The Management team of North Shore Career held a Job fair at the Elks on April 6th, many opportunities, see some in the slide show below
My View of Life on the Dock
The Management team of North Shore Career held a Job fair at the Elks on April 6th, many opportunities, see some in the slide show below

One of the joys of digital photography is the opportunity it presents for thinking outside the box and experimenting with oddball techniques.
This photo was taken in a very dimly lit restaurant in Portland, Maine a few years ago. I was intrigued by the illumination of the woman’s face by her cell phone. I shot at a slow shutter speed and high ISO (sensitivity) to gather all the light that was available. The result is a grainy, blurry, wispy photo – attributes you usually don’t want to see. However, I think it works here to create a somewhat eerie, dreamlike image.


Gloucester’s Harbortown Cultural District has received funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council to generate our First Annual “Harbortown Arts Festival” over Memorial Day Weekend 2016.
On Saturday, May 28, we are going to work with local artists, downtown businesses, galleries, and coffee shops located within the Cultural District to open new art shows, host gallery talks or open studio time. We want to generate an “art walk” atmosphere up and down Main Street, Pleasant Street, Middle Street and Rogers Street. We will encourage shops to stay open later than usual to take advantage of the increased foot traffic downtown these evening events will bring.
On Sunday May 29 and Monday 30, Harbortown Cultural District will commission artists to produce creative place-making projects or programs in collaboration with a downtown Harbortown Partner. Harbortown Cultural District will be investing $4,000 directly to our creative community through micro-grants up to $500. We will be promoting the Harbortown Arts Festival widely through print, online and social media.

This packet includes information about the Harbortown Creative Place-Making Grant Program. The link to the online application is on the last page.
Harbortown Cultural District created the Harbortown Arts Festival to:
Harbortown Creative Place-Making Grants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for funding. The proposed project or program must:
Harbortown Creative Place-Making Grants prioritizes projects that:
2. Community Engagement.
3. Feasibility.
Grant applications will close 5:00 pm on Monday, April 18.
Applicants will be notified Monday, May 2 on whether the proposal was accepted or not.
If you have any questions about the Harbortown Arts Festival or the Creative Place-Making Grant Program, please contact:
Rebecca Borden
Chair, Harbortown Cultural District
Email: rebecca.borden@gmail.com
Cell: 202-929-9549
—
Gloucester’s Harbortown Cultural District
Rebecca Borden, Chair
Tom Daniel, Past-Chair
Deborah Kelsey, Vice Chair
Rich Weissman, Treasurer
Patty Gates, Secretary
Gloucester, MA 01930
From “Cape Ann Plein Air”;
“We’re launching the First Annual Cape Ann Plein Air Festival!
Please join us for wine, cheese and information on Thursday April 21, 2016 to learn about this new exciting event that will “float all boats” on Cape Ann during the shoulder season. From Oct 10-16, 2016 Cape Ann’s plein air tradition will be the centerpiece as up to forty professional plein air artists compete for cash prizes during a week-long paint-out. This is a chance for ALL of Cape Ann’s arts, culture, and community organizations to collaborate and raise Cape Ann’s reputation as a destination for artists, serious art collectors, and art lovers.
Organized in partnership with the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, seARTS, North Shore Arts Association, Rockport Art Association, Rocky Neck Art Colony, Essex Merchants Group, and you!”
Thursday April 21, 6-8pm
Rocky Neck Cultural Center
6 Wonson St.
Gloucester MA
Call 978-758-1210 for info
Keep up to date on what’s happening on Cape Ann Plein Air’s Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/Cape-Ann-Plein-Air-1134576859920009/
En plein air (French pronunciation: [ɑ̃ plɛn ɛːʁ]), or plein air painting, is a phrase borrowed from the French equivalent meaning “open (in full) air”. It is particularly used to describe the act of painting outdoors, also called French: peinture sur le motif (“painting of the object(s) or what the eye actually sees”), where a painter reproduces the actual visual conditions seen at the time of the painting. This method contrasts with studio painting or academic rules; those might create a predetermined look. En plein air can also be used to describe other activities where a person partakes in an outdoor environment.[




Before he was a Harvard spurner, a Veteran, a Gloucester Master Mariner, a sea tales chronicler and beloved writer, James Connolly (1868-1957) was one of 14 American athletes (5 were Bostonians) to compete in the international Games of the I Olympiad in Athens, Greece, 1896.Twenty percent of the international competitors were from the United States.
Connolly medalled. Twice. On the first final of the opening day, Connolly won what is now the triple jump and came in 2nd in the high jump. He sailed home a champion, the first Olympic medal winner in 1500 years. This recognition no doubt helped his byline and he rapidly gained a reputation as a fantastic writer. The Boston Globe published his first war correspondence, “Letters from the Front in Cuba” where he served with the Irish 9th Infantry of Massachusetts. His career soars after writing about Gloucestermen from his days working in Gloucester. I’ll let Connolly take it from here, it’s so good:
“While still twenty-five pounds underweight from tropic fever, I took a job as physical director of the Gloucester Athletic Club. I played football on the Athletic Club cleven, spent the fall and winter (1899-1900) there, chucked that job in the spring, took a steerage trip to England…participated in second Olympics (second place)…returned to US again…My next move was to make fishing trips with the captains I had come to know while in Gloucester with the Athletic Club. I had no intention of writing them up, but at this stage of my development I was able to appraise men fairly well. Here were great men, and all the greater because they did not know that they were great. I began by writing of actual experiences with the Gloucestermen, continued with them as the heroic men they were in short stories. My first stories were sent to Scribner’s Magazine, and immediately accepted. And the first half dozen stories were brought out in the volume, Out of Gloucester, by Charles Scribner’s Sons.”
James Connolly
James Brendan Connolly’s parents were Irish immigrants and his dad was a fisherman. Connolly was born in 1868 in southie, Boston, one of 12 children. He died in 1957. You can see the first ever modern Olympic medal at Colby, which was donated by his daughter, Brenda. Several Gloucester writers and notables mention him. TS Eliot wrote the introduction to Connolly’s 1928 Fisherman of the Banks. NC Wyeth illustrated some of his books. His sailing chops were envied.
In Gloucester, MA:
Today is the first day of track and field at O’Maley Innovation Middle School. On this 120th anniversary of the first day of the modern Olympics (thanks Google Doodle), may our student athletes be inspired by James Brendan Connolly. Check out a Connolly book from Sawyer Free or look for vintage editions at Main Street Antiques and Dogtown Book Shop.
Read more about Connolly by Connolly
Read more about the Olympic anniversary celebrated by Google Doodle artist Olivia Huynh that prompted my post today and many others.
Read more about Connolly’s Southie ties in the Boston Globe (alas no Gloucester mention)

Red Bull Flugtag, meaning “Flying Day” in German is coming to Boston.
Even if you’re not brave (or crazy) enough to apply….I think being a spectator for this spirited mayhem would be a blast!
Mark Your Calendars now!
Applications and “craft designs” are due by May 13th.
The Red Bull Flugtag event will be held on August 20th at the DCR Hatch Memorial Shell.
Red Bull Flugtag is back in 2016 and is once again challenging wannabe pilots to push the limits of human flight. Since 1991, Red Bull Flugtag (which translates to “Flying Day” in German) has made stops around the world challenging competitors to build and pilot homemade human powered flying machines. For the first time ever, the brave and brainy teams of five will take a flying leap off a 28-foot-high flight deck into the water below in both Boston, Massachusetts and Louisville, Kentucky.
Applications are now being accepted for both locations and carpenters, athletes, designers, engineers, entertainers, and everyone in-between can turn their dreams of flight into reality. Five-Member teams of aspiring aviators and courageous craftsmen can apply for a chance to compete by submitting flying-machine plans to http://www.RedBullFlugtag.com. The deadline to submit craft designs is May 13.

