If your ice cream has been left on the counter for over 24 hours and it doesn’t melt, is it really ice cream? Maybe I should get some Holy Cow Ice Cream and do a comparison???

Took this video last night 11/19 6:39PM after the “ice cream” had been left out on the counter for over 24 hours.

11/20 4:40AM UPDATE:

Got up for work, now going on 36 hours and the “ice cream” still hasn’t melted-

11/20 4:40AM

Alicia Unleashed: New Bros, Who Dis?

Episode 87, 95, 102, 110, 119 and now 124!
Let’s welcome Peter and R John!
Welcome back blaine!

This is OLD HAT but NEW NEW at this point!

Men’s Mental Health and Physical health is a year round ordeal but come November we make it OUR BIG DEAL!
Check it out and give a dollar or a few!
https://movember.com/t/the-league-of-extraordinary-mobros?mc=1

Don’t know if you heard Bside on Karson and Kennedy Monday talk about how fantastic it was, but We’re talking MOVEMBER!

The Return of the Snowy Owls

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Snowy owls have begun to appear! We found this owl resting in the gorgeous sunshine yesterday a bit north of Cape Ann. I have a good feeling about this season for snowy owls in our area. **I will repeat what I have previously stated for anyone concerned about the owl’s well being: I have a nice long lens and I zoom with my lens and not my feet in order to respect the wildlife. Some of these images are cropped.**

Sawyer Free Library Kicks off 2024 Annual Appeal

The Library’s 2024 Annual Appeal in support of the Sawyer Free 2025 Library Capital Campaign

The Sawyer Free Library has kicked off its 2024 Annual Appeal campaign, Our History to Tomorrow’s Possibilities: Transforming the Sawyer Free Library. With appeal letters reaching over 1,800 Gloucester households, the Library seeks community support to complete the 2025 Sawyer Free Library, a state-of-the-art facility where history meets innovation. All funds raised through the 2024 Annual Appeal will go directly to the Sawyer Free 2025 Library Capital Campaign, which has reached nearly 60% of its $29 million fundraising goal. Contributions will support the Library’s historic renovation, expansion, and modernization building project.

“The 2025 Sawyer Free Library will be more than just a building—it will stand as a beacon of knowledge, creativity, and connection. By supporting this transformative project, we are investing in our community’s future and creating an inclusive space where everyone can learn, grow, and thrive,” said Mern Sibley on behalf of the Library’s Board. “We need everyone’s help to make this vision a reality as we approach the finish line. Every gift, no matter the size, brings us closer to opening the doors to our new 21st-century Library.”

Scheduled to open in Fall 2025, the new Sawyer Free Library will serve as a vital community resource, offering expanded spaces for children, teens, and adults, enhanced digital resources, and sustainable design. It will boast a range of modern amenities, including a larger children’s area, a teen room with creative spaces, a digital learning lab, a local history research center, quiet study rooms, a 100-seat community room, and more. This new facility will allow the Library to serve a broader, more diverse audience and increase its offerings of public programs.

As the Library reaches this milestone, it invites the greater community and beyond to support the 2024 Annual Appeal, ensuring that the Sawyer Free 2025 Library can fully realize its potential as a beacon of learning and connection. Donations can be made online at sawyerfreelibrary.org or by mailing a check to Sawyer Free Library, Annual Appeal, P.O. Box 415, Gloucester, MA 01930.

For additional information, and to donate to the Library’s Annual Appeal, please visit sawyerfreelibrary.org.

Rocky Neck Displays Its History

The large glass-front showcase at 15 Rocky Neck Avenue received a makeover last July. Formerly used to display artwork, it had been empty since Ellen Kroger moved her Rocky Neck gallery to Bearskin Neck. Ellen and property owners, George and Ellen Sibley, welcomed its transformation from art to history. The renewed display features a panorama of the northern end of Rocky Neck in 1905, highlighting today’s uses for several of the many buildings that remain. A new white frame was built to hold the refreshed bed of sea glass, shells and stones on the ground beneath. Twinkle lights were added for nighttime sparkle. Be sure to stop by to see it, day or night, on your next visit to Rocky Neck! Aside from Ellen Kroger and the Sibleys, contributors were: Rich Carlson, Sophie and Madeline Litterer, Larry Dahlmer, Arnie Morton, Mark Lacey, along with Ann Marie and Susan Morreale.

The MBTA released a report saying that it would cost approximately $24.5 billion to bring the entire system back to a state of good repair.

Source OnlyInBOS

Bureaucracy at its finest.

Gloucester to Host National Reenactment of Battle of Bunker Hill’s 250th Anniversary in June 2025

Historical Stage Fort Park to Host Tactical Demonstrations, Presentations and Living History.

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The City of Gloucester, in partnership with Essex National Heritage Commission, Discover Gloucester, and Revolution 250, announces the national reenactment commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill on June 21 – 22, 2025, at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester, MA. Through the use of tactical demonstrations, historic lectures, presentations, and living history demonstrations, reenactors from across the country will bring to life the resolve and resilience of the people of Massachusetts in 1775 in defiance of increasing British military control and the oppression of colonial rights.

