Author: Pat D

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.

We have had Baltimore Orioles in the vicinity for several seasons now, but this is the first time I have located their nest. They build sac-like structures in tree branches and you can see they are well hidden. I watched as one of the orioles made its way down into the nest and popped its head back out. Now we wait for little chirps and open mouths of young ones!

We lived on Lake Erie when I was in school but we never got to have a mobile classroom like this one! How cool for our students to be able to go out on the Ardelle for their classroom experience?

We had a wonderful dining experience at Fleur Cuisine on the T Wharf in Rockport recently. The bright, open atmosphere, friendly staff and menu selection all added up to an A+ experience. There is a small bar area, back dining room and outdoor seating. It was too chilly for outside so we sat in the back dining room. As usual, we were on the early side but the room filled up during our time there. Our server Maria was efficient and informed. We enjoyed plantains, the chicken entree and the pineapple bowl with shrimp. The chicken was amazing with just the right amount of spicy zing. We finished off with the best key lime pie I’ve had on Cape Ann. Get yourself there!

I recently downloaded the Merlin app from Cornell to assist with bird identification. The most useful attribute so far is the ability to record live birdsong and have it be identified. I admit to being kind of addicted. You see an example of a report here and the accompanying recording. We found our eagle pair recently along the river but I did not have my camera with me that day so I pulled out the phone to record when they started calling. So here are some other recent photos of that eagle pair along the river and a recording in case you love eagle calls as much as I do. (the audio file is at the bottom though the picture of the report looks like where you want to go)

We had a lovely deer family visit the backyard a few days ago. I cannot resist fawn photos. This grouping appears to be a doe, a yearling and a fawn. The yearling is developing its horns which you can see by looking closely. The yearling seemed very interested in the fawn. He used his hoof to “guide” the fawn or perhaps to check it out. I don’t know what that behavior indicates but it was super intriguing to watch. As they retreated a bit to the undergrowth, the fawn got a good bathing from the doe. Tis the season for the fawns! I hope they return soon and often. More details and photos available at Pat D’s Photos and Adventures on Facebook. Give it a follow if you like what you see.

I woke up one morning last week and just wanted to do something different. Though it wasn’t quite to plan, the different thing we did was go to the newest Serenitee Restaurant Dire Wolf Tavern on Washington St in Salem. And it was fantastic! Honestly the online presentation when the Dire Wolf was introduced made me think it wouldn’t be my kind of place, but I was mistaken! We stopped for lunch on a weekday and it was easy to find parking nearby. The bar area is spacious and lovely. There’s outdoor seating available but we chose to sit inside where we could watch the street. The menu has a nice variety of selections and I found it difficult to settle on just one so we will be back to try the others. We have Serenitee Rewards, so it was a win-win.

Jim ordered Crispy Shawarma Cauliflower as an appetizer and the Beef Brisket & Cheese sandwich. I ordered a BLT — though I was a little wary of the mustard aioli, it was a perfectly matched set of ingredients. Josh was our server and he was friendly and knowledgeable. A couple of people were overheard raving about the burger so I expect that to be on my list for next time.

As an added treat, there’s a downstairs bar area called Hallowed Tavern which seems to have a speakeasy vibe. It’s open later in the day. We enjoyed our meal and experience and we’d plan to go back. If you’re over that way, give them a try.

Sharing news from Gloucester Bites on Facebook. today Sun May 21 2023. The Cupboard is at Stage Fort Park.

A photo-dump from Friday’s Pirates vs Cardinals game. Great game, thank you coaches, officials, volunteers and team members!

Pat D’s Photos will be opening our season at the Spring Festival at the Academy at Penguin Hall on Essex St in Wenham tonight from 5-8 PM. I know it’s a busy day but perhaps by late afternoon, you’ll be looking for something just like this opportunity to benefit the students at the Academy. We are excited to be introducing some new items including ceramic night lights and outdoor banners! Stop by and check them out yourself. We also offer puzzles, prints, magnets, notecards, suncatchers, glass prints and more featuring local scenes and wildlife. You can also follow us on Facebook at Pat D’s Photos and Adventures to see additional photos and updates. Here are some examples of our offerings for this season: