Good Morning Gloucester

Floaters…

J&L continues to build on our commitment to serving the marine industry, and we’re excited to share some great news:

📍 New Location!
We’ve recently moved into a new marine space at 104 Commercial Street in Gloucester, MA, sharing the building with Cape Pond Ice Co. Stop by and check out our new home port!

✅ Now Stocking Eagle Float Tubs
Our inventory has expanded to include a wide range of Eagle float tubs in multiple sizes. Check out our inventory list or give us a call to learn more.

✅ Authorized Dealer – Great Northern Docks
We are now an authorized dealer for Great Northern Dock of Maine. While we will continue to offer our custom docks, floats, and gangways built right here in Gloucester, we understand the growing need for standard dock products—and we’re proud to provide that solution through Great Northern.

🔗 Explore their full catalog here:
https://greatnortherndocks.com/

We look forward to working with you on your next marine project!

—
The J&L Team

excludes gluten free

Thank you once again Generous Gardeners! It’s starting to look like Spring will arrive after all. The pansies are an appreciated spot of color in the Boulevard beds. Pansies may appear to be delicate but they are among the hardiest of annuals. There’s a lesson in human nature right there.

Longtime wealth manager Derek Reed offers a plainspoken playbook in his new investment planning guide, which brings the deeply personal perspective of a Gloucester fishing family to being prepared for life’s financial uncertainties.

The “Imperfect Storm” shatters the mold of traditional financial guidebooks. Inspired by the real-life heritage of his father’s hardships as captain of the ill-fated swordboat the Andrea Gail, longtime financial planner Derek Reed offers his plainspoken playbook for navigating personal finance, retirement-planning and legacy preservation with his nonfiction debut, “The Imperfect Storm.” Rooted in the rich history of Gloucester’s seafaring community and backed by decades of financial expertise, “The Imperfect Storm” is more than a book—it’s a navigational chart for folks looking to take the helm of their financial future with confidence.

Now in his third decade of helping individuals and families safeguard their financial futures, Reed blends present-day financial wisdom with the gritty reality and gripping stories of life at sea. As the son of a swordfisherman who captained the Andrea Gail until just weeks before it was lost in the Perfect Storm of 1991, Reed brings a deeply personal perspective to preparing for life’s financial uncertainties.

“Every ship needs a captain,” says Reed. “Whether it be open water or piloting the financial world, failing to prepare means preparing to fail. I wrote this book to help others avoid getting caught in foul weather or even being shipwrecked when it comes to money and retirement.”

Much like the Andrea Gail sailing into unpredictable, treacherous waters, individuals planning for retirement in the next quarter of the 21st century face financial headwinds of their own. A pattern of significant economic downturns occurring every six to seven years is often accompanied by seemingly minor financial missteps that end up costing thousands. “The Imperfect Storm” offers readers a lifeline: a step-by-step approach to securing financial independence, a meaningful retirement and a lasting personal legacy.

Unlike traditional financial guides, Reed’s book is an easy, engaging read that blends the riveting swordfishing adventures shared around the family dinner table with Reed’s personal experiences as a professional financial advisor and real-world examples from hundreds of clients. Through compelling storytelling, he makes complex financial concepts accessible, relatable and even entertaining, helping readers see themselves in their own voyage toward financial security. 

“This is a great book about your retirement journey, during which you too may encounter challenges,” says Caleb Callahan, president of the Valmark Financial Group. “I wholeheartedly recommend you read and apply its principles to increase your chances of smooth sailing in the years to come.”

Reed, a managing partner at Gloucester-based Beauport Financial Services, has spent over 27 years helping individuals and families safeguard their financial futures. In the past two decades, assets under Beauport management have grown from $170M to nearly $900M. Reed’s expertise as a Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®) and Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) makes “The Imperfect Storm” an essential read for anyone seeking the tools to weather economic downturns, avoid costly financial pitfalls and build a secure future.

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Key takeaways from The Imperfect Storm:

• Why financial storms are inevitable and how to prepare for them.
• The hidden risks of retirement and strategies to safeguard your future.
• How to navigate investment, tax and allocation decisions to avoid costly oversights.
• Lessons from the sea: how captaining a fishing vessel closely aligns with smart financial planning.

Published by Incubation Press, The Imperfect Storm (ISBN 978-1-7378556-4-4, $17.99) is now available for purchase at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org.

For media inquiries, speaking engagements, or interviews with Derek J. Reed, please contact him at derek@beauportfinancial.com or 978-283-0748, or visit derekjreed.com.

Discover Gloucester is pleased to announce the appointment of Amanda Pollock as its new Executive Director, effective April 28, 2025. A dedicated leader with deep ties to the Cape Ann community, Pollock brings a wealth of experience in event management, nonprofit programming, tourism, and hospitality to the organization.