“Gloucester is proud to play host for the commemorative reenactment of this iconic moment in American history,” says Gloucester Mayor Greg Verga. “And we are looking forward to sharing the beautiful surroundings of our storied community, and the history of our people – many of whom were at the Battle of Bunker Hill – with the thousands of visitors we expect to attend.”

Featuring hundreds of reenactors from across the United States and Canada, the reenactment offers spectators of all ages the opportunity to interact with living historians and participants portraying important figures, soldiers, civilians, tradespeople, and more. The battle reenactment will include colonial militia, George III’s redcoat soldiers, artillery, tall ships, an amphibious landing, and battle scenarios culminating with three assaults on the recreated, fortified Bunker Hill. 

“We are very excited for this event, as it will help spectators discover the lives of soldiers, women, children, and marginalized groups at a time of revolutionary change in our nation’s history,” says Annie Harris, CEO of Essex Heritage. “By helping the public experience the diversity of perspectives as well as the sights, sounds, and smells of 1775, we can help the visitor expand their knowledge of this formative period of our Nation’s founding while paying tribute to the men and women who served and sacrificed during this epic fight.”

While the urban development over the last two centuries in Charlestown, MA makes it impossible to use the original battlefield, the City of Gloucester’s seaside park boasts key elements for telling the story of the Battle of Bunker Hill fought on land and at sea. And with deep connections to our nation’s history as well as the American Revolution, Gloucester is an ideal host for this momentous commemoration. 

To learn more about the 250th Battle of Bunker Hill, visit www.BattleOfBunkerHill250.com and www.DiscoverGloucester.com

MARIPOSA AND FRIENDS POP UP!

[Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA, October 22] — The Manchester-based wholesale company will share their beloved gift and tableware direct-to-consumer for the holidays. Known for distributing through 600 high end US retailers, along with department stores like Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales, Mariposa is converting the corporate showroom in their barn on Elm Street into a retail pop-up Thursdays through Saturdays during the upcoming season.

Unlike the fun—but frenetic seasonal seconds sale that will take place on November 2nd at Blackburn Industrial Park in Gloucester, shoppers will enjoy a calm visit where they can tour both Mariposa favorites and specially curated offerings from their friends’ brands. Vietri Italian dinnerware, favorite holiday candles from The Thymes, the customer will find unique books and special stocking stuffers, along with wrapping paper and gift cards to be ready for the holidays! For important updates and holiday hours, follow Mariposa and Friends on Instagram @mariposaandfriends. Opening weekend starts Thursday, November 7th!

Contact: Erin Connolly, Marketing Manager, erin@mariposa.com

Subscribe to the newsletter: mariposa.com

Follow us on Instagram: @mariposaandfriends

Gloucester Fire Department Shares Information on Smoke Conditions Due to Ongoing Brush Fires Across the State

GLOUCESTER — Chief Eric Smith and the Gloucester Fire Department report that due to ongoing brush fires across the state, residents likely have noticed the smell of smoke and hazy skies.  

Both Gloucester and Rockport Fire Departments have responded to and investigated numerous reports of smoke odor, including launching drone units to confirm that there were no active brush or wildland fires within the communities. Through these responses, both departments were able to determine that the odor of smoke and haze were not from the communities of Rockport or Gloucester. 

Residents and community members are reminded that the smell of smoke may stay in the air for days due to the ongoing dry conditions and elevated wildfire risks. However, this does not mean there is a current fire burning in Gloucester. 

Chief Smith reminds the community that hazy skies are a normal result of extensive outdoor fires and that they should clear a few days after the fires are extinguished. It is important to note that since brush fires have been consistent across the state, it may take longer for the residual smoke conditions to clear.  

Given the dry conditions and the elevated risk of wildfires and fire spreading, residents are reminded that outdoor burning is prohibited at this time of year and fire conditions should be closely monitored at all times:

  • Refrain from outdoor cooking and heating. Sparks and embers from chimineas, fire pits, and grills can easily ignite dry vegetation, debris, and overhanging branches.
  • A trusted adult must be present before, during, and after a cooking fire. 
  • Do not use gasoline or other flammable or combustible liquids to burn brush, trash, or other waste.
  • Extinguish smoking materials in a sturdy ashtray with water or sand. Never toss cigarette butts, matches, or other smoking materials over the edge of a balcony, stub them out on stairs or railings, or toss them in dry vegetation or debris.
  • Use caution with lawnmowers, leaf blowers, all-terrain vehicles, and other power equipment. The engines can become hot enough to ignite dry leaves and grass.
  • Properly dispose of ashes or coals from fireplaces, wood stoves, or grills in a metal can, douse it with water, and secure it with a tight-fitting lid. These ashes can remain hot enough to reignite and cause a fire.
  • Residents and community members should follow instructions from local safety officials.

Wildfire smoke can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. Smokey skies can diminish the air quality and residents are reminded to take precautions as some vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, or those with premeditated breathing conditions may be affected.  

For more information regarding safety tips, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)