Cruiseport and the Beauport Boat

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

On Friday before the Buoy Auction went over to the State Pier, the harbor was like a mirror.  Amazing how the ocean can change continually.

Gloucester Smiles-826

Posted on by Manuel F. Simoes

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Gloucester Smile with a her Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs (aka Swissies)

SUPER FUN KID ACTIVITIES AT CAPE ANN READS TODAY AT CITY HALL!

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

From noon to four this afternoon City Hall will be abuzz with a special celebration exhibiting the work of Cape Ann children’s book authors and illustrators. Each author has a table with their projects. Come meet and talk to the authors about their original stories. The illustrators have created art coloring sheets taken from the pages of the books to give to guests. The award ceremony, hosted by Mayor Sefatia, takes place at 1:30. This is a unique and new book fair created by Cape Ann’s four library directors, Deborah Kelsey (Gloucester), Deborah French (Essex), Sara Collins (Manchester), Cindy Grove (Rockport), and art director Catherine Ryan.

I am looking forward to seeing all the artists coloring sheets. My Monarch Butterfly project and documentary film Beauty on the Wing: Life Story of the Monarch Butterfly first incarnation was an illustrated book, then photo exhibit, and now film.

The illustration above is of a male and female Monarch mating. The Monarchs fly up into a tree and stay joined together, abdomen to abdomen, for about four hours. The blue butterflies are a cousin of the Monarchs, the Blue Tiger of India (Tirumala limniace), but you can color your butterflies anyway you see fit–I’d love to see a pair of rainbow Monarchs 🙂

Read more about the Cape Ann Reads celebration in a post by Catherine about Gail McCarthy’s Gloucester Times article here.

Coyote Ecology & Behavior Presentation

Posted on by Alicia Pensarosa

Hi All,

The Animal Advisory Committee is hosting a coyote awareness program at the Cultural Center at Rocky Neck on February 26th at 7pm. Dr. Jonathan Way will be giving a presentation based on his eastern coyote research. We hope the presentation will be educational on how we can peacefully coexist with coyotes. We anticipate this will be a packed event and hope to do more of these events in the future.

Hope to see you there!

You can follow the Animal Advisory Committee on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GloucesterAAC/

Alicia P.

Coyote Presentation_Feb26 Poster

Buoys at Cruiseport

Posted on by Manuel F. Simoes

Mayor Sefatia helps celebrates the 10th annual Buoy Auction at Crusieport, a fun evening for everyone.

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DON’T MISS THE ANNISQUAM VILLAGE PLAYERS THIRD ANNUAL WINTER CABARET!

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Join past and present members of the Annisquam Village Players for an evening of live entertainment. Admission includes wine and appetizers. Doors open at 7:00 pm. Entertainment starts at 7:30. 

 

That’s a big movie poster! Dead in the Water Cape Ann Museum premiere

Posted on by Catherine

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from the Cape Ann Museum- Gloucester Screening set for “Dead in the Water” FEB 10

The Cape Ann Museum, in collaboration with the Gloucester Fishermen’s Wives Association,  is pleased to present “Dead in the Water”,  on Saturday, February 10 at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.  The documentary film dealing with the devastating impacts of federal regulations on the lives of New England ground fishermen was produced and directed by Rockport native and professional filmmaker David Wittkower. A panel discussion with film participants will follow each showing. Tickets are $8 for Museum members and $10 for nonmembers. Reservations can be made at camuseum.eventbrite.com or call (978)283-0455 x10.

Two and a half years in the making, “Dead in the Water” is Wittkower’s fifteenth documentary film. It was shot in different coastal towns and features scenes and interviews with area fishermen, their spouses and other family members; advocates for fishermen; elected officials; and community activists.  “This film opens the doors for the world to see how difficult and dangerous the life of a fisherman is,” said John Bell, a former three-term mayor of Gloucester (2002 -08). “On top of that, the impact of misguided federal regulations on fishermen has never been presented as powerfully as it is in ‘Dead in the Water.’ This film packs a real punch. It stays with you long after you’ve seen it.” The film also includes the song, “Gloucester Harbor Shore” by Grammy® Award winner, Paula Cole.

