Today’s paper- Gail McCarthy writes about Once Upon a Contest at Cape Ann Museum

Posted on by Catherine

Gail McCarthy wrote a wonderful article about the exhibit at CAM in today’s Gloucester Daily Times newspaper: “Young at Heart: Cape Ann Museum and Cape Ann Reads encourage literacy in new show”   Cape Ann Museum Reception Saturday 3-5pm

Gail McCarthy Gloucester Daily Times article Once Upon a Contest Cape Ann Reads at Cape Ann Museum exhibition © catherine ryan.jpg

Nichole’s Picks 1/5 + 1/6

Posted on by Nichole S.

Pick #1:  Fantastic Beasts Scavenger Hunt at the Harvard Museum of Natural History.

Read more HERE

Celebrate the film Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald and revel in a holiday season bursting with the magic of J. K. Rowling’s world by embarking on your very own search for magical creatures! Climb a 150-year-old staircase, explore a maze of hallways and hidden rooms, peek around corners and into shadows to discover the real creatures and stories behind these fantastic beasts. Where CAN you find them? Look no further than the hallowed halls of the Harvard Museum of Natural History, the Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology and the Harvard Semitic Museum. Witches, wizards, muggles, and magizoologists of all ages are invited to pick up the Fantastic Beasts Scavenger Hunt clue sheets at any of these Harvard museums and begin a quest to uncover the hiding places for a host of amazing creatures.  Find them all, and you win a small prize! The spell is cast and the adventure begins November 18, but time is limited, so plan your visit now. The magic ends on January 6.

Regular admission rates apply.

The museum is located at 26 Oxford Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts, just past Harvard Yard.

Adults: $15.00
Non-Harvard students with I.D.: $10.00
Seniors (65+): $13.00
Children ages 3–18: $10.00
Children under 3: Free
Free for members

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Pick #2:  New England Reptile Expo

This is not a place that you’ll catch me, but if your little ones have been clamoring for a new pet and you’re not into fur balls, litter boxes, or taking dogs for long walks….you may want to check out the Reptile Expo up in Manchester, NH.  It is billed as the Largest Reptile Show in New England, for whatever that’s worth.

READ MORE HERE

Sunday, January 6, 2019
10:00 to 4:00

The Doubletree Hotel Manchester Downtown

700 Elm Street, Manchester NH

Thousands of reptiles on display and for sale as pets!  Vendors will also be selling cages, supplies, frozen feeder rodents, feeder bugs, and many other reptile-related items at discounted prices.

Admission: $10/adults, $5/kids 7-12, under 7 free.
Kids 12 and under MUST be accompanied by an admission paying adult!

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Pick #3:  Rye Airfield Indoor Skate Park

Rye, New Hampshire

My boys have both been here a few times and love it!  It is HUGE.  It’s also a great option to break away from the normal indoor activities that your children may need a little vacation from.  You can bring your own bikes, scooters, skate boards, etc. or simply rent something up there.

READ MORE HERE

Before we get to the ramps, we have a ton of viewing areas, retail, concessions, bathrooms, showers (camp use only), multi-purpose rooms and usually a good joke or two.

Rye Airfield is New England’s premiere skate & bike park. Our indoor skatepark was originally designed and built by Jack Murphy Productions (designers of The Gravity Games, Vans Skateparks and the Dew Tour) with the consultation of former Pro Skaters, Dave Duncan, Andy MacDonald and Chris Senn. Over the past decade we have remodeled a handful of times with the most recent phases of design and construction being completed by Brad Jameson and John Saxton of Skidmark Skateparks along with a covert crew of volunteers.

We are not just a skate & bike park though, we also offer a full service pro shop that carries a solid selection of bike, skateboard and scooter products from completes that are ready to go, or all the parts you need for a custom built ride. Our mechanics can build and repair just about anything that is used in the park.

