Author: Pat D

Once again our community stepped up for the Left-Right-Center fundraiser at the Gloucester Elks. Over $28000 was raised to benefit the Lily Jean families with the amazing support of area businesses and individuals. We sincerely feel blessed by all the donations for the raffles and auction as well as cash donations. It was an amazing night. Thank you Gloucester Elks, John Jerome, Anthony Saputo and many many others including committee members Annie Rochon, Pam Parsons, and Linda Miller led by the incredible Dee and Steve Noble. There was a great deal of support all around. Bless this community and our fishing families.

The Ernestina Morrissey is shedding her winter wrap and she seems to have weathered the winter like the queen that she is. Happy Easter to all!

We hope you will join us tonight for the Lily Jean Left-Right-Center fundraiser at the Gloucester Elks. Seats still available for the tournament at the door ($30 to play) or you can join the fun with light refreshments, raffles and a silent auction. All proceeds will benefit the families.

Also, Pat D’s Photos will be at the Minglewood Market starting at 11 am this morning if you need last minute basket fillers or hostess gifts.

The building at 20 Main St previously housed Fisherman’s Outfitters. Demolition has begun. I believe the plans call for a mixed use multi family construction.

Sorry Joey, I am doubling down on the hummingbird feeeding stations at my house this year. Not that you EVAH win, but this year’s selections for the hummingbirds and orioles will be hands-down winners. We can expect them to start returning mid April but it’s a good idea to put the feeders out a couple of weeks in advance so they see the red right away. I’m going to try the same with the Baltimore Orioles. And we’re off……

A shout out to the staff at Addison Gilbert! I was recently there for some routine testing which was handled in a friendly and efficient manner getting me on my way in only about 20 minutes total. I had arrived early for a testing appointment expecting to have paperwork to do but was taken straight in without fuss. What a treat! I then made my way to the second stop which, again, was in-and-out easy peasy. I was actually back in my car before the original appointment time.

I understand everyone has had their own experiences some good and some difficult but on this day, Addison Gilbert and its staff shone. We are very fortunate to have this facility available to us. I was watching “The Pitt” recently and there was a case where the characters had to drive 2+ hours to get to emergency help due to rural hospital shutdowns. I am grateful to have AGH right in our backyard.

For you music fans out there: Diamond Cove returns soon to Washington Street.

We hope you can join us Saturday April 4 at the Gloucester Elks on Atlantic Road for the Left-Right-Center fundraiser starting at 4 pm. $30 if you want to play; $10 admission for others. John Jerome performing, light snacks available , bar open….save the date. Proceeds to benefit the families.

Vote Tuesday March 31: polls open 7 am- -8 pm. Special Election for Ann Margaret Ferrante’s seat. Click here for more info: https://www.gloucester-ma.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/2081

We drove over the bridge to Salem recently to visit the Peabody Essex Museum on a rainy day. Naturally, we were looking for lunch and libations afterward. We walked a very short distance to the Village Tavern on Essex Street. Our first impression upon walking in was to be reminded of the pubs we visited in Ireland. Several rooms, eclectic wall decor, large bar area all took us back to Ireland. Jim had pretzel bites and we ordered a pizza (delicious). I am always drawn to old newspapers and there was a front page from 1914 in a Salem newspaper describing some of the aftermath of what came to be known as the Great Salem Fire of 1914. It destroyed hundreds of buildings and left 18,000 people homeless over a 2 day period in late June. One of the articles on the front page described a commission being set up to assist residents and business owners with recovery and John B. Tivnan was named to head that effort. Low and behold, John B. Tivnan is on my family tree on the Gloucester side! I just happened to see this wall hanging, took a closer look and found a Gloucester tie. More to come on the Tivnan family connections. What a day! And the food was just right. If you’re over that way, check it out.

Paying a visit to a museum is a great rainy day activity so that’s what we did a few days ago. I hadn’t been there in several years so Jim agreed to take me. Parking was relatively easy though I would recommend uploading the Passport parking app ahead of a visit to Salem.The museum offers a number of reduced price options so do your research before you go to take advantage of those. Also keep your eye on the special exhibits and I’ll bet you see one that intrigues you.

The museum is pretty large so the hour or so we planned on wasn’t really enough. There was a special fashion exhibit as well as a scuplture display. Our very own Fitz Henry Lane is well represented. We especially appreciated the Salem Witch Trial display as balanced and informative. The PEM is worthy of a rainy day drive.

Here’s a visual update on the construction project at the former Dunkin Donuts on Lexington Ave in Magnolia:

Thank you Sefatia for sharing this information regarding a wide spreading scam requesting payment for a traffic violation. The notices appear to be quite real but check this link for further information if needed at our RMV: https://www.mass.gov/news/rmv-cautions-public-to-beware-of-scam-texts-stating-money-is-owed-for-motor-vehicle-violations-0 It seems this scam is also affecting other states so be aware.

Mark your calendars! Fiesta 2026 is on the horizon!

We were happy to see FOB Bex Borden during her recent visit to Gloucester. She’s been an important part of Good Morning Gloucester and we have missed having her around but we are glad to know she is settled into life in Maine. Welcome back friend!

We noticed the regular traffic lights were restored at the Cut Bridge so it seems the construction is moving along right on schedule.From the City Facebook page:

We happened to be driving through Manchester but had somewhere to be shortly so we decided to stop at Boo Bird on Central St for lunch. We are always pleased with our experience there. It was a little quiet mid afternoon on a weekday but the service and food was excellent. I ordered the American Rice Bowl and Jim had a chicken sandwich. Perfect portions, great setting and varied menu add up to a win-win.

Every year at about this time, I get antsy to see some color springing forward. The croci and daffodils are trying their hardest but I could use a burst of color sooner than later. So we drove about and hour and a half to the New England Botanic Gardens at Tower Hill in Boylston for the orchid exhibition. The show is closing today and I know most of you aren’t interested in taking the ride, but I am happy to share by bursts of color with you.

Additional pictures can be seen at Pat D’s Photos and Adventures on Facebook.

We look forward to the re-opening of The Lobster on East Main St April 1, especially with Easter coming right up that weekend. The Lobster is offering Easter Brunch! Sounds perfect.

Do you have company coming in for Easter ? Do you need some ideas for activities? Maybe you just want them to clear out so you can prep for Sunday?? We’ve got you covered for Saturday April 4. There will be a sip and shop Spring Market at Minglewood from 11-4. Pat D’s Photos will be there among other local vendors. Then you can swing over to the Elks on Atlantic Road for the LRC fundraiser tournament from 4-7 (sip and shoot the dice). Maybe you’ll win a prize from Pat D’s Photos in the raffle! Mark the date! See you there.