Author: Pat D

Yesterday’s rainy Monday made this scene even more poignant for me. Special blessings on those left behind.

If this is the kind of sight that makes you stop in your tracks for a closer look, mark your calendar for Sunday Oct 8 on Lexington Ave in Magnolia for Magtoberfest Car Show. The car show will run from 10 AM- 2 PM but the rest of the festivities will run from 11 – 5 so plan your day accordingly. Registration for car show is free and not required in advance, but email GMGJim please for planning purposes if you have a car to show. GMGJim55@gmail.com

Pat D’s Photos will be among the vendors at the Cape Ann Makers Market Moonrise event at the Emerson Inn Rockport (Cathedral Ave) this Friday Sept 29 from 5 – 9 PM. It’s a wonderful set up and a relaxing stroll. I hope you’ll stop by to say hello. Here are some of the items you can find at the Moonrise Market:

It’s a great time to visit Russell Orchards on Argilla Road in Ipswich as the season transitions from summer to fall. As their website notes, apple picking is in full swing and blackberries are also still available to pick (as of the writing of this post). They do a great job of updating their website so check it out before you plan your picking experience. I love visiting at any time of year but fall is my favorite.

Sharing new about the Lanesville Music Festival originally scheduled for tomorrow Saturday Sept 23:

Sharing news from the Essex Shipbuilding Museum regarding the Apple Armada and Fall Festival now postponed to Sept 30 2023:

Gloucester 400+ will present the Indigenous Heritage Film Festival from Oct 9-14th. YOU are invited and encouraged to attend. From Stan Franzeen:

Dear friends and colleagues, 

You are invited to the first-ever Indigenous Heritage Film Festival scheduled for October 9-14, 2023, in conjunction with Gloucester 400+ in Cape Ann, Massachusetts. This unique cinematic event celebrating the Indigenous history and cultural contributions of Cape Ann and North America’s earliest inhabitants takes place on the unceded lands of Pawtucket and other Indigenous Peoples.

• The IHFF aims to engage, educate, entertain, and motivate audiences using a combination of film genres, stories, talkbacks, and Q&As with some of our feature artists/producers.
• Festival films are culturally, artistically, and socially sensitive productions by or about Indigenous Peoples.
• All events are FREE, with reservations suggested.

We ask you to review and share information about the IHFF with your community members, families, and friends.

Go to https://www.gloucesterma400.org/event/ind for detailed descriptions of the films, speakers, schedules, and venues.

Contact us directly for any additional information at indigenousheritagefilmfestival@gmail.com.

We took a ride to Essex and stopped in at Googans Galley on Martin St because we hadn’t been there in a while. What a fun assortment of refrigerated goods, baked goods, local products (including Cape Ann Sea Salt) and other items! The staff is very friendly and the atmosphere is welcoming. The outside has recently received an uplift. Well worth a stop if you’re in Essex! We left with some baked goods and sweet treats.

As many of you are aware, GMG Jim is coaching the O’Maley field hockey team, which is comprised of about 35 sixth and seventh grade girls. I was invited to attend their third game of the season against Saugus a couple of days ago and was quite impressed with the skills and teamwork demonstrated in the 6-0 win for O’Maley! The future for GHS field hockey looks bright. PS Tonight at Jalapenos on Main St: GHS Field Hockey Fund Raiser!

There was quite a bit of fishing going on at Little River Landing along Essex Ave. in the rain as the tide was coming in a couple of days ago. We stopped by because I have been chasing the belted kingfisher I have spotted there a few times in the last several weeks. Sure enough, he was also fishing along with ducks and egrets. In fact, TWO of them showed up! They are among my favorites with their darting and loud chirping as they fish with superb skill. I stood there in the rain quite a while watching. This appeared to be a male/female pair and I understand they pair up for mating season then find new partners the following year.

Inside and outside at 7 Seas Wharf on a Sunday afternoon. It’s still “in season”!

There will be a car show as part of the festivities for Magtoberfest on Lexinton ave in Magnolia Sunday Oct 8. The car show will run from 10 AM – 2 PM. Registration not required but helpful for planning. Contact Jim Dalpiaz GMGJim55@gmail.com.

I noticed these lovely pieces recently in Gloucester. Do you know where they are?

A gorgeous post storm sunset was our reward following the storm.

Niles Pond always draws me in because it’s so peaceful and beautiful. Late summer beauty around the pond:

Our friend Pauline of Pauline’s Gifts on Essex Ave is offering this new design of the Riverdale-Annisquam Coach as an ornament in limited numbers. Sales will benefit Friends of Seacoast. Get yours today!

I took a walk around the Marine Railways on Rocky Neck to check out the trawler Mr. Pete. I always can find something interesting and worth a share down there.

Hmmm……I’m intrigued…..More info and details here.

We went up to the Paint Factory because the sky was so pretty and I wanted to see the Gloucester skyline from that side of the harbor. What we found was a construction project underway and a whole bunch of dirt! We also saw a couple of large pleasure vessels docked there. Nice to see progress and usage over there. The sky looked pretty cool too.

Sharing an update regarding new date for Community Safety Day from the Gloucester Police Department: