9 ribbon cuttings! Byway kiosks

Posted on by Catherine
Stage Fort Park_Gloucester MA_ since 1897_ Visitors Welcome Center_20170519_©c ryan
(before)

Essex National Heritage Heather Goss, Project Manager, shares save the date notice

Ribbon Cuttings – Essex Coastal Scenic Byway Kiosk Installations save the dates

  • BEVERLY, Wednesday, December 5th, 9:30am
    Location: 191 Cabot Street, Beverly, MA 01915

    IPSWICH, Wednesday, December 5th at 1:00pm
    Location: 36 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA 01938

    LYNN, Friday, December 7th, 9:00am
    Location: Intersection of Union and Broad Street, Lynn, MA 01901

    SALEM, Friday, December 7th, 11:00am
    Location: 2 New Liberty Street, Salem, MA 01970

    SALISBURY, Friday, December 7th, 4:00pm
    Location: Maria Miles Visitor Center, Exit 60 on Route 95, South Bound, Salisbury, 01952

    MARBLEHEAD, Monday, December 10th, 1:00pm
    Location: Chamber’s Information Booth, at the intersection of Pleasant, Essex and Spring Streets, Marblehead, MA 01945

    NEWBURYPORT, Tuesday, December 11th, 9:30am
    Location: Information Booth, 35 Merrimac Street, Newburyport, MA 01950

    ESSEX, Tuesday, December 11th, 1:00pm
    Location: 113 Main Street, Essex, MA 01929

    GLOUCESTER, Wednesday, December 19th, 10:00am
    Location: Stage Fort Park, 24 Hough Ave, Gloucester, MA 01930

Essex Coastal Scenic Byway Essex National Heritage new kiosks 2018About the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway kiosks:
The Essex National Heritage Commission (Essex Heritage) is pleased to announce the installation of 9 informational kiosks in communities along the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway, a state-designated route linking 14 coastal cities and towns from Lynn to Salisbury. These kiosks are a part of a wayfinding signage project that has been ongoing for over a decade with the goal of supporting a tourism-based economic initiative by showcasing the region’s historic, cultural, and natural places. Envisioned as a sustainable form of economic development, the route of the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway was established by the state legislature in the mid-2000s. The 90-mile Essex Coastal byway is one of 15 state-designated scenic byways in Massachusetts and guides visitors and residents through one of the country’s most picturesque and historically significant regions – Boston’s legendary North Shore. The route features mile after mile of breathtaking vistas, historic homes, access to world-class art and culture destinations, distinctive local businesses and visitor centers. With the addition of these kiosks to the existing wayfinding signage, travelers of the byway will be able to access visitor- related information about the communities and the Essex National Heritage Area, stimulating the exploration of the byway region’s extensive heritage sites, recreational resources, and visitor services. Additionally, these kiosks list byway access routes from local major highways and are an accessible resource for the public year-round. From south to north byway communities are Lynn, Swampscott, Marblehead, Salem, Beverly, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Gloucester, Rockport, Essex, Ipswich, Rowley, Newbury, Newburyport and Salisbury. “Essex Heritage is working to support our local economy and the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway is an excellent vehicle for promoting tourism within these communities,” said Essex Heritage CEO Annie Harris, “The kiosks help bring attention to our enduring local landmarks and demonstrate how heritage sites continue to financially benefit the businesses and residents of this coastal region.” The wayfinding signage and kiosk system was funded by a grant from the Federal Highway administration (FHWA) with matching funds provided by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). The hardware and panels were designed by Omloop Design based in Framingham, with strong support and direction from stakeholders within the represented communities*. The kiosks were fabricated and installed by Design Communications Ltd (DCL). Essex Heritage is organizing ribbon cutting ceremonies for each community receiving a Byway Kiosk. 

*In Gloucester most recently those assisting ENA with the Kiosks include Marie Santos, Gloucester’s Community Development (and Voice of Gloucester HarborWalk narration), and Elizabeth Carey, Director Discover Gloucester.

