain.
This little team are winners. Every little thing about them screams Winners. And, guess what? As they yawn, roll over, stretch, rub their eyes, and drag their tired little bottoms out of bed right about now, at this very minute, after a 2nd place season’s end, they are still winners! And that I mean, for sure!
Yesterday, when down 0-3, Finn came up to me as I was taking photos…with giant tears in his eyes….and said, “We’re losing.” Finn worships his brother and his brothers’ team + teammates. Without a second’s hesitation I leaned down and said, “Don’t worry, Finn. This team doesn’t lose. They may be down right now. But, they don’t lose.” And, I meant it. This amazing little team had gone a full calendar year without a loss before finally falling to an opponent way back in November. While they suffered a couple of early losses this season, they then rallied and regained a very impressive winning streak. A streak so awesome, actually, that yesterday was their first full-ice loss…EVER…in two whole years. USA Hockey dictates that Mite level teams skate 1/2 ice games October-December and then full-ice games for the rest of the season. This unbelievable group of kids had won every single full-ice game they have played over the course of two full seasons…until yesterday.
So, down…in a very reminiscent fashion to last year’s championship…they managed to come back a bit. 2-3 in the 3rd period, I was still certain they’d tie it up. And, I was certain, that once it was tied…they’d go on to win easily. Because that’s what, after all, they do. But, they didn’t. Man, they tried hard. And, they tried hard again and again, but they just couldn’t. And, in the end, when that buzzer sounded, I was immediately surprised by my own disappointment. And…that…is what I mean by “the struggle is kind of real.”
See, this little group of skaters has become like family. They adore each other! And, after having been together for 2 seasons (with only a couple of new additions…who we feel like have been teammates since Day #1), the team will now get split up. They’ll head to the Squirts….and be distributed to three different teams. They’ll love their new teams…and they’ll continue to love hockey….and new magic will be created for sure, but..as the saying goes…you only have one true first love. And, this team, was theirs.
So, when I say it wasn’t fun to watch, I swear I don’t mean that in some over-the-top-winning-crazed-mother way. I mean it in a I-really-wanted-one-last-victory-for-them kind of way. I promise…yet, I’m still not proud.
They, thank goodness, showed grace and dignity. They had a phenomenal season, lots of laughs, leaned on each other, lifted each other up, and showed us all what it means to be a team…in the truest sense of the word. I am so proud of them! Each and every one of them. And, they should be SO proud of themselves!
I would be remiss not to mention that Cape Ann Youth Hockey is a tremendous program full of so many amazing teams. In fact, at just the Mite level alone, all three teams…Mite 1, Mite 2, and Mite 3….finished their seasons in 1st place. While Mite 1 and Mite 2 fell an itty bitty bit short yesterday, Mite 3 went on to win their Championship. So, a HUGE congratulations to them!!!!
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Scooby-Doo-esque
An eerie sight while driving by Wenham Lake yesterday. Very Scooby-Doo if you ask me.
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Nichole’s Picks 3/12 + 3/13
Pick #1: Tracks and Telltales for Kids
Castle Hill on the Crane Estate
Date & Time: Saturday, March 12 1:00-3:00 pm
Member: $10 Adult, $5 Child; Nonmember: $15 Adult, $10 Child
HEAD HERE TO REGISTER AND READ MORE
Join us as we hike from the Barn to the Pine Grove, looking for tracks and telltales left behind by the creatures who roam the property surrounding the Crane Estate. We’ll use our skills of observation to find footprints and feeding sites, homes and hiding places. We’ll end our trek with hot chocolate in the Pine Grove. This walk is about 3/4 mile each way. We will go at an easy pace so little legs can keep up. Children must be accompanied by and adult. Dress for the weather to maximize comfort and minimize misery! Water is always good to have along, and if it is sunny you may want sunscreen and/or sunglasses. Pre-registration required.
Pick #2: Seussical the Musical
The North Shore Players Youth Theatre presents Seussical the Musical
Performance Dates:
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings at 7:30 PM (March 10, 11, and 12), and Sunday afternoon at 2:30 PM (March 13).
Double cast production:Teen cast (13-18) performs the Thursday and Saturday showsKids cast (7-12) performs the Friday and Sunday ShowsLocation: Hogan Regional Center Auditorium
[600 feet west of] 450 Maple St., Danvers, MA
Call stage manager, Noah Greenstein for more information: 978-807-0197
On-line Advanced tickets prices (Until March 9th):
$14 adults/ $12 Students/Seniors (over 60)Add $1 per ticket for service fee, and print out PayPal receipt to use as ticket
Pick #3: Free Second Saturdays with Cape Ann Reads
The Cape Ann Museum: Saturday, March 12th 11:00-2:00
This month, in collaboration with Cape Ann Reads, families are invited to the CAM Activity Center for a celebration of the work of local author/illustrator, Frances Wosmek. A selection of her books will be read throughout the program and kids will have the opportunity to recreate one of Wosmek’s beloved characters, including Leonardo DiRabbit.
As always for a more comprehensive list of family activities, please visit our friends at North Shore Kid
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North and South
Either way you look at it….it sure is pretty. I’ve always been intrigued by Thacher’s Island and love getting up close to see it in its full glory.