A Gloucester resident and longtime advocate for local tourism and community engagement, Pollock most recently served as Event Manager at the Beauport Hotel, where she delivered customized event experiences and built strong client relationships. Prior to that, she held key roles at the Cape Ann Museum, including Events and Stewardship Manager and Visitor Services and Museum Store Manager, where she helped drive programming and increase regional visibility.

“I’m honored to step into this role at such an exciting time for Discover Gloucester,” said Pollock. “As we head into the summer season and begin executing our long-term strategic plan, I look forward to deepening community partnerships, welcoming visitors from near and far, and championing all that makes Gloucester a truly unforgettable destination.”

Pollock’s leadership style is shaped by a strong background in public-facing roles, collaboration, and strategic event execution. In addition to her professional experience, she has served on Discover Gloucester’s Board of Directors since 2020 as a member of the Events Committee, and has held leadership positions with Beeman Memorial Elementary School and local nonprofit organizations.

“We are thrilled to welcome Amanda into this leadership role,” said Brittany DiCologero, Marketing Director at Discover Gloucester. “Her passion for Gloucester, her proven track record in hospitality and nonprofit engagement, and her existing relationships within the community make her an ideal fit to lead the organization forward.”

“Amanda brings a valuable combination of local knowledge, operational expertise, and a deep commitment to the future of Gloucester’s tourism economy,” added Michael De Koster, Executive Director of Maritime Gloucester and Chair of Discover Gloucester’s Board of Directors. “We’re excited for the energy and direction she will bring to the organization.”

Pollock’s appointment comes just in time for the kickoff of Gloucester’s busy summer season. As Executive Director, she will guide Discover Gloucester’s ongoing efforts to promote the city as a top destination for arts, culture, history, outdoor recreation, and more.

Pollock succeeds Executive Director Tess McColgan, who assumed the role in 2022. Through McColgan’s thoughtful leadership and collaborative approach, Discover Gloucester expanded its partnerships, strengthened community engagement, and set the stage for the organization’s next chapter of strategic growth and impact.

When Pollock begins her new role later this month, she can be reached at amanda@discovergloucester.com. 

One of the top beef joints in the world. I’ve yet to go to Londi’s

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And if you don’t, you have no idea what you’re missing.

🍕Buy any 18” Pizza get an 18” Cheese for $5
🍕Buy any 16” Pizza get a 16” Cheese for $5
🍕Half Off Large Pizzas
🍕 Half Off Calzones

excludes gluten free

Out of the Blue…

978-879-4524

***Holiday Hours: 10am-5pm***

APRIL 14, 2025 ~ SARAHOGRADY4C94F0AF73 ~ 

Reopening night with Lez Zeppelin last Friday was electric! Little Sister was slinging burgers and the place was hopping with people playing games in the restaurant and rocking out to the band in the venue. We have Gang of Four coming up this Friday and even though the show is sold out you can still come for a good time with great food , drinks and games! Our featured show next week is Zach Nugent with Sunshine Garcia-Becker (yes, Jerry’s daughter!) and it’s a guaranteed good time so grab your tickets while they last. Little Sister is with us all of April and the vibe is fast casual with QR code ordering right from your phone and a text when food is ready. Full bar always available plus all new arcade games , board games and pool. You don’t need tickets to the show to come and enjoy a fun night out! Tickets are still available but going fast.

Buy Tickets

THE CUT | 177 MAIN STREET | GLOUCESTER MA 01930

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Did you know you have options available for the upcoming April 24 Special Municipal Election (regarding 3A)? I will be manning one of the tables next Thursday during regular voting hours 7 AM- 8 PM (not at my own polling place) so I chose to vote early at City Hall. It’s a very smooth and easy process. Early voting hours are regular business hours for City Hall Wednesday April 16 8:30-4 PM; Thursday April 17 8:30-6:30 PM; and Friday April 18 from 8:30-12:30 PM. This and other options are detailed on the City’s website link here. It’s one question and you select between Yes and No.

APRIL 15, 2025 ~ GLOUCESTER MARINE GENOMICS INSTITUTE

Looking for a unique and engaging summer program for middle or high school students? GMGI’s Summer STEM programming is now accepting registrations!

Our Summer STEM programs are one-week courses designed to provide students with the opportunity to experience hands-on science in a biotechnology laboratory.

Held in Gloucester Biotechnology’s state-of-the-art teaching labs at Blackburn Center, students are immersed in authentic laboratory investigations and use cutting-edge biotechnology equipment, the scientific method, and critical thinking to analyze samples and make data-driven conclusions.

The course is taught by Academy staff and does not require any previous science or lab experience. Each student will have ample guidance and support in these real-world investigations. All students ages 13 to 18 are welcome to apply!

Want to learn more? Please visit our website or contact Hannah Lister for more information.