Author: Pat D

This Sunday Oct 11 will be the Magtoberfest Block Party on Lexington Ave in Magnolia. Car Show, Food Trucks, Music, Vendors from 11-5. Make it part of your weekend plan. Stop by inside the library and say hello to some of your favorite vendors including Cape Ann Sea Salt, Hold Fast, Ardizzoni Photography, Gloucester Apparel, Pat D’s Photos and many more.

Info you might be able to use as shared by Dylan Benson on Facebook:

We came across our seal friends recently in Brace Cove. Just a few of them to entertain us that day but we were glad to see them again.

It was one of those days near the beginning of fall when you start craving comfort foods so we went to 525 on Lexington Ave for dinner. As a bonus, it was also a fundraiser for the GHS field hockey teams. It’s a generous gesture when one of our restaurants holds such an event and we appreciate the added “excuse” to have dinner out. So thanks for that all of you! We saw new friends and old while we were there. The service, as usual, was spot on. Jim ordered one of the cauliflower crust pizzas and I got chicken parm. All delicious and filling. Jim loves Tammy’s carrot cake so of course we ordered that as well. My dessert is usually the 525 coffee. Nom Nom. Thank you Camryn for taking such good care of us. Thank you 525 for another delicious dinner. If you think you might want to stop in Sunday for Magtoberfest, I think you should make reservations asap. 525 is always hopping that day.

It’s been several years since I have attempted to photograph a high school football game, but I was allowed an opportunity last Friday night to experience GHS football. After a few false starts, I fell back into my groove and here are some of the results. Great job team! I’m no David Cox but he inspired me. I’d like to return sometime!

It was quite the night at the GHS Football game Friday night vs Winthrop (congratulations Fishermen!). In addition to the home field win, the Homecoming King Finn Schrafft and Queen Allison Pelletrino were introduced. Also, the Gloucester High Hall of Fame honorees for 2026 gathered and honored at halftime. These include Peter Asaro (07); Sally (Unis) Bertolino (03); Elizabeth (Bertolino) Aylmer (87); Betsy Day (02); Bianca Giaclone (13); Geoffrey Kennedy (11); Coach Lou McGrath; Mark Michalisin (90); Caulin Rogers (11); Josh Salah (09); and the 2000 Indoor DMR Team. Congratulations to all! A proud night for Fishermen!

This beautiful sight appeared after a brief shower Friday afternoon. Thank you FOB Susan LaRosa for sharing her view with me. Magnificent!

The holiday craft fair season for Pat D’s Photos has a busy October schedule. Starting tomorrow Sunday Oct 4 at the Gloucester Elks! Then we go to Magtoberfest on Lexington Ave Sunday Oct 11 as a sponsor and a vendor (in the Library). The month finishes off at the Essex Clamfest on Oct 24. More to come in November and December. We’ll also have 44 Main Street open most Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Follow Pat D’s Photos on Instagram for most up to date info.

Magtoberfest on Lexington Ave in Magnolia will once again be including a car show as part of the festivities. All are invited to bring your vehicle down to the parking lot behind 525. No registration necessary. Feel free to contact Jim Dalpiaz with questions (GMGJim55 at gmail.com)

I just love pumpkins all ready to go. One of my favorite spots is Russell Orchards in Ipswich. If you need a pumpkin fix, I highly recommend this scenic spot which also has delicious treats and farm animals!

I was hoping the storm wouldn’t blow away all the leaves on one of my favorite trees in fall. I will be keeping my eye on this as the leaves turn. I love classic fall scenes.

We were happy to hear the Gloucester House Pub on Rogers Street had reopened so we stopped for some dinner and good company. I had some French Onion Soup and Jim had the fish fry. It’s a welcoming atmosphere; warm in more ways than one. Thanks for welcoming us back in such a friendly manner! See you all there soon.

Many of your favorite local vendors will be participating in the kickoff event for fall/holiday craft fairs Sunday at the Gloucester Elks on Atlantic Road. It’s scheduled to be held outside but could be moved inside weather and wind depending. Pat D’s Photos will be there along with Ardizzoni Photography and many more.

Our bird friends have started to migrate out of the area and you never know where you might find some of them resting. I have put away my hummingbird feeders until next year and I will miss these little visitors but am grateful to find some others as we travel around town. This pair of Great Blue Herons and egret were sharing some space not far from Good Harbor Beach recently. Safe travels! We will miss you too. Until next spring!

The iconic Pink House in Newbury was demolished about 18 months ago and I miss seeing it when we drive up there. I was glad to see this marker honoring its memory.

A friendly reminder that Pat D’s Photos sale on nightlights and ornaments will be ending on Sept 30. This is the last weekend of store hours before the sale ends. We are well stocked on ornaments and nightlights so this is your chance to pick up some holiday gifts while price is reduced. Mix and match nightlights or ornaments 2/$50. Must buy at least 2. Shop hours this week: Today Thursday noon-5; Friday and Saturday 11-5 and Sunday 11-3 (weather conditions may change these hours a bit so stay tuned to Pat D’s Photos on Instagram for the latest updates)

In case you want to add this to your Saturday activities. It’s always a well-done event.

Capt. Gus Sanfilippo will be awarded 3 Gloucester Mariner’s Medals tomorrow Wednesday Sept 23 at 6:30 PM in the City Hall auditorium. These awards recognize 3 separate incidents in which Capt. Sanfilippo came to the aid of those in need on the high seas. One incident involved the Holly & Alexander in 2000; another in 2007 with Virginia Surf as well as in 2011 with the Elizabeth Ann. His daughter Dr. Lily Jean Sanfilippo took the necessary steps to honor her grandfather’s wish that Capt Gus be recognized. As I am sure most are aware, Capt Sanfilippo was lost aboard the Lily Jean last January along with 6 other crew members. It was gratifying to see that this flag in honor of the Lily Jean is still on display on Commercial St at the Fiesta Wall. Our hearts are with all our fishing families.

One recent weekday, we decided to head over to Lobsta Land for dinner. Being stereotypical seniors, we prefer to go on the early side. When we arrived, we were ALMOST deterred by the number of cars in the parking lot but headed in anyhow. It was a nice day and we figured the outdoor deck was probably the draw. We were pleased to be quickly seated in the bar area as we requested. I tried something new for me: teriyaki steak tip kabobs. Jim had the paella. Our meals were served hot and efficiently. They were very tasty and the portions were just right. The bar crowd was lively so the atmosphere was easy-going. All in all, a great experience. I guess the takeaway is don’t be intimidated by the number of cars in the lot! You won’t be sorry.

It is definitely not too late to take advantage of the outstanding whale watching season we have been blessed with this year. I went out with Cape Ann Whale Watch a few days ago along with a number of other (several European visitors on this trip). The waters were a little choppy but the captain and crew did their usual outstanding job of keeping everyone safe and as close to the action as possible. The tuna fleet was out there too so that was kind of fun to watch as well. We saw 7 humpbacks and a number of surface activities such as pec slapping and feeding behaviors. Magical as always. Thanks Cape Ann Whale Watch for another successful trip. They will be taking trips for just another few weeks. This is a highly recommended activity especially if you haven’t gone in a while.