

My View of Life on the Dock




It is with a broken heart that we announce the loss of our dear friend and mentor Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante, who passed away early this morning at the age of 53 after a long and brave journey with pancreatic cancer.
First elected to the legislature in 2008, Ann-Margaret dedicated her legislative career to ensuring that Cape Ann always had a seat at the table in legislative matters; always focused on our fishermen, jobs and economic development, and helping those in need.
Driven by her faith and her focus on community, Ann-Margaret lived to embody the social gospel of Matthew: “for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.”
Ann-Margaret’s legacy persists in those causes which she led and championed: the establishment of Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute and Gloucester Biotechnology Academy, bringing the Imagination Library to Cape Ann’s children, the expansion of The Open Door to help those in need, her focus on giving the people of Cape Ann and the Commonwealth new opportunities, and much more. She has touched the lives of many she never knew and who never knew her.
A sincere thank you to everyone who has prayed, lent a hand, and loved Ann-Margaret over the past five years as she contended with this awful disease. She never forgot how fortunate she was to have such loving and caring friends.
An obituary and details on arrangements will be forthcoming. Please keep Ann-Margaret’s family and loved ones in your thoughts at this difficult time.
Wishing you all a warm and wonderful Thanksgiving celebration this year. We are thankful to so many of you for following our adventures and welcoming us to the community. I hope you can celebrate with family or friends and that you carry gratitude in your heart year round.
Here’s some snippets from the Gloucester Daily Times of Nov. 26 1925. It was the Wednesday before Thanksgiving that year. Note that the warrant was for an upcoming December vote for Mayor, Alderman and School Committee! And the GHS football team was expected to do well for their Thanksgiving Day game. Thanksgiving Dinner for $1.50. Those were the days my friend. Good luck today to the Gloucester football team!





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Thanks Richard!
Nutella Cheesecake

Past Years-

Come get your Christmas and Holiday shopping done while you sip a beverage, listen to music and buy from over 55 local vendors – food gifts, soaps, lotions, artwork, jewelry, home goods, all unique handcrafted items – something for everyone on your list!

Take a Bow…


Atlantic Power Cleaning is offering a FREE HOT water gutter and downspout flush with every house wash! Schedule a HOT water power wash for the exterior of your house, and we will take it the extra step and get your gutters and downspouts clean and clear!
The first step in preparing your home for winter is having a HOT water gutter and downspout flush to remove dirt, debris, leaves and potential clogs which will help maintain proper water flow.
*Schedule by December 5th to qualify*
**Mention this offer when scheduling to claim discount**
(offer not valid on previously completed projects)






Mayor Greg Verga is pleased to announce that beginning Thursday, November 27, 2025, the City of Gloucester will offer free 2-hour parking on Main Street in Zone 6 and Zone 2 through Wednesday, December 31, 2025. The initiative is designed to encourage visitors and residents alike to shop, dine and stroll the downtown corridor during the holidays, while supporting our local businesses and fostering a vibrant community environment.
Why This Matters
This free-parking offer is part of the City’s broader holiday activation plan: by reducing the barrier to access downtown, the City is supporting Main Street-area merchants, restaurants and galleries and encouraging foot traffic in the heart of Gloucester. At the same time, the enforcement of the two-hour limit protects turnover, ensuring that parking remains accessible through the busy season.
“We want everyone to enjoy the spirit of the season and support our downtown businesses. By offering free parking along Main Street and maintaining the two-hour limit, we strike the right balance between convenience for visitors and continuing turnover so our Main Street remains vibrant and accessible,” said Mayor Verga. “I encourage all of our residents and guests to plan their visits, register their plate and time, and enjoy a holiday season filled with local culture, shopping, and community.”

I love this idea! Maybe we’ll see you at one of the Serenitee in early December. Our favorite is Minglewood. What’s yours?

We’d like to wish fellow Merry Castaway Nichole the happiest of birthdays today. She’s a valuable friend, loving mother and extraordinary teacher/administrator as well as a memorable (yes, memorable) friend. Happy birthday!




~ sam ~