More Cape Ann Health, Fitness and Wellness News-
http://www.capeannwellness.com
VISION DEPOT (FORMERLY PARRELLI OPTICAL) ANNOUNCES A NAME
CHANGE, BUT EVERYTHING ELSE IS EXACTLY THE SAME AS BEFORE
Dr. Bonny Weingarten, serving Gloucester since 1997, has
just announced that the well-known and long-established eye care and full-service
optical care retail store at 29 Railroad Avenue in Gloucester has changed its name to
Vision Depot, from Parrelli Optical.
“When we parted ways with the Parrelli Optical franchise, we wanted to let the
community know that our goals have not changed at all: we have the same great
service for our many customers, the same dedicated and highly trained employees, the
same management and owner, and now an even better selection of the best frames
and the most fashionable styles. Plus, we now are able to accept even more types of
insurance,” said Dr. Weingarten.
Vision Depot specializes in digital eye examinations, dry eye and allergy management,
high fashion in eyewear, all…
View original post 113 more words
April 5, 2016 ~ Cape Ann Museum
A Multimedia Presentation with Suellen Wedmore and Friends
Based on her most recent book of poetry, Mind the Light, writer Suellen Wedmore melds photographs, paintings, music and movement to depict the bravery and intelligence of the little-known heroines of our American past—women lighthouse keepers. Assisting Wedmore will be Juliana McGovern, Barbara Brewer and others. Following the program, Wedmore will be available to sign copies of her book, for sale in the Museum Shop. This program is free for CAM members / $10 for non-members (includes Museum admission). Space is limited; reservations required.
For more information email us at info@capeannmuseum.org. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Museum at (978) 283-0455 x10 or online at Eventbrite.
April 5, 2016 ~ Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute
This could be you in September!
The Gloucester Biotechnology Academy is now accepting applications from recent high school grads for the first class to start September 2016. Your gateway to a career in the exciting field of Biotechnology…
For your application package: biotech.academy@gmgi.org
For more information: Gloucester Biotechnology Academy
Image ~ April 5, 2016 ~ lwheels2636
Good Morning –
Greetings from North Shore Career Center. We are delighted to announce that we have gathered 35 companies located in Gloucester and Brockport to a Job Fair. We are also expecting 200+ Job Seekers in the Cape Ann area to participate in this event at no cost at all.
LEGO®-Packed Kids Events in April Vacation Week
Invent your way through April Vacation Week with 2 LEGO®-packed Cape Ann library events celebrating the publication of The Mechanical Mind of John Coggin!
Written by local author, Elinor Teele, this hilarious adventure for kids aged 8-12 has already received a Kirkus Star. Join Elinor on Saturday, April 16 or Thursday, April 21 for LEGO® inventing, word games, steam engine exploring, interactive readings, and a super-cool book raffle!
Find all the details: elinorteele.com/events/
Check out –
from B.B. Boudreau
Yeah, it’s STILL winter. It’s April 4th today and it snowed. And they’re saying there will be more. I have started to look for reasons to be happy about being here, and decided that there are some delightful aspects of winter here in Gloucester, although maybe not as numerous as in summer. Here’s a big one. Everyone knows how to drive these narrow roads.
I believe after living here for 20 years, it’s because of a clever maneuver that I have coined The Gloucester Pull Out. Some people from the outside think it’s rude, but I’ve never been able to figure out why. In taking a left turn from a driveway or side street, we wait for three or four cars, which is reasonable in the winter, and then pull slowly into the coming lane.
For the entire post click here
The Manchester Essex Green Team is selling 40 pound bags of Black Earth Compost made from the Manchester Essex School District’s food waste converted into rich and nutritious soil for $8 each. This sale will be happening on a rolling basis and will continue all year long. All participation is greatly appreciated because the profits will be donated to the Green Team programs in all three schools. The Team is accepting credit card orders by visiting the Team’s secure website at http://www.greenteam.mersd.org, click on the “buy compost” option on the homepage. Or you make payments by checks made out to MERSD and send to The Green Team, 36 Lincoln Street, Manchester, MA 01944. Green Team Director, Eric Magers, will deliver the product for free to any location in Cape Ann (and a reasonable fee beyond that). If you have questions, or live beyond Cape Ann for free delivery, please contact the Green Team @ greenteam@mersd.org or 978.525.6469.
My Father was featured in Grumbacher art supplies “Palette Talk” Magazine a few times.
Artists featured in it would discuss techniques that they were known for. They liked the way my father represented fog on the working waterfront.
I own a few copies of this issue that are not for sale.
The Photo on the cover of is the Infamous Gloucester Fishing Vessel “Judith Lee Rose”
Not a bad price for that issue. It was .50 cents back in 1986
How long have you lived in Gloucester?
I’ve been on Cape Ann in one town or another for 38 years, I live in Rockport now.
What is your favorite season In Gloucester?
Sailing season.
Do you have any secret outdoor spots in Gloucester where you go to “get away”?
Well, if I answered it wouldn’t be secret anymore, but Steel Derrick Quarry is right at the top of the list.
What is your favorite pizza joint in Gloucester?
Delaney’s. They make the best thin crust and the sauce is not overly sweet.
What is your favorite sub shop in Gloucester?
Virgilio’s for an Italian, Destino’s for cheesesteak.
What place would you go for a romantic dinner in Gloucester?
We’d probably stay home and broil scallops.
What is your favorite bar in Gloucester?
I don’t drink alcohol.
What is your favorite breakfast joint in Gloucester?
George’s, Lobsta Land a close second.
What is your favorite local event in Gloucester?
Small venue: GWC’s Fish Tales story telling
Large venue: Schooner Festival
Family event: The Fish Box Derby
In the summer do you prefer the beach or to be on a boat?
Boats. Mine or Adventure.
Who is your favorite local artist?
David Montgomery
Which is your favorite local beach?
Not a beach guy.
Who has the best chowder in town?
Causeway.
Excluding GMG what is your second favorite local blog?
The Gloucester Clam, consistently terrific writing.
Do you prefer haddock chowder or clam chowder?
Clam
What were your thoughts on The Downtown Block Parties last year?
I enjoy walking down Main Street and seeing people I know. Looking forward to having the Chamber involved this year.
What is your favorite local band?
What Time is it Mr. Fox
What about Gloucester sets it apart from anywhere else?
It’s real, not a caricature of itself. The people who live here are passionate about making the best of the natural gifts we have, and even if they don’t always agree 100%, they find a way to work together to make things happen. There is always something going on, music, festivals, art, lectures, et cetera, because folks step up and put in the effort.
In honor of Mayor Recognition Day, today at City Hall Megan Stratton, Marina Lavender, and Courtland Kelly were recognized for their service at Backyard Growers. On behalf of the City of Gloucester, Mayor Romeo Theken gave commendations to Megan, Backyard Growers Food Corps service member, and to Courtland and Marina, who are both Americorps service members. On behalf of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, all three women were recognized by Representative Ann Margaret Ferrante for their service to Gloucester.
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Hard at work on the Stacy Boulevard seawall project.

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Director Dawn Sarrouf shares that fifth grade student Erin McCarthy is singing an original rap created by third grade student Seamus Swift, with words by William Shakespeare.