Author: Pat D

Many of you already know how much I enjoy looking at barns, especially those with character and stories waiting to be told. I’ve also been noticing various shacks and sheds along the North Shore that seem similarly full of character and untold tales. Here’s an entry that seems postcard worthy from Ispwich. This was a very pretty day but even if it wasn’t, I think this is worthy of a share.

The Made with Luve store recently opened on Main St and it’s well worth a stop! There is a wide variety of very cute items made locally available from the friendly owner Phyllis. Get yourself down there especially if you need St. Peter’s Fiesta gear. I got a couple of things to send to our grandson Schooner for the 4th of July!

Thank you for the newly painted sidewalk markings along Hough Ave at Stage Fort Park. That should help pedestrians quite a bit.

I was pleased to be informed that my photo CB on Essex Marsh won 2nd place in the recent Essex in Bloom photo contest, so thanks for your votes and support! The 15 photos are still on display along the street in Essex so if you have the opportunity, take a look! My photo is near the crosswalk by CK Pearl and easily accessible from the parking lot. I love this photo especially because it was the first one I took with my crystal ball (CB) and our friends at Cape Ann Giclee assisted in making it even more beautiful. This photo set me on the path to sharing my photography more widely.

Pat D’s Photos will be at the June 17th Magnolia Block party from 5-9 PM so stop by if you can. You can also follow the adventures on Facebook at Pat D’s Photos and Adventures, where you’ll get the first news of new products as well as watch along on our adventures. Some of my work can also be found at Maritime Gloucester, Pauline’s Gifts, Sweats of New England and (most recently) Made with Luve new on Main St.

Sharing a Facebook update from the City that may interest you:

Gloucester Stage invited Good Morning Gloucester to view their production of Noel Coward’s Private Lives and I was happy to attend and represent. The show runs until June 25 and more information can be found here. It’s about a 2 hour production filled with serio-comic reflections on couple-hood and takes place in France featuring two British couples. If you go, be prepared to recognize some common points of contention between spouses as well as to take yourself back several decades in time. There are a couple of jarring incidents (at least to today’s sensibilities) but they are tucked in amongst fine acting and choreography. Without giving too much away, let me congratulate the “Fighting and Intimacy Director” on some very fine work! I’ll be returning to the theater to usher one of the future performances and hope to see you there.

After the show, we went to the Azorean on Washington St. for dinner. Jim had the scallop casserole and I had my favorite Bife a Toureiro which is especially satisfying on a chilly damp evening like we’ve been having. Always a favorite stop! What’s better than a wonderful dinner following a matinee?

You know Fiesta is around the corner when you see the altar going up! Looking forward to seeing everyone there!

Kudos, Amazon on your effort to reduce packaging but I admit to relief that I did not order underwear.

It probably will not surprise you to learn that I follow a number of online wildlife accounts. Lately it seems they have been filled with posts about red wing blackbirds harassing other (bigger) birds. So I present the following as my own contribution. Two eagles were hanging out in a tree and nest in our Magnolia backyard recently squawking up quite a storm. I am pretty certain it’s the same pair we’ve been following in West Gloucester as one is an adult and the other not-yet-mature. Turns out the red wing blackbirds were pestering them to the point that they each took off toward open water after about 15 minutes of harassment. These are obviously taken from across a wide distance but it was kind of entertaining watching nature take its course in the bird world. You can look VERY closely an see the little bitty red wing blackbirds swooping over the much larger and louder eagles.

Our very own GMG Jim met local celebrity Jim the Blue Lobster at its home tank at Maritime Gloucester a few days ago. The blue lobster is rare enough and this one was a little feisty while we were observing it under educator Bailey’s introduction; but there’s also another even more rare Cotton Candy lobster in residence. And this one is growing a new claw! Maritime Gloucester is an incredibly cool place so stop down whenever you can. They are hoping to open the outdoor aquarium area in mid June. Maritime Gloucester is located on the Harbor Loop.

Breaking news from Meat & Sweets…….

The Greater Cape Ann Chamber has recently distributed its 2023-24 Guide and Directory, which (as usual) is full of helpful information for visitors as well as residents. I always pick one up to have on hand for ideas for day trips or restaurants. And this year, I am pleased to report that one of my favorite photos is included! There are many fine images in the Guide from familiar names, so grab one and take a look. They are available at the Visitor Center at Stage Fort Park and my shift is Thursday mornings, just FYI! Here’s an online link to this year’s guide.

We took a ride up the road to Acton (just a little over an hour) to check out Acton Arboretum on Taylor Road. I am not sure what I was expecting, but it was a lovely respite on a spring afternoon. It’s FREE, only a short drive with adequate parking available. I was actively seeking certain blooms, and though we did not find those, we did find several very pretty blooming flowers and bushes. The trails are easy to navigate and it’s a well designed stroll through a number of gardens. I’ve become hooked on lupines so that was a very pleasant surprise. Maybe you’ll give it a go! Here’s a preview. I mentioned the FREE part, right?

