Atlantic Vacation Homes has a Facebook Page they would like you to know about-

http://www.facebook.com/atlanticvacationhomes

---

CAPE ANN COMMUNITY CINEMA HOSTS ACCLAIMED DOCUMENTARY
Film describes positive way forward for our schools

On May 21, 2012, the Cape Ann Community Cinema at 21 Main Street in Gloucester will screen the documentary AUGUST TO JUNE: BRINGING LIFE TO SCHOOL (www.AugustToJune.com). This intimate portrait is a buoyant contrast to films like “Waiting For Superman” and other recent negative portrayals of public schools. With humor and empathy, the film delves deeply into what a meaningful education entails, and asks viewers to question current test driven trends.

AUGUST TO JUNE has won praise from local and national educators and policy makers. Alfie Kohn, author of The Schools Our Children Deserve and other books, (and called by Time Magazine "perhaps the country’s most outspoken critic of education’s fixation on grades [and] test scores."), says of AUGUST TO JUNE: "It is one thing to deplore the assembly-line model of schooling, with its emphasis on mindless compliance and rote memorization. Far more useful is to see the alternative take shape in front of you. In ‘August To June,’ we have a visual record of a community of learners, a series of moments – discoveries and setbacks – through the school year that accumulate like sparkling beads on a string. The result is as engrossing as it is illuminating."

Gloucester resident Jay Featherstone, author of Schools Where Children Learn, and emeritus faculty leader Michigan State University’s acclaimed teacher education program called it "…a flat out gorgeous, beautiful movie, a brilliant poem of childhoods in motion over time.”

The film was chosen for inclusion in CINESTRAT 2011 (Spain’s social change documentary film festival) and was featured at the Save Our Schools conference during their call to action in Washington, D.C.

Cape Ann’s much-publicized debate over the new Gloucester Community Arts Charter School has dominated public conversation about education. This screening of AUGUST TO JUNE, as well as the conversation with filmmakers Amy and Tom Valens afterwards, gives those who care about the future of education and high stakes testing a chance to watch and discuss a positive vision for the future.

AUGUST TO JUNE follows 26 third and fourth graders for one entire school year, as their teacher, her colleagues, and parents encourage curiosity and creativity, build a community of learners, work to honor each child and catch opportunities to develop respect for differences. It takes place in a California public school, but its message is universal. The film is the jumping-off point to broaden local and national conversations about public schools beyond test scores.

The filmmakers are available for interviews at (415) 488-9244, or by e-mail at tomvalens@comcast.net and amyvalens@comcast.net.

A press kit, trailers and more information can be found at www.AugustToJune.com.

This special Cape Ann Community Cinema event has an admission price of $12.50 all seats ($10.00 for Cinema Members) and will include dinner, a movie and a discussion afterwards with filmakers Tom and Amy Valens.

AUGUST TO JUNE screens at Cape Ann Community Cinema at 21 Main Street in Gloucester on May 21^st. Doors open for dinner and vintage educational films “from the archives” at 6:00pm; AUGUST TO JUNE screens at 7:00pm with a discussion immediately following.

To view a trailer and learn more about AUGUST TO JUNE, visit www.AugustToJune.com.

---

---

(Rockport, MA) May 14, 2012— Peter A. Anderson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rockport National Bancorp, Inc. and its subsidiary Rockport National Bank is pleased to announce that for a third consecutive year Rockport National Bank has been recognized by American Banker Magazine as one of the top 200 community banks in the United States.

The May 2012 issue of American Banker highlights the top 200 Community Banks in the United States.  Though 36 states are represented, Rockport National Bank ranked number 69 was one of only 6 banks representing Massachusetts.  Being recognized as a leading performer during these economic times is evidence of our commitment to both our customers and shareholders, states Peter Anderson. 

Rockport National Bank has been serving the Cape Ann community since 1851.  The Bank now has four full service locations on the North Shore including Rockport, Gloucester and Beverly.  For additional information visit http://www.rockportnational.com.