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Tipping the Scales
So, here’s my question this week. Do you tip on ice cream? I’d like to think I’m a pretty decent tipper. When figuring out a tip on a tab at dinner or for drinks, I usually go for 22%…more than the maybe average 20% but not a full 25% because that feels a little bit excessive. I also usually err on the side of caution if I’m not totally certain that tipping is necessary but would be appreciated. I try to survey the scene and see if others are tipping first…like on a shuttle bus to/from the airport. If others are, I do. But…if others aren’t…I feel even worse and so I tip then as well.
So, the other day, the boys and I stopped for ice cream and, after having paid in exact change, I only had a $20 bill left. I agonized a bit because that left me with nothing to put into the little tip cup. I walked away feeling totally guilty….but then thought, “Well, is it necessary or just kind of rare, but appreciated, to tip the person who scoops a couple of ice cream cones for you?” My modus operandi is to give my spare change if it is close to like 75 cents…or $1 if my change is less than that. Is that cheap?
So, what do you do?
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Long Beach
A quick trip to the end of Long Beach yesterday…never gets old.
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Hula Moon Serves Up Breakfast
While my boys could simply live on their shaved ice, I’m pretty excited that Rockport’s Hula Moon is now open for breakfast. The breakfast and the view are great…the owners couldn’t be nicer! Go pay them a visit.
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Traffic Stopped 128 South, Manchester
The traffic is at a standstill in Manchester (and probably further back by now) due to an accident before the Manchester athletic club and exit 15. I hope that everyone is OK. plan accordingly. Four additional spin outs after the accident clears as well. One headed northbound. The roads are very icy. Be safe out there!
Update: As soon as we got past this accident there were several “spin outs” and smaller accidents…both North and South bound.
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Cape Ann Youth Hockey Challenger Program
A new session of this wonderful program has recently started. Please spread the word to friends who may have children who would benefit from this great opportunity!
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Nichole’s Picks 3/5 + 3/6
Pick #1: The Merrimack River Eagle Festival
Come to Newburyport and Amesbury on March 5 for a full day of free activities celebrating the return of our Bald Eagles!
Visit Eagle Hotspots 9:00 am–4:00 pm
Drive yourself! Naturalist guides will be onsite all day along the Merrimack River. Parking available. See map. All ages welcome.
Go on an Eagle Tour 9:00 am–2:00 pm
Let us drive you! Tours start every half hour and take 90 minutes to complete. Departure point: The Newburyport Chamber of Commerce. Advance registration required (978-462-9998). Adults and children age 6 and over. Suggested donation: $5.00 per person.
See a Raptor Show 10:00–11:00 am or 1:30–2:30 pm
Tom Ricardi of the Massachusetts Bird of Prey Rehabilitation Facility presents two educational programs at Newburyport City Hall featuring raptors great and small. First come, first served. Recommended for adults and children age 6 and over.
Pose for a Photo with a Raptor 11:15–11:45 am or 12:30–1:00 pm
Hunt’s Photo & Video will take your photo with a raptor for a $10 donation. to the Eagle Festival. Newburyport City Hall. Limited availability. Advance registration recommended (978-462-9998). Otherwise, first come, first served.
Have Fun with Your Family 10:00 am–3:00 pm
Have Fun with Your Family 10:00 am–3:00 pm
At the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters:
Family activities, arts and crafts, and more! Special features: Live owls from Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm (11:00 – 3:00).
At the Joppa Flats Education Center:
Family activities, arts and crafts, and more! Special feature: Live hawks from Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm (11:00 – 3:00).
Visit Plum Island 10:00 am–3:00 pm
Drive out to Plum Island for more wildlife viewing with the help of naturalist guides. At the north end of Northern Boulevard, see seals and sea ducks at the mouth of the Merrimack River. Or drive south on Sunset Drive into the Refuge (free entry if you’re there for Eagle Fest), then 2.5 miles farther to the North Pool Overlook to see wintering ducks and possibly a snowy owl.
SEE THE FULL WEBSITE AND MORE INFORMATION HERE!
Pick #2: Maple Sugaring at the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
Saturdays & Sundays: March 5, 6, 12, & 13
Tours at 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, and 2:30 pm
Advanced Registration Required
Spring celebrations begin early at the sanctuary with the age-old tradition of maple sugaring. The warm days of late winter awaken the flow of sap in the maples, causing buds to swell and resulting in sweet-smelling, billowing clouds of steam rising from the sugarhouse.
On our naturalist-guided tours, learn how to identify a sugar maple, observe tapping and sap collection methods, watch the sap being boiled down in the sugarhouse, and get a sweet taste of the final product. Afterwards, warm up by the woodstove in the Barn, where hot beverages, hot dogs cooked in maple sap, and delicious soups and desserts made by our volunteers are available for purchase.
Visit our gift shop to browse a selection of maple products, and be sure to bring home a bottle of our own freshly-made maple syrup.
Tours last about an hour and run in all weather. Dress warmly and wear warm waterproof boots because the walk is entirely outdoors.
Pick #3: Cape Ann Summer Program Fair
“Come join us at the 1st Annual Cape Ann Summer Program Fair hosted by Kestrel Educational Adventures. It will be held at the Get Outside Center on Sunday, March 6th 1:30-4:30.”
Read all about the Summer Program Fair HERE!
As always, please see our friends at North Shore Kid for a more comprehensive list of family activities.
Good Morning Gloucester 