Wittkower, a graduate of the American Film Institute in cinematography, describes “Dead in the Water” as an examination of the “relentless destruction of the New England ground

Continue reading “That’s a big movie poster! Dead in the Water Cape Ann Museum premiere” →

coming home to sunset and nice news

Posted on by Catherine

Thanks Tim McCarthy, Cape Ann Beacon, for this big reminder about the Cape Ann Reads celebration tomorrow, noon to four. Gloucester City Hall is set up and ready for dozens of area artists and writers and their original children’s picture books!

CAPE ANN BEACON Jan 26 2018 CAPE ANN READS _20180126_164102

The I Am More Project

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

From our friend Amy Kerr, she is doing a wonderful project. Please go to her website for more information.

THE I AM MORE PROJECT IS LOOKING FOR WRITERS

 Those of us who suffer from depression, grief, anxiety, addiction, eating disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia, and dysphoria can become overshadowed by our struggles, but we are more than our suffering. We are parents, friends, artists, professionals and children. We have dreams, loves, goals and gifts.

 You can read the stories of those here in Cape Ann that you might not have realized struggled with these issues, like Donna and Seth, by following I Am More at https://amykerrdrawsportraits.wordpress.com. Then share your own essay or poem by emailing amykerrdraws@gmail.com to receive a Writing Guide.

 

 

 

 

 

Get your Cape Ann License Plate!

Posted on by charlene01930

It’ so easy to get the plate and show your love for Cape Ann. You just go online, pay for the plate, the registry sends it right to your house. Even if you have a leased car you can still get a plate. The more plates on the road the more money for Cape Ann Non-profits. Step up to the plate today!

HAVE YOU TRIED PRANCERCISING-IT GETS YOU IN TOUCH WITH YOUR SENSUAL NATURE, WHILE ALSO GIVING YOU THE FITNESS CAPACITY TO KILL A MOUNTAIN LION

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Prancercising with JP

See more of JP’s videos here.

Got History? Get Archives

Posted on by Pat D

A true treasure is  located in a small room in the basement of City Hall. Gloucester Archives houses a wide variety of research tools including maps, directories, military records, property records, photos, books and stories.  The heart of the Archives is in the 10-12 dedicated volunteers taking turns manning the room from 9-noon weekdays ready to assist with various requests or to continue their work indexing records.

A friend recently mentioned they were curious about the history of their house.  I suggest going to the Gloucester Archives.  Anyone working on their Gloucester related genealogy should stop by.  The city’s history is well documented and preserved here in three vaults also located in the basement, which are a treat of their own.

Sarah Dunlap graciously gave me a tour of these vaults and described the services available (you do not need to be a city resident to take advantage).  The volunteers in attendance today included Sue Hall, Judy Silva, Peggy Calkins, Lois Hamilton and Sandy Williams.  A variety of personal interests drew them to become volunteers and they clearly enjoy their work.

I asked what was the most surprising or exciting discovery they had made and Sarah responded that they were inspired by a speaker who indicated it was information that couldn’t be found.   Sarah and staff took this as a challenge and labored to track down and verify  FitzHenry Lane’s name change from Nathaniel Rogers Lane in order to provide previously unavailable information. Dilly, Dilly to the staff!

In response to my question about what the Archives needed or hoped for, Sarah indicated that funding is always being sought. Even more importantly, climate controls for the vaults is a dire need as records are beginning to deteriorate.  This is an example of one of the storage vaults.  You can clearly see the need.

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This is the main research room, easily accessible via City Hall’s handicap entrance on Dale Ave.  It’s pretty clear they are making good use of the space allotted–look at those jammed bookshelves!

Some additional vault pictures:

Gloucester Archives began in 1987 to organize and maintain these city and town records.  It’s pretty amazing it’s “only” taken these last 30 years or so to sort, organize and index this vast collection.  They provide services in person, by phone or email.  They accept donations and especially appreciate monetary donations.  Katelyn Vance is the current Archivist and is working to improve the collection and services.

If you aren’t tired of the pictures of the basement, please enjoy the following additional pictures to give you an idea of the “ambiance” in some areas.  Thanks to GMG Jimmy for his photography work.