About Essex Heritage and the Essex National Heritage Area:
Essex Heritage is the non-profit organization that manages the Essex National Heritage Area by developing programs that enhance, preserve, and encourage recreation, education, conservation and interpretation projects on Boston’s North Shore and the Lower Merrimack River Valley. The Essex National Heritage Area is comprised of the 34 cities and towns of Essex County, MA. For more information, visit http://www.EssexHeritage.org or call (978) 740-0444. 

HarborWalk marker installed 2012_Stage Fort Park_Gloucester MA_looking across Visitors Welcome Center to Gloucester Harbor_20170519_©catherine ryan.jpg
Gloucester HarborWalk marker (#42) was installed at Stage Fort Park in 2012

Cripple Cove in Shadow and Light

Posted on by Pat D

Cripple Cove is a small hidden treasure that speaks to Gloucester’s personality.  On a dreary day or in bright sunshine, it’s a sight to behold.

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Personally I feel the sunshine presents the true glory of this area.

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Nia, Thursday, Nov. 15,  10:15 am at MAGMA Classic Nia-AYA

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

niawithlinda's avatarCape Ann Wellness

What is Nia?  Safe, thoughtful, cardiovascular fitness to great music!  No-impact movement, adaptable to all levels of fitness and ability. Nia is a fun, no-impact cardiovascular, fitness program that draws from
three areas of movement:

  • Martial Arts:Tai Chi, Taekwando & Aikido,
  • Dance Arts:Jazz, Modern & Interpretive Dance
  • Healing Arts:Yoga, Alexander Technique &
    Feldenkrais Method

Nia can be practiced by people of all ages and ability levels.  Nia can be done in bare feet and comfortable workout or yoga clothing.

For more info visit niawithlinda.com

Experience a Classic Nia routine.  Our current routine, AYA, is classic Nia by co founder Carlos Rosas.  Great music, moves and a good workout without impact on the tootsies. Time to care for the body and mind after all the political shenanigans. Here’s a link to samples of the music (click here).

Building Access Update:  Filming in the building is complete so…

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City Of Gloucester Community Electricity Aggregation Program Information

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Joey Ciaramitaro's avatarCape Ann Community

Opt-Out Period Ends This Saturday, November 17th
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To learn more:

Call: (866) 456-8232

Or go to the website: www.gloucester-cea.com

Keep in mind that your National Grid bill is divided into two sets of charges, one for supply and one for delivery. The Gloucester CEA program will only impact the supply portion of your bill. This is identified on your National Grid bill under Supply Services. The program does not affect the delivery or transmission portions of your bill which are substantial. Additionally, summer rates have been historically lower than winter rates. For example, the National Grid residential rate for summer 2018 was 10.87 cents/kWh.
THERE IS NO GUARANTEE OF SAVINGS

The primary intent of the program is to provide price stability and savings over the duration of the 36-month term. National Grid’s rates for electric supply change every six months for Residential and Small Commercial customers and every three…

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Cape Ann Report – Community Round Table

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Maureen Aylward hosts Cape Ann Report – Community Round Table, a discussion about community issues with: Bob Gillis, President of the Cape Ann Savings Bank and Tri-Chair of Gloucester 400; Greg Bover of CB Fisk; and Dick Prouty, Co-Chair of TownGreen2025.

GRAND HERON OF THE GREAT MARSH: CAPE ANN’S GREAT BLUE HERONS

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Mostly elegant, though sometimes appearing comically Pterodactylus-like, the Great Blue Heron is found in nearly every region of the United States, Mexico, and Central America, as well as the southern provinces of Canada.


Its light weight, a mere five pounds, belies the fact that the Great Blue Heron is North America’s largest heron, with a wingspan of up to six and a half feet and a height of four and a half feet. I write elegant because it truly has a grace unsurpassed when in repose or waiting to strike a fish. Images of Pterodactylus come to mind when you see the bird battling for territory with other herons or flapping about in a tree top; the Heron loses all its sophisticated exquisiteness, transformed into what looks like a great winged beast.