Our year round indoor facility has 50,000 square feet and features everything you’ve dreamed about riding or skating all under one roof. Our outdoor area is more than 100,000 square feet and is a work in progress with wood and dirt features. The ultimate goal is to create an outdoor bike park that offers something for the cross-country mtb rider and the dirt jumping bmx rider.

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As always, for a comprehensive list of family activities, please visit our friends at North Shore Kid.

24 Hours From Now I Have My First Colonoscopy

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Today they say is the worst part where you take meds to clean your insides out.

We had to get 4 dulcolax. There was a pack of 24 or a pack of 8. Kate got me the pack of 8-

Guess I need to go back out to CVS to get the pack of 24 that I don’t have to stick up my ass.

Home Interest Rates and Price Dropping in 2019?

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

prattbrandon's avatarCape Ann Home

Pratt SignHappy New Year!  I hope you all had a festive and wonderful holiday season.  As January 2nd is upon us, it’s time to start planning for the year ahead.   With that, I want to touch on a few financial and real estate topics that may be beneficial to everyone.

In the beginning of December, all the talk was about increasing interest rates, home prices declining and inventories rising.  Now in the beginning of January, things are looking a little different.  How is that possible?  The Fed increased the benchmark interest rate .25% in December, it’s the holiday season where there tends to be less home buyers and even less sellers and we are going into winter when it’s typically slow.  The easiest way to explain this is to look outside.

While the decent winter weather can account for more people buying and selling homes, that has nothing to do with…

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Make your own sauerkraut at Backyard Growers’ Fermentation Workshop!

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

backyardgrowersgloucester's avatarCape Ann Community

Fermentation flyer

We’re teaming up with our friends at Pigeon Cove Ferments again this winter to offer a Fermentation Workshop! Join us at PCF’s downtown Gloucester Fermentorium to learn about the benefits of fermentation and how to make your own sauerkraut.

We will begin with a short overview of the fermentation process, fermented foods and the health benefits of fermentation. Then we will chop, grate, mix, and begin fermenting our own sauerkraut for participants to take home!

When: Thursday, January 17, 2018, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Where: Pigeon Cove Ferments, 44 Whittemore Street Unit #10, Gloucester, MA

This workshop often sells out, so get your tickets today! Tickets are $20 per person, with a 50% discount for Backyard Growers program participants.

Questions? Please contact Backyard Growers at 978-281-0480, community@backyardgrowers.org, or visit us at 271 Main St.

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Kate’s Dad Buzza Foley saved a life- just another day in the life for this hero.

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Article in the Salem Evening News

Retired Wenham officer revives spectator at indoor soccer match

  • By Ethan Forman Staff Writer

DANVERS — Retired Wenham police reserve officer William J. Foley Jr. happened to be at the right place at the right time to be able to use CPR to revive a spectator at Danvers Indoor Sports on Andover Street on Saturday afternoon.

The victim collapsed and wound up unresponsive about 10 feet behind Foley as he was watching a soccer game, he said.

From his training, Foley said it appeared the man had suffered cardiac arrest. He had no pulse and he was not breathing.

At the time of the incident, Foley was on the second level of the indoor sports complex at 150 Andover St., catching his 8-year-old grandson Connor Hill’s 5 p.m. soccer game.

During the match, he heard commotion nearby.

“Next thing I know, someone was screaming for a doctor or a nurse,” Foley said. At first, Foley did not grasp what was happening, but his daughter told him: “Dad, move it.”

“You do what you gotta do,” said Foley, 67, of Hamilton, who retired two years ago at the mandatory retirement age of 65 as a reserve patrolman in Wenham after 34 years. He continues to serve as a special police officer for Crane Beach in Ipswich.

Another man was attempting to do CPR on the victim who was on the ground, but Foley said this man was not trained to do so. Foley told the other bystander he was a police officer and took over performing CPR on the victim, and started doing chest compressions. After about a minute and a half, the man started to breath and talk. There was a language barrier, Foley said, but the victim’s family kept talking to him.

