Upside Down

Posted on by Nichole S.

While we didn’t venture inside…and I’ve honestly never even heard of this place before…we got a kick out of driving by the Wonderworks building in Orlando last week.

I was curious to know what they do inside so I checked them out online and now I kind of wish we had found time to visit!  Has anyone ever been?

WonderWorks is an amusement park for the mind with 35,000 square feet of “edu-tainment”. The attraction combines education and entertainment with more than 100 hands on exhibits that challenge the mind and spark the imagination.

This once top-secret laboratory was located in the Bermuda triangle. An experiment gone awry lifted the laboratory carrying it to International Drive in Orlando, Florida where it landed upside down. Luckily all of the exhibits remained intact and available for guests to explore.

Check them out here

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Ancestry DNA test kit only $59!

Posted on by Pat D

If you have ever considered having a DNA test done, this is the time to do it.  Ancestry’s DNA test is only $59 until April 29. The regular price for this test is $99.  This is the best deal I’ve seen for this test so if you’ve been thinking about it, I suggest you take advantage now by going to Ancestry.com

Image result for dna images

There are other testing companies to consider, so do your homework but this is a really great deal.  I am not benefiting from this unless I gain a new cousin from one of you!

Possible Whale sighting off of Strawberry Cove

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

Looks like a whale, wish I had my long lens but some residents on Old Salem Path said the same thing. WOW Two views of the possible whale

Spring Awakening Flow and Restore

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Treetop Yoga Studio's avatarCape Ann Wellness

A Detox Flow and Restore Workshop at Treetop Yoga
“Last year’s Spring Awakening with Kayla and Amy certainly planted many seeds in my soul. This rejuvenating evening inspired so much of what I’ve chosen to do over the past year. I’m so excited to be in the room with these two gentle souls again this year!” 
Friday, April 18, 6:30-8:00 PM, Treetop Yoga Studio, 3A Pond Road
Join Amy Varney and Kayla Lemieux for Spring Awakening: A Detoxifying Flow and Restorative Workshop. We will work to clear the body and the mind of dull, stagnant energy as we awaken and energize all of the senses during this ‘seasonal-reset’.
With the arrival of spring, there is a new energy rising within us. In order to gracefully transition from the cold, dark months to the warm, sunny ones, there must also be a shift within our yoga practice. With spring comes…

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“A Night at the Races” on Fri, May 4, 2018.

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

trixy546's avatarCape Ann Community

nightatracesbannerThe Gloucester Rotary Club invites the public to attend their FUNdraising event – “A Night at the Races” on Friday, May 4, at Cruiseport Gloucester, located at 6 Rowe’s Wharf in Gloucester. Doors open at 6:30 pm. All proceeds from this event will support local and international programs of the Gloucester Rotary.

A Night at the Races promises to be a fun-filled evening for adults with all the suspense and excitement of being at the racetrack. High quality, video-taped horse races are narrated from start to finish by lively announcers. During the evening there will be complimentary hors d’oeuvre, a cash bar, and variety of raffles. At various points during the evening, betters will be able to use their winnings to bid on merchandise and services that have been donated for the event. For the most fun, reserve a table – bring a group. Tickets are $10 per person…

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Seaside Garden Club Annual Plant Auction

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Dot Sieradzki's avatarCape Ann Community

Seaside Garden Club’s Annual Plant Sale and Auction, May 8

The auction will feature donations from area nurseries, hanging baskets, garden supplies, annuals and perennials from our members’ gardens, and garden accessories. Doors open at 6:30pm at the Manchester Community Center, auction starts at 7pm. Free admission. Cash or checks, no credit cards. Light refreshments. Our annual auction supports our club’s operations, programs, scholarships, and community service. Pick up a new addition for you garden or a gift for Mothers’ Day.
SGC 2018 Auction flyer.indd

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BRIAR BARN INN CONSTRUCTION TIME LAPSE VIDEO

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Check out this great time lapse construction video from Briar Barn Inn. The Inn has progressed tremendously since the video was shot over the winter, but you can see how beautifully the buildings are coming along.

SUNDAE FUNDAY

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

The MLCC would like to extend an invitation to the entire community for an Ice Cream Social
Friday April 27, 5-7pm.

Come enjoy a sweet treat with us as we welcome SPRING to Magnolia for the first of 3 straight weeks of excellent community events at the MLCC! Our annual membership drive is upon us and if you haven’t renewed already, this is a great opportunity to get re acquainted with the Magnolia Library and Community Center. Board members will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about our facility and offer information about our upcoming events!

