Send in Your Requests for the Twelve Days Before Christmas Carol Countdown!

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Last year we featured a Christmas Carol Countdown, taking requests for GMG FOB’s favorite holiday tunes. I thought we’d do it again this year; it’s just not possible to hear too much holiday music! Please send us your favorites and we’ll post as many as we can. Looking forward to hearing all!

Countdown begins on Saturday night. Send requests to kimsmithdesigns@hotmail.com. Thank you.

Stevie Wonder’s “What Christmas Means to Me” is such fun and so upbeat. CeeLo does a version, too, which I’d never heard until this year. Which is your favorite?

Santa at Sea!!

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Hi Joey,

I wanted to share some exciting photos from the first ever Beauport Princess Santa at Sea!! The family event took place on Saturday, December 6th. The afternoon cruise was 2-3:30 and had close to 150 people aboard. The event was so well received we had to add an evening cruise (6-7:30) that had over 100 people as well!!

The Beauport Princess held their first ever “Santa at Sea” cruise on Saturday, September 6th in Gloucester. The event was attended by more than 250 guests aboard two cruises (afternoon and evening) with families from Gloucester and throughout the North Shore.  Children were treated to cookies and hot chocolate, a reading of “The Night Before Christmas,” caroling with elves, and of course – a visit from Santa! Guests were able to bring home a complimentary photo as a keepsake. Many dropped off new unwrapped toys that were donated to Action Inc’s Holiday Toy Drive. The event was so successful, the Beauport Princess is hoping to add more cruises for next year!!

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The elves take a break from their work on the Santa at Sea cruise aboard the Beauport Princess. All are members of the Cape Ann YMCA Teen Leaders Club. Pictured are Mike Collins, back, and (l-r) Chloe Bailey, Jack Fernandes, Adam Jerome and advisor Chris Brayton.

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Jack Frontiero of Gloucester enjoys a visit with Santa during the Santa at Sea cruise aboard the Beauport Princess on December 6th. Over 250 guests attended the event that included both an afternoon and evening cruise. Families were treated to cookies and hot chocolate, caroling with elves and a reading of “The Night Before Christmas.”

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Families from Gloucester and throughout the North Shore gather around for a reading of “The Night Before Christmas” during the Santa at Sea cruise aboard the Beauport Princess on December 6th. Hundreds came to enjoy cookies and hot chocolate, caroling with elves and a visit from Santa himself!

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Caitlin Small of Gloucester talks to Santa about her wish list aboard the Beauport Princess on December 6th. The first ever Santa at Sea cruise drew over 250 guests. Families were treated to cookies and hot chocolate, caroling with elves and a reading of “The Night Before Christmas.”

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Children listen