Cape Ann Reads Children’s Picture Book Celebration reception and fair

Posted on by Catherine

Calling all children’s picture book fans! The four Cape Ann library directors and Mayor Romeo Theken hope you’ll join us for a very special Cape Ann Reads reception at Gloucester’s City Hall on Saturday January 27, 2018, to honor the scores of writers and artists that participated in the Cape Ann Reads contest. The party and pop-up portfolio/book fair will be open to the public from 12pm-4pm. There will be a brief awards ceremony at 1:30. Along with the medal and honor books, the jurors selected several more for special recognition. Breaking news: a group show of these will travel to all four communities in 2018 with support from the Bruce J Anderson Foundation, a Gold Sponsor.

Cape Ann Massachusetts can now boast the country’s FIRST ever picture book contest and programming hosted by four public libraries and wonderful community partners. The contest fostered the local children’s picture book network, and business in the region. Five books were self-published (or in the works) since the contest closed, reviewed and sold in local stores. An original Cape Ann Reads trophy by local artist, Jason Burroughs, has been commissioned and will be unveiled at the celebration.

SAVE THE DATE Cape Ann Reads celebration reception Jan 27 2018 (3)

Please contact capeannreads2016@gmail.com if you’d like to sponsor a prize or award–or any cafes or restaurants that want to showcase a small tray of light fare or coffee/tea–as there’s time to be included in the printed matter.

Katie Kahl to New Position at Gloucester Marine Station

Posted on by Manuel F. Simoes

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The School of Earth and Sustainability at the University of Massachusetts Amherst today announced that Gloucester resident Katie Kahl has been named to a newly created position, extension assistant professor in sustainable fisheries and coastal resilience, at the Gloucester Marine Station. She will bridge the university’s research capacity with ecological, economic and social needs in the area.

Sen. Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) says, “The appointment of Kate Kahl is certainly good news for Cape Ann and UMass, signaling a commitment by the university to boost research at Hodgkins Cove that has meaning for, and impact on, important issues such as strengthening the fishing industry and reaching a better understanding of marine ecosystems. The facility has a storied and important legacy of helping the commercial fishing industry. Now we can write a new chapter in that history by working together on shared priorities, and it’s critical to keep that work alive.”

The full Press Release link

#Sistahood Foundation

Posted on by Bridgette Mathews

Let me begin by saying if you have delicate sensibilities than just read onto the next blog post because that’s what the scroll button is for.   There are pics here that may offend… but they are intended to be humorous and to women who’s breasts were cut off to save their lives, it makes light of a dark situation.

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Last night Sista Felicia had her first of many Fundraisers to raise money for the #Sistahood Foundation through The Gloucester Fund which will provide services and brighten the lives of women in Gloucester and Rockport who are going through Breast Cancer treatments or recovering from Mastectomy/Reconstruction surgeries.   It was a fun night with Sista and friends making Naughty or Nice Gingerbread cookies and having some pre-holiday laughs!    Stay tuned for the next Valentine’s event!!

 

 

Winter Solstice for 2017 in Northern Hemisphere is today Thursday, December 21st

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

GREETINGS! The Winter Solstice for 2017 in Northern Hemisphere is today Thursday, December 21st, at 11:28 AM EST. Wishing you the very best for the season ahead — and always!

XOXO

Tom

“The Solstice is a time of quietude, of firelight, and dreaming, when seeds germinate in the cold earth, and the cold notes of church bells mingle with the chimes of icicles . . . All around us the season seems to reach a standstill – a point of repose.”   —John Matthews

Thomas A Philbrook

www.thomasphilbrook.com

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‘Holiday Blues’ and What You Can Do Improve Your Mood

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Karen Pischke BSN, RN's avatarCape Ann Wellness

Wishing everyone a Happy, Healthy Holiday! 

Unfortunately, the holidays are not always a joyful time for everyone. According to one survey by the American Psychological Association (APA), people may experience mixed emotions and increased stress during the holidays.

  • Positive Emotions at the Holidays: Happiness, Love, Connectedness, Higher Energy
  • Negative Emotions at the Holidays: Fatigue, Stress, Irritability, Sadness, Feeling Isolated

Increased Stressors at the Holidays May Include:

  • Overstretched for time/money
  • Pressures of gift giving and family gatherings
  • Staying on a (healthy eating plan)
  • Travel

56% reported they experience the most stress at work.

Social Isolation Can Add to Holiday Blues.

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THE YOUNG SWAN GETS A SANCTUARY FIT FOR A PRINCESS (Or Prince?)