Foley does know who the victim is. He credits his training over the years for kicking in at the right time.

“You’ve been trained in that your whole life, and it’s one of the things that stick with you,” Foley said.

He also said he recently finished in-service training in November, which included CPR training.

“It’s a credit to the academy, these guys teach it so well,” Foley said of the Massachusetts Law Enforcement Training Alliance, LLC, MLETA, which is based in Topsfield.

Foley is known in Beverly as the retired principal of the Centerville Elementary School on Hull Street, a post from which he retired in 2008.

Danvers Police and Fire departments responded to the call, along with Atlantic Ambulance, Foley said. He described the man as conscious and alert when he was taken away by ambulance.

Danvers fire Capt. Brian Barry was on duty Saturday at the time of the call, but he did not respond to it. He said the call came in at 5:30 p.m. for a person who was possibly not breathing and who was later transported to the hospital conscious and alert. He did not have any further details.

Foley comes from a family where knowing CPR comes in handy. He’s the uncle of Topsfield fire Chief Jen Collins-Brown. He is also the uncle of her brother, Beverly Commissioner of Public Services Michael Collins.

In September, Collins happened to be at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Beverly Middle School when former Beverly Mayor Bill Scanlon became unsteady on his feet during a speech. Collins, who is trained in CPR, was able to reach him before he collapsed and started doing chest compressions on Scanlon, who was 78 at the time. These actions saved Scanlon’s life.

Fire Chief Collins-Brown said she was proud of her uncle.

“It’s the bystanders, it’s the lay people who are going to save people,” said Collins-Brown, who also teaches CPR.  That’s the message she brings when teaching other first responders about CPR, that time is of the essence when it comes to saving lives using its techniques.

‘It’s all the more reason why people should learn CPR,” Collins-Brown said.

     

    My View of Joey from the Dock

    Posted on by Craig Kimberley

    These boys put in work. Every day, all day. (Nov 2018)

    A boat arrives.

    Work begins

    Joey on the job

    Tuffy on the move

    Do you even bait?

    Trade off

    Another dollar

    DO SNOWY OWLS HUNT DURING THE DAY OR NIGHT?

    Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

    Chance encounter, of the majestic Snowy Owl kind-

     

    Snowy Owl perching in a pine tree after sunset.

    I wasn’t expecting to see a Snowy Owl overhead in a pine tree, although its not entirely uncommon. Because Snowy Owlets hatch in the summertime in the treeless Arctic tundra, they may never even see a tree until they migrate southward.

    Generally, Snowies prefer wide open spaces such as dunes, sandy beaches, fields, and airports, because this habitat looks most similar to the tundra.

    For the same reason (their home territory is above the Arctic Circle), Snowy Owls hunt during the day in their summer range. Their eyes have evolved to hunt in the continuous daylight of the far north. When migrating to the lower 48 states, Snowies adapt to the shifting light. Unlike other species of owls, the Snowy Owl hunts during the day (this behavior is called diurnal), and the night (nocturnal), and at twilight (crepuscular).

    From observing Snowy Owls in our region, they mostly feed very early in the morning, before daybreak, rest during the day in dunes and fields, then at day’s end, fly up and perch on an open rooftop or phone pole (less occasionally to treetops), to begin hunting again. The elevated perches provide better visibility for triangulating prey.

    At day’s end, perching on a phone pole and scanning the neighborhood.

    Beach structures make great perches.

    Hedwig in the moonlight, perched on a phone pole.

    Even a flag pole makes for a terrific hunting perch for a Snowy!