** $4 suggested donation per family**
*** All proceeds will benefit the MLCC’s purchase of a new generator for the building so that we may better serve our community in times of need ***

Bradley Royds Hosts This Wednesday @ The Rhumb Line with special guest: Lynne Taylor 7pm 4.25.2018

Posted on by Joanne

Dinner Specials Each Week!
Wednesday, April 25th – 7pm
Your Guest Host: BRADLEY ROYDS!

Sheila Roberts Orlando photo

Bradley’s Guest: LYNNE TAYLOR!

Mr. Bradley Royds, pictured here with close friends, is a man
of many, many talents. He graciously hosts the show this week
as my touring brings me to Nashville and Dollywood. His featured
guest? Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Lynne Taylor
(of Liz Frame & the Kickers). Enjoy the great show! ~ Fly
Dinner with great music!
*Each week features a special, invited musical guest
The Rhumb Line Kitchen……now features Janet Brown with some new and healthy ideas!
Plus a fine, affordable wine menu!
Upcoming…
5/2 – Tony Frontiero

5/9 – Quentin Callewaert

5/16 – Jon Butcher

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

Boat House Grille

Posted on by Pat D

We recently spent a relaxing afternoon at the Boat House Grille Bar on Rt 133 in Essex.  GMG Jimmy ordered the meatball appetizer — the meatballs are huge! I thought he had a meatloaf on his plate.  The bartender was friendly and helpful in just the right amounts.  They serve white zinfandel, so that’s a plus for me.  We will definitely be going back.  I suggest you join us.

I noticed they are hosting a number of fundraisers, one coming up soon on May 8.  I’ll be keeping my eye on these events also.

Join with a friend and we’ll pay YOU!

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

abhankinson's avatarCape Ann Wellness

Hawaii Oahu
Working out on your own is amazing, but working out with a friend is even better!
We’ve sweetened the deal for whichever you prefer!
MAC MANCHESTER:
Join by yourself before 4/28 and we will waive the join fee…
Join WITH A FRIEND and we will pay YOU the join fee!
* Join fee is a $29 value
* Offer expires 4/28/18 at Manchester locations only – includes sessions to get you started
* Valid for new joining members age 18+
MAC FITNESS 24/7 CLUBS
Join by yourself before 4/28 and we will waive the join fee…
Join WITH A FRIEND and get a $10 credit!
* Offer expires 4/28/18 at MAC Fitness locations only
* Valid for new joining members age 14+
#ChaChing
CALL US TODAY!
MAC Manchester
978-526-8900
MAC Fitness Gloucester
978-283-8900
MAC Fitness Rowley
978-948-7755

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Cape Ann Chamber Education Fundraiser Golf Tournament

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce's avatarCape Ann Community

Join us for our 29th Annual Cape Ann Chamber Education Fundraiser Golf Tournament at Bass Rocks Golf Club. This is our biggest fundraiser for our four annual scholarships that are given out to Cape Ann high school students.
CLICK HERE for more information and to register.

Chamber Golf Tournament

Fee includes cart, greens fee, clubhouse facilities, fun snacks throughout the course, ticket to the awards dinner and a special giveaway.

Treat your special clients, employees, family members, friends- heck, treat yourself- to a great day of golfing on Cape Ann’s premier Golf Course by the Sea!
A great way to Network in a fun and relaxing way! REGISTER HERE.

SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE
Contact Kerry at Kerry@capeannchamber.com

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MESSAGE FROM MAYOR SEFATIA REGARDING GLOUCESTER’S PIPING PLOVERS

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Message from Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken  

The Piping Plover is a “threatened” species under both the state and federal Endangered Species Acts.  As such, the City, along with the Commonwealth, is required to protect them under the law.  Having said that, we are committed to making every effort possible to protect the nesting Piping Plovers at our beaches while, at the same time, maintaining public access.
Piping Plovers typically arrive from their southern wintering areas to our local beaches in late March or early April.  Males and females quickly form breeding pairs that begin the process of courtship and select a nest site throughout April and May. During these months, it is critically important to limit any disturbance of the birds and their habitat.Chicks can hatch from nests in late May and are immediately mobile and move out of the nest in search of food.  As chicks grow older and larger, they will roam from the dunes to the water’s edge in search of food. Chicks are very vulnerable to human disturbance and are susceptible to predators like gulls, foxes, and dogs.
While dogs are allowed to run free during this time of year on many of our beaches, that right does not supersede the requirements under federal law to protect the Piping Plovers on those beaches.  Unleashed dogs can pose a very real threat to Piping Plover adults and chicks.  As such, dog owners are responsible for controlling their dogs and keeping them as far away from Piping Plover areas as possible.  The owner of any dog that adversely or negatively impacts the Piping Plovers and their habitats will be in violation of federal law and will likely face legal action.
Please keep a close eye or your dog during this Piping Plover season.A Piping Plover nest is a mere depression in the sand.
Male and female Plovers do not begin sitting on the eggs 24/7 until all are laid, which takes about a week. Especially during that time, the eggs are often left exposed and are extremely vulnerable to being stepped upon by people and dogs.

