Harbormaster Chris Lucido reports that the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has scheduled construction work on the Blynman Bridge that will require closing the waterway.

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

From March 16 to March 31, the Blynman Canal will be closed to all boat traffic because a structure that will have to be built under the bridge. The bridge will be in the down position for the duration of the work. 

There will also be a channel closure affecting even small craft. 

The bridge will remain open to vehicular traffic, though lanes may be closed on occasion.

MassDOT initially requested to perform the work from April 1 to May 1, but that time frame coincides with scallop season, when numerous vessels use the Blynman Bridge to access the harbor and fishing grounds. At the urging of the Harbormaster, several state agencies and local legislators, MassDOT agreed to move the work up and to shorten the length of the closure.

“I want to thank MassDOT, our local legislative delegation, and the state for helping us to ensure this necessary work will not unduly impact scallop season,” said Harbormaster Lucido. “This work is not optional, and we appreciate everyone’s willingness to reschedule it to minimize impacts on our local community.”

Phase 2 of the work will be moved to November, again at the urging of the Harbormaster, state agencies, and local legislators, to minimize the impact of the work on commercial scallop fisheries and local stakeholders. 

Update Two Years After Project Elm From Cape Ann Elms Plants An Elm In Our Back Yard

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro
How it started March 31,2023
How it’s going March 10, 2025:

Click here to get your elm tree planted:

https://www.capeannelms.com/

This is the original post from 2023: Project Elm

Making Cape Ann GREEN again,
one tree at a time.

Reserve Your Trees Now

We are now accepting tree requests for 2023 as we aim for 1000 Elm trees planted in 10 years—only 825 to go! So far this year our trees are free, thanks to many generous donors who are paying it forward so Cape Ann folk can plant beautiful elms!

And our dedicated volunteers will plant the tree(s) for you on the Cape Ann site you select. So what are you waiting for? Sign up for a gorgeous elm in your yard and help us by picking a site that is street facing so that we can help recreate the cathedral like “elm effect” all over Cape Ann like so many years ago and fight climate change at the same time!

Donations to help fund our efforts are deeply appreciated. Though we are not yet a 501c3 organization and therefore donations are not yet tax deductible, they will help us do what we do best—buy and plant elm trees all over Cape Ann. Thank you.

This year we, in honor of Gloucester’s 400th Anniversary, we are partnering with Biomimicy of New England to support 400 Trees Gloucester—an effort two plant that many trees in Gloucester over the next two years. All trees requested in Gloucester this year and next as a part of Cape Ann Elms will count towards this special tree initiative. Help us!

Thank you!

Join your hosts Katelyn Ciaramitaro and Megan McGovern for Selling with Style & Simplicity: A Team Approach to Success, an insightful event designed for homeowners looking to streamline the selling process with expert guidance.

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Featuring a panel of industry leaders, this event will showcase how collaboration between real estate, home staging, organization, and financing can lead to seamless and successful home sales.

Our expert speakers include:

  • Katelyn Ciaramitaro – Real Estate Advisor, Engel & Völkers by the Sea
  • Megan McGovern – Founder, SORT by Megan (Professional Organizer)
  • Betsy Konaxis – Owner, BK Classic Collections Home Stagers
  • Matt Blanchard – Sales Manager, Leader Bank

Learn how strategic staging, organization, market expertise, and financing solutions can maximize home value and create a stress-free experience. Whether you’re preparing to sell or simply want to gain industry insights, this event is a must-attend!

TO RSVP FOR THIS FREE EVENT, click below: 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/selling-with-style-simplicity-a-team-approach-to-success-tickets-1247249158809?aff=oddtdtcreator

Blue Bench

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

This blue bench matches the blue sky and blue Magnolia Harbor.  The bench is popular to sit and watch ducks, sunset and people watching.

 

Boston Light with Lighthouse Keeper Sally Snowman at SFL on Thursday evening

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

 ~ SAWYER FREE LIBRARY

Guiding Light: The Legacy of Boston Light with Keeper Sally Snowman

📅 Thursday, March 13
🕠 5:30 – 6:30 PM
📍 Sawyer Free Librarya, 21 Main Street, Gloucester

Join the Sawyer Free Free Library for a captivating evening with Sally Snowman, the Keeper of Boston Light, as she shares the rich history and personal stories of America’s first established light station. Since 1716, Boston Light has illuminated the way for mariners entering Boston Harbor, and as the last manned Coast Guard Light Station in the country, it holds a unique place in maritime history.

As the 70th and final keeper, Sally Snowman has spent over two decades maintaining this historic beacon. In this engaging presentation, she will recount her experiences as a 21st-century lighthouse keeper, offering insights from her co-authored books and sharing stunning images from Boston Light’s 307-year history.

🔹 Registration required at sawyerfreelibrary.org
🔹 Questions? Contact lsvensson@sawyerfreelibrary.org

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear firsthand from Sally Snowman, Ph.D., educator, author, and historian, as she prepares to retire and close a remarkable chapter in maritime history.

Delicious Quiche at 525

Posted on by Nichole S.

I stopped at 525 on Sunday morning for breakfast when they opened at 10:30 and asked Larry about the quiche of the day. He had made it himself. When I asked how it was, he replied modestly, “It’s ok.” Well, I assure you it was much more than ok. Maybe the best quiche I’ve ever had….the crust was perfection!

First sunset of Daylight Savings Time

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

As we were walking Shore Road on Sunday, the wind picked up again and the clouds covered the sun.  All of a sudden, the sky lit up.

For the Cape Ann Animal Aid pet of the week, meet the one, the only… Clarita!

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Hello! For the pet of the week, meet the one, the only… Clarita!

BreedRetriever, Labrador/Mix Age5 months 6 days GenderFemale SizeMedium ColorWhite Spayed/NeuteredDeclawedNo HousetrainedPartially Adoption Price$500.00 

Meet Clarita! This lovely little lady just came to us all the way from Puerto Rico. She’s had a lot of changes in her life recently and can come off a little shy and uncertain of herself because of this but she’s slowly learning people aren’t so bad! She’s been meeting new canine friends here at CAAA to help build her confidence up as well. Once she warms up to you she’s a sweet and gentle baby girl who is sure to bring a smile to any face! We think she’d do really well in a home with another canine companion to show her the ropes and continue to help her come out of her shell. If you think you’d make a good match and are willing to give this shy girl a chance, please submit an application today! Once you’re approved, you will be able to meet!

To submit an application please go to: capeannanimalaid.org/dogapp

______________________________________
Cape Ann Animal Aid

Christopher Cutler Rich Animal Shelter
4 Paws Lane
Gloucester, MA 01930

(978) 283-6055

www.CapeAnnAnimalAid.org

www.facebook.com/CapeAnnAnimalAid

Irish Coffee At Oak To Ember

Posted on by Pat D

Well, March is marching on toward St. Patrick’s Day and we have several Irish Coffee reports in the wings. Today’s features Oak to Ember on Rogers St. This version was very satisfying with the generous dollop of whipped cream (came without asking which was fine by me) and Bailey’s. Perfectly smooth and creamy. I’ve had my share of Irish Coffee in a wide range of places, but have never been offered a big spoon as accompaniment. I always appreciate extras with my servings, so thanks a bunch Oak to Ember! Slainte!

GloucesterCast 775 Taped 3/9/25 Live From Margaritaville

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

GloucesterCast 775 Taped 3/9/25 Live From Margaritaville

Audio Podcast Click Here-

Video Podcast Click here-

Mixed Venues — pat morss

Posted on by patmorss

No particular topic this time.

Last March, a few plastic plantings were added to a tree cavity.
By August, the theme was headed toward Jurassic Park.
This March the growing number of offerings is overwhelming.
One of several passing deer chose to check out the bird feeder activity.
Mallard squadron departing from Niles Pond.
NOT the horizon and clouds, but just flat ice beyond open water on the pond.
A lone Red-breasted Merganser displaying his diving skills at Brace Cove.
The dive is instantaneous.
He spent more time underwater than above.
One of our sociable winter residents, a damp Downy Woodpecker.
A flock of Cedar Waxwings was tossing berries around.
Quite satisfied following Sunday brunch.