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Joel and Skip Munroe arrived yesterday morning at Lyn’s home and the three spent the day continuing to modify the chicken coop-turned swan house-turned fantastic sanctuary (Joel is one of Mr. Swan’s caregivers and a carpenter). Lyn has generously added her dog’s run to extend the swan’s home, providing room enough for the Young Swan to stretch her wings and walk around within the enclosure.

Increasing the size of the enclosure. 

Today, the very awesome landscaper Patrick Low, owner of JPL Landscape Solutions spent the morning modifying and attaching the (former) dog run to the chicken coop and securing the entire structure from predators such as coyotes and racoons. Pat, Joel, and Skip have very generously donated their time and services to creating the winter swan sanctuary.

Pat Low, creatively solving potential predator issues.

A friend of Lyn’s is donating three bales of hay. To supplement the pellets and corn Lyn has been feeding the swan, yesterday she purchased collard greens (which the Young Swan loved), spinach, and kale (yet to try).

We still do not know whether the Young Swan is male or female. Jodi Swenson kindly paid for the swan’s checkup at Dr. Cahill’s (with funds provided from her recent fundraiser) and Lyn has volunteered to pay for the DNA test. We should have the results back from the DNA test in several weeks. The Young Swan has a temporary name, TOS, an acronym for The Other Swan, but perhaps when we determine whether male or female we can give her a gender specific name, and possibly tie in a naming contest with a mini-fundraiser, to help defray the unexpected cost of taking care of her for the winter.

Success! Photo courtesy Lyn Fonzo

Bluebird Nesting Box at O’Maley

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

Was honored to have teacher Mr. David Brown call me and ask if I could come and take some photos of the 6th graders making these very awesome Bluebird Nesting box.  I really enjoyed this, the 6th graders did a great job making these special Birdhouses.  The kids, measured, clamped, sawed the pieces, made the opening for the bird and even had a side door that opened to be able to feed the birds.  Thank you O’Maley for putting these projects into place for the kids.  Just one more thing, lots of smiles on these 6th graders.  Now I want one.

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MY MIND IS BLOWN! COVE CAFE IS OPEN AND READY FOR THE HOLIDAYS!!

Posted on by Craig Kimberley

I’m so amazed and excited for our new and unique food destination, the COVE CAFE!

Located in the heart of Lanesville, the secret side of Gloucester, the Cove Cafe hits the ground running with amazing food, hospitality, and style. If you live on this side of town, you know the places to grab great sandwiches on the run,  food for a party or event, or an amazing cup of coffee and breakfast, are scarce at best. For the most part, we have Capt. Hooks for pizza, subs, and fried seafood, then Willow Rest for amazing specialty items, sandwiches, and to-go items. But now we can spread the love to Cove Cafe! From Christmas cookie trays to daily specials, soups, stews, and sandwiches, they are sure to have something for everyone!

I’ve had several very good Cubano sandwich, amazing coffee, sweet delights, and a smile with amazing service every time I’ve been in. Stop by and see Alisha and her family, you will not be disappointed!!

OH! And if you call by Thursday, Dec. 21st. you can get your holiday cookie platers, party trays, or homemade pies for the holiday!!  facebook.com/thecovecafegloucester

Christmas Tree Pick-Up Service

Posted on by James Eves

Boy Scout Troop 20
Christmas Tree Service

Why get pine needles all over your car?
Do not let dry brittle branches scratch the paint!
We will take your old Christmas Tree and recycle it for use in local gardens.

  • Tree pick up on Saturday December 30, January 6, and January 13
    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.

CFCA Community WOD is ON!

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

sargentstreetsocialclub's avatarCape Ann Wellness

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Haven’t check out CFCA yet? Why not?! Join us at 18 Sargent Street every Saturday at 9AM for our Community Team WOD. You can even bring a friend! The More the merrier! $5 for all non members which is donated locally. No Crossfit experience necessary. If you’ve been wondering what Crossfit is all about, no better time than now. See you there!

Check us out at http://www.crossfitcapeann.com of find us on Facebook @crossfitcapeanners

Looking for an insight on what actually happens on Saturday mornings? Check out this first hand look at why people love CFCA!

https://goodmorninggloucester.wordpress.com/2017/02/26/cross-fit-cape-ann-the-aftermath/

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Is There a Rooster on Someone’s Christmas List?

Posted on by Nichole S.

I love these barnyard animal sculptures!  I shop at Agway in Danvers for rabbit food once a month or so and I always find myself browsing the aisles.  They have wonderful bird feeders, gardening accessories, boots, fishing gear, and more in stock.  Last week was the first time that I noticed these fun roosters and goats though.

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