Update submitted by Bill Wrinn regarding the generous sponsors for the upcoming Annisquam Village Players production of “Gloucester Story”. Coming to the Maritime dock in August! Stay tuned. More information at http://www.annisquamvillageplayers.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ANNISQUAM VILLAGE PLAYERS ANNOUNCE SPONSORS FOR “GLOUCESTER STORY”

Generous Contributions by Local Businesses Enabling Free Shows for Community

GLOUCESTER, Mass. (May 31, 2023) – The Annisquam Village Players, America’s longest continually running community theatre, announced today it has secured the top sponsorships for this summer’s production of “Gloucester Story,” being performed Aug. 10-13 in honor of Gloucester’s 400^th+ celebration.  

Securing the Presenting  Sponsor is Andrée Robert of Engel & Völkers. She and her team of real estate experts specialize in the brokerage of premium residential property and commercial real estate. As a leading global service company, E&V currently operates in over 1,000 locations in more than 30 countries spanning five continents. More information about her services can be found at https://andreerobert.evrealestate.com .

Cape Ann Savings Bank and Seashore Comfort Solutions both secured Stage Level Sponsorships to support the shows. 

These sponsors join Gloucester 400+ and Maritime Gloucester, who have also pledged support for this historic production. 

Established in 1846, Cape Ann Savings Bank has been a mainstay in Gloucester’s local economy and has become an integral part of Gloucester’s story. Today, with over $900 million in assets, the bank continues to meet the needs of its customers, standing as a safe and sound mutual savings bank. They continue to strive to offer the modern and convenient products and services today’s modern banking customers require. More information about Cape Ann Savings Bank can be found at https://www.capeannsavings.bank. 

Seashore Comfort Solutions,  provides a full range of heating and cooling services to residents and businesses around Cape Ann and Boston’s North Shore. The team of highly trained licensed professionals offer expert service with years of experience in the heating and cooling industry. They specialize in heating and cooling system installation, service, repair and maintenance. More information about Seashore Comfort Solutions can be found at https://seashorecomfortsolutions.com. 

Additional sponsorships are available, including show program ads, “Shout Outs” to cast and crew, and a special Schooner Level sponsorship in honor of the 400^th+ celebration.  

“We can’t say enough how much our sponsors make all that we do possible,” said AVP Director, Terry Sands. “The passion and support for the arts by the businesses in Gloucester and Cape Ann is very strong. And we feel very lucky to benefit from their generous contributions. Because of our them, it’s going to be a great show!”

“Gloucester Story” was performed in Gloucester several times in 1953 and in subsequent years. And, for a short period of time, it became a popular pick for summer stock theaters.  This summer the AVP will transform the original two-act play into a musical for the first time. In keeping with the celebration’s community theme, the show will incorporate original musical numbers from local musicians Daisy Nell, Peter Souza, and Corey Wrinn. Longtime AVP Music Director Marcia Groom will lead the musical effort. Free tickets are available starting July 10.

Known as the Plumber Playwright of Gloucester, Stockbridge (1895-1973) crafted “Gloucester Story” to reflect the Cape Ann fishing industry in 1905 when schooners still ruled the seas and dory fishing claimed many lives. It tells the tale of a young son of a fish merchant dreaming about a life at sea, only to get his wish and some of the tragedy that came with it. 

The play was published in 1953 in response to a 1952 Cape Ann Festival of Literature and Drama competition, sponsored by Broadway Playwright/Librettist Russel Crouse, for the best play about Gloucester from a resident of Gloucester. A life-long upper Main Street resident, Stockbridge had spent his youth working on the fishing docks before becoming a career plumber. He drew upon that experience, local lore, and the environment to create a story that genuinely depicts the livelihoods, personalities, and superstitions of that era. It is entirely fictional but the names, businesses, and plot motivations dealing with the folklore are all factual.

For more details about “Gloucester Story,” the life of Clayton Stockbridge, or the upcoming auditions, please visit www.annisquamvillageplayers.org. 

Pat D’s Photos has a new product we think you will like very much. Limited quantities of these 6″ x 6″ marble trivets with scalloped edge and cork backing are now available for free delivery to the Cape Ann area. These are great for your drink glass or for hot dishes. Also just a cool decoration or gift. Check them out online at Pat D’s Photos or on Facebook at Pat D’s Photos and Adventures. They are fairly solid and I can ship them if needed but shipping costs will be a little higher than they normally are.

Sharing news from the Willow Rest Facebook page. We thank you and will you well!

We were excited to learn that Salt Water Grille on Washington Street is back in the game! We recently visited and were very happy with our experience. Rosanne was our helpful server and we were additionally greeted by Mike, a friendly face behind the bar. We had potato skins as an app and Jim ordered the Salt Water Burger. I ordered the Vodka Penne, which was yummy with the generous portion of grilled chicken. The bar area was at capacity and it seemed to be everyone greeting someone they knew (lots of hugs!). I tried the Prickly Pear Margarita for the first official Margarita Monday of the season. Delightful experience and we’ll be back soon! Check it out!

It’s easy to overlook the original Memorial Day held May 30 each year but I like to make a point of recognizing that day as an additional remembrance of those lost in service to our country.

A day of remembrance today and forever.

All tied up at the dock.