PIPING PLOVERS FORCED OFF THE BEACH FOR THE SECOND WEEKEND IN A ROW

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Despite best efforts, the Piping Plovers were again driven off the beach.

Knowing an off leash weekend day was going to be tough on the PiPl, I spent most of Sunday at Good Harbor Beach. During the morning hours, it wasn’t so bad because most dog walkers were with their pooches by the water’s edge. As the tide came in, the situation quickly deteriorated. Countless dogs ran into the roped off area; I lost track after forty. The PiPl gave up on courtship and tried to forage. A pair of bird dogs chased all three Plovers up and down the beach repeatedly, when they finally gave up.

I searched for an hour and couldn’t find. As I was leaving, there were Mama and Papa, in the parking lot. Mama was sitting quietly on the painted white lines and Papa was desperately trying to dig a nest scrape in the course gravel. This exact same scenario happened last Saturday, on the off leash beach day.

Papa trying to scrape a nest in the gravel parking lot

I had hoped that by spending the day trying to keep dogs out of the #3 nesting area, the parking lot scene would not be repeated. Volunteers are desperately needed during this last week of off leash days. For the area around #3, where I was stationed, at least two are needed, because as you are trying to keep dogs out of one side, they are coming in from the opposite end.

Please email Ken Whittaker if you would like to help. His email address is: kwhittaker@gloucester-ma.gov

The worst days are going to be Thursday, Saturday, and Monday, the three last off leash days of April, with Saturday being by far the hardest.

High tides for the upcoming weekend off leash days:

Thursday April 26th – 9:03 am – off leash day

Friday April 27th – 10:01am – on leash

Saturday April 28th 10:54am – off leash day

Sunday April 29th 11:42am – on leash

Monday April 30th 12:27pm – off leash day

Our Piping Plover pair are resilient. They left the parking lot and returned to the beach at sunset, but again, the same pair of dogs chased them off the beach.

Mama and Papa Plover, and the little Bachelor, survived this past off leash weekend day, but as you can imagine, courting and nesting are again delayed. The most important thing for folks to understand is that the earlier in the season the Piping Plovers are allowed to nest, the earlier the chicks will hatch, which means they will have a thousand fold better chance of surviving.

Some good news—overnight four new additional Piping Plovers arrived! They are in a battle with one another over turf at the roped off area by boardwalk #1.

 

Beautful Fish: Hagfish

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns
 

The hag, like the lamprey, lacks paired fins and fin rays. Its skeleton is wholly cartilaginous, without bones, its mouth is jawless; and its skin is scaleless. It is easily recognized by its eel-like form; by its single finfold (a fold of skin, not a true fin) running right around the tail and forward on the lower surface of the body with no division into dorsal, caudal, and anal fins; by the single gill pore on each side, just forward of the origin of the ventral finfold; by its lipless mouth, star-shaped in outline when closed; by the single nasal aperture at the tip of the snout; by its peculiar barbels or “tentacles,” two flanking the mouth on either side and four surrounding the nostril; and by the evertible tongue studded with rows of horny rasplike “teeth.”  Being blind, it doubtless finds its food by its greatly specialized olfactory apparatus. It feeds chiefly on fish, dead or disabled, though no doubt any other carrion would serve it equally well.

It is best known for its troublesome habit of boring into the body cavities of hooked or gilled fishes, eating out the intestines first and then the meat, and leaving nothing but a bag of skin and bones, inside of which the hag itself is often hauled aboard, or clinging to the sides of a fish it has just attacked. It is only too common in the Gulf  of Maine; perhaps it is not absent there from any considerable area of smooth bottom.

From Fishes of the Gulf of Maine by Bigelow and Schroeder (1953) online courtesy of MBL/WHOIhttp://www.gma.org/fogm/Myxine_glutinosa.htm

Al Bezanson

 

Spring is here | We are so excited we wet our plants

Posted on by Catherine

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“Spring is Here! We are so excited we wet our plants!” Wolf Hill’s clever sign is a hit with a few boys I know! Also a nice new store sign and the fleet’s out — Wolf Hill’s colorful stock of Adirondack chairs are lined up and ready.