     

    Beginner Yoga Series with Sharon Esker

    Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

    Treetop Yoga Studio's avatarCape Ann Wellness

    New Years is a great time to set yourself up with some healthy new habits. Yoga is a wonderful practice to connect yourself to your body and breath, building both strength and flexibility. This Saturday, join Sharon as she begins a 4 week series to introduce you to the basics of the yoga asana practice.
    Four-week series:
    Saturdays, January 5, 12, and 26; February 2
    12:30pm – 1:45pm
    Whether you are brand new to yoga or wanting to reconnect to the basic fundamentals of your practice, you are welcome to attend this Beginner Yoga Series. Vinyasa yoga unites the body and the breath through the creative linking of postures (asanas). With down-to-earth, clear instruction and explanation, you will learn several postures and breathing practices most commonly used in a vinyasa-style yoga class. This series is designed to guide you in feeling more comfortable in your own body and provide you…

    View original post 19 more words

    Every Wednesday and Thursday –1606 Live Music Series at Beauport Hotel 7PM-10PM 

    Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

    beauporthospitalitygroup's avatarcapeanneats

    1606 Live Music Series – Every Wednesday and Thursday – 7:00PM-10:00PM

    Beauport Hotel Gloucester | 55 Commercial Street | Gloucester, MA 01930

    Description: Join us every Wednesday and Thursday from 7:00-10:00PM for our live music series with local artists! There is no cover dee and we also offer complimentary self or valet parking.

    JANUARY

    Wednesday, January 2 – Nadia Robertson

    Thursday, January 3 – AJ Edwards

    Wednesday, January 9 – Michael Forgette

    Thursday, January 10 – Liam Anastacia-Murphy

    Wednesday, January 16 – Rich Moulison

    Thursday, January 17 – Nick Consone

    Wednesday, January 23 – Mari Martin

    Thursday, January 24 – DITTO

    Wednesday, January 30 – AJ Edwards

    Thursday, January 31 – Brick Park Duo

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    Wednesdays at The Rhumb Line ~ Tonight’s Host: Bradley Royds w/Special guests: Bill Gleason with Ken Steiner 7-10pm 1.2.2019

    Posted on by Joanne

    Dinner Specials Each Week!
    Wednesday, January 2 – 7pm
    HAPPY NEW YEAR!
    Bradley Royds as Host and Special Guests: BILL GLEASON!
    (with Ken Steiner on the upright)

    Kickin’ off the new year with some howlin’ blues from the great
    Bill Gleason! Bill, not nearly as mean as he looks here, will
    have his thumpin’ side-kick, Ken Steiner standing right next
    to him on the upright bass. Tres cool! ~ Fly
    Dinner with great music!
    *Each week features a special, invited musical guest
    The Rhumb Line Kitchen……features Morgan Forsythe! Dishes are better than ever before!
    Plus a fine, affordable wine menu!
    Next week…
    1/09 – John Rockwell

    1/16 – Ellen Ford

    1/23 – Allen Estes

    Visit: http://www.therhumbline.com/
    Looking forward……to seeing you there 🙂

     

     

    Boy Scout Troop 20 Christmas Tree Service

    Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

    We will take your old Christmas Tree and recycle it for use in local gardens.

    Why get pine needles all over your car?

    Do not let dry brittle branches scratch the paint !

    Tree pick up on Saturday December 29, January 5, and January 12

    Between 8 AM and 2 PM.

    Trees must be free of ornaments, lights, and tree stands.

    Trees should be put outside prior to our arrival.

     

    A $5 donation will go to support local Boy Scout Troop 20.

    Money will be used to go on Scouting trips, outings, and/or equipment.

     

    If you would like us to pick up your tree please call New Phone # 978-309-9501 with your name, address, telephone number and which day is best to pick up your tree.

     

    Or, E-mail with the same information to New E-mail Address troop20treepickup@gmail.com

     

    Rockport and Gloucester only please.

    Burgess and Mackey Funeral Home

    Posted on by Nichole S.

    When driving past the Burgess & Mackey Funeral Home over the course of the past several months (maybe even years as I can’t remember when they closed) I found myself wondering what would happen with the property.  A couple of weeks ago I was surprised to see that it was all of a sudden all but gone.  In one day’s time the building was demolished.  The final photo is what the lot looked like just this morning.

    Now I find myself wondering what will be built in that space?   Does anyone know?

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