Pterodactylus images courtesy wiki commons media

This summer past was a tremendous year for observing herons and egrets on Cape Ann. Our marshes, ponds, and waterways were rife with Little Blue Herons, Snowy Egrets, Great Egrets, Yellow-crowned Night Herons, Black-crowned Night Herons, Green Herons, American Bitterns, and especially Great Blue Herons.

Great Blue Herons, Little Blue Herons, Snowy Egrets and Great Egrets, Cape Ann

At nearly every location Great Blue Herons were seen foraging either with a flock of mixed herons and egrets, or in a solitary manner. Great Blue Herons hunt day and night and I would often find them at daybreak. They will stand quietly for hours, repeatedly striking the water with lightning bolt swiftness, almost always resurfacing with fish or frog. Great Blue Herons are survivalists and their diet is wide ranging, including large and small fish, frogs, insects, small mammals, and even other birds. Because of its highly varied diet, the Great Blue Heron is able to spend winters further north than most other species of herons and egrets. Even when after waters freeze, we still see them on our shores well into December.

Great Blue Herons are sometimes mistakenly referred to as cranes, which they are not. Cranes are entirely different species. Bas relief at Crane Estate, Ipswich.

Don’t you think it amazing how perfectly these largest of North America’s herons meld with the surrounding landscape?

Here are some moments from this past summer and autumn observing the elusively elegant (mostly), and sometimes comical, Great Blue Heron.

Fishing – Great Blue Herons capture small fish and amphibians by plunging into water and then swallowing whole the prey. They also use their powerful bills like a dagger to spear larger fish.


Great Blue Heron Range Map

Great Blue Herons

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

Driving by Clark Pond on Monday, noticed this beautiful Heron and then saw two more playing with ducks.  The photo with the ducks is grainy due to the sun right in my lens.

Write a letter to the FCC to support 1623 Studios (Cape Ann TV) community media

Posted on by Catherine

New rules may be implemented with the FCC that could decimate funding to local community television. You still have time to weigh in with public comments today and tomorrow. See below for a current 2018 update and easy how-tos for public comments. (You can read more about  the FCC history and cape ann tv leading up to 1623 studios in a prior 2016 post.)

Erich Archer says thanks and please feel free to share:

LETTER TEMPLATES & HOW TO FILE COMMENTS BY 11/14/18

You can submit a comment to the FCC before November 15th with these steps:

  1. Go to this link: https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/search/proceedings?q=name:((05-311))
  2. Click on ‘+ Express ‘
  3. Fill in your information and send

You can also the template found here. You can find other sample letters you can get from local lawmakers about the rulemaking to enter into the record. Let us know if you have questions!


BACKGROUND

The FCC’s “Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making (FNPRM) on Cable Franchising” was published in the Federal Register on October 15. This means that the deadline for comments will be November 14. This proposed Rule seeks to redefine and place a value on cable franchise obligations that have been traditionally defined as “In-Kind” (backhaul of signal, IPG, possibly our PEG channels themselves). The result would be to charge these “expenses” back against the franchise fee and essentially undermine the intent of the Cable Act. The national impact on PEG Access and local municipalities could be devastating. 

LATEST UPDATES

US Senator Edward Markey of Massachusetts knows community media and why it exists. He was on the House committee that helped enact the 1984 Cable Act that supported PEG across the United States. That’s why he’s outraged at the actions of the Federal Communications Commission to destabilize communities in its FNPRM on Cable Franchsing.

Among other things, the rulemaking proposes to define “in-kind” support so broadly it will allow cable companies to deduct just about ANY support against franchise fees – thus defunding municipalities AND community television.

Senator Markey is trying to organize Democratic US Senators to support a letter to the FCC disapproving of the proposed rulemaking. ACM wants to thank him for the effort. He’s been a champion of our cause for many years! Here are the Senators who so far have agreed to sign on to the Markey letter:

  • Senator Tammy Baldwin (WI)
  • Senator Ben Cardin (MD)
  • Senator Maggie Hassan (NH)
  • Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow (MI)
  • Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden (OR)
  • Senator Bernie Sanders (VT)

We want to thank all the ACM members who’ve been contacting their US Senators about signing on, but we need more! Please contact your US Senator about joining Senator Markey’s effort to oppose the FNPRM. You may notice some Democratic Senators who are not on the list!

If you need assistance or background information about the FNPRM, please contact Mike Wassenaar by email at mwassenaar@allcommunitymedia.org.

20161026_© c ryan Cape Ann TV Gloucester MA

Please support O’Maley Academy After School Program!!!!

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Please support O’Maley Academy After School Program!!!!

O’Maley Academy Invites you …..

Please join us at Jalapenos on Wednesday, November14th!!!!

Fun starts around 5:00!

10% of all food purchases go DIRECTLY to O’Maley Academy After School Program!!!!

If you can’t join us grab some take out! That works too!

We hope to see you all there!!!!!

 

Who Wore it Better?

Posted on by Nichole S.

Something happened over the weekend that made me remember that I snapped these photos at Stone’s Pub right around Halloween.

Freddy and I happened to be sitting at the bar for a quick bite when one of Stone’s patrons came in dressed as, none other than, Stone’s bartender Jamie.

Nice job.  He did, in fact, shave his head and dye his beard to complete the outfit along with donning the Stone’s Pub t-shirt and jeans.

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Critters at Parker River

Posted on by Pat D

Here’s some of the wonderful wildlife we saw at the Parker River National Wilidlife Refuge last week. Although it may have seemed quiet at the refuge, the critters just go about their business as usual.  We enjoy our trips to Parker River and I do plan to renew my membership.

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Bird watchers in the vicinity told me this is a Cooper’s Hawk.

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I was surprised to find the Great Blue Heron.

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Well The Blog Redesign Had Been In The Works For Weeks. I Hope You All Like It

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

newface

We’re coming up on 11 years and I don’t want to rest on our laurels. It was time to freshen up.  Some of the things added are the podcast preview clips which are a lot of fun (to me anyway).  We now have a larger header with rotating photos from this past year (many of which are in the new calendar).

It’s a cleaner design, less blocky and has an easier to read font.

Piece by piece I agonized over changing things but I think you, our readers will benefit and ultimately that’s what makes me happy.

Do me a favor, even if you hate it, lie to me and tell me it’s great.  I don’t want to have to do another redesign for a while. 😉

If you’re reading this it means you’ve figured out you scroll down to the content.  Hoping some of the less savvy folks don’t just hit the full screen landing page and freak out, not knowing they should scroll down.

 

Coffin’s Beach By The Numbers

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Kenny MacCarthy's avatarCape Ann Home

Click here for video and a ride into the “private section” of Wingaersheek, rka (really known as) Coffin’s Beach. See the homes that sold as well as the ones that didn’t.

WIA map small

Prepared by McDermott & MacCarthy of Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty. Visit CapeAnnWaterfrontGuide.com for your free waterfront report as well as a copy of the map.

 

 

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My Friend Mike Codair Installed Solar With Cazeault. Any Guesses as To What His Electric Bill Is?- ZERO!

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

codairsolar

He was so excited when he got his bill with an actual credit he sent me a photo.

You can sit there and do nothing and pay a ridiculous amount of money for electricity in your house or you can help the environment and pay yourself by getting solar installed.

Fill out the form and I’ll have lifelong Gloucester resident Tim Sanborn from Cazeault call you to go over your options for free.

 

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Tim’s company installed mine, Tim’s company installed Marcy Plante’s, Tim’s Company installed Northeast Cleaner’s, Tim’s Company installed Preferred Autobody, Tim’s Company installed Sash Ludwig and Craig Dulong’s From Lanesville, Tim’s Company has installed over 250 solar systems on Cape Ann and you know what every single one of them say?  That it was the best decision they ever made on their home.

WHISMY AND WONDERMENT AT THE PRESENT GLOUCESTER GRAND OPENING!

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Present Gloucester Artists Jess Damargin, Amanda Cook, Britton Davis, Mary Rhinelander, Liz Gramnas, Michele Del Vecchio, and Pam Lally

Beautiful, beautiful handmade wonderments can be found at Present Gloucester. Located this year at 186 Main Street, the open, sunny space is perfect for showcasing the whimsical, and often nature-inspired, gifts. You’ll find holiday ornaments, clothing, jewelry, original prints, hats, mittens, dolls and doll clothes, tree toppers, colorful yarn, teacup-sized decor, seahorses, and much, much more. Come do your shopping at Present Gloucester and be swept into the holiday spirit with magical fancy and imagination.

 

FUNNY LITTLE RUDDY DUCKS MIGRATING ALONG OUR SHORES!

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Hey wait for me! – Doesn’t she look like she is running to catch a train 🙂

A flock of a dozen male and female Ruddy Ducks were recently spotted on Cape Ann, foraging at fresh water ponds and the marsh. They are really quite funny to watch as they dive for insects, other invertebrates, and aquatic plants and seeds. The males are especially fun and show-offy, animatedly puffing out their chest and fanning their feathers.

Ruddy Ducks are about the same size as Buffleheads and you will often seem them together in mixed flocks during the winter months.

CAPE ANN SYMPHONY HOLIDAY POPS

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

THE 67th SEASON

Yoichi Udagawa, Music Director

CAPE ANN SYMPHONY HOLIDAY POPS

A Festive Musical Celebration for

Orchestra and Chorus

Featuring

The Cape Ann Symphony Chorus,

The Ipswich High School Chamber Singers &

The Manchester-Essex Regional High School Select Chorus

The Cape Ann Symphony’s Annual Holiday Pops Concert, kicks off the holiday season on Saturday, November 24 at 2 pm at the Dolan Performing Arts Center at Ipswich High School on 134 High Street, Ipswich, MA; Saturday, November 24 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, November 25 at 2 pm at Manchester-Essex High School auditorium on 36 Lincoln Street in Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA with a joyful program of music from Strauss, Anderson, Mozart, Waldteufel, Vivaldi, Tchaikovsky and many others.  The 2018 Holiday Pops concert led by CAS Conductor and Music Director Yoichi Udagawa features the return of the Cape Ann Symphony Chorus under the direction of Rockport’s Wendy Betts; the CAS debut of Ipswich High School Chamber Singers and the Manchester-Essex Regional High School Select Chorus; as well as the conducting debut of CAS’s inaugural Conducting Fellow Ipswich’s Michael Coelho. A holiday tradition, the Cape Ann Symphony Holiday Pops Concerts regularly sell out. According to Cape Ann Symphony Board President Magnolia’s Fran White, “Last year’s Holiday Pops Concerts were complete sell outs so this year we added a third performance in our new performance venue in Ipswich. This year the Sunday November 25 matinee in Manchester has already sold out, but we still have tickets available for the matinee in Ipswich and the evening concert in Manchester. This is such an exciting year with the special guests from Ipswich, Manchester and Essex making their CAS debut and joining the orchestra and the Cape Ann Symphony Chorus on the stage. I would suggest getting tickets to the remaining concerts on Saturday afternoon in Ipswich and Saturday night in Manchester soon!” The Cape Ann Symphony Chorus and Orchestra joined by the Ipswich High School Chamber Singers on Saturday, November 24 at 2 pm at the Dolan Performing Arts Center at Ipswich High School on 134 High Street, Ipswich, MA; and joined by the Manchester-Essex Regional High School Select Chorus on Saturday, November 24 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, November 25 at 2 pm at Manchester-Essex High School auditorium on 36 Lincoln Street in Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA  perform a wide selection of holiday favorites ending the festive concerts with the annual audience sing-along. Single ticket prices are $43 for adults, $38 for senior citizens, $15 for Students of any age; $5 for youth 12 years old and under. For tickets and information, call 978-281-0543 or visit www.capeannsymphony.org.

Cape Ann Symphony Conductor and Music Director Yoichi Udagawa is looking forward to this year’s Holiday Pops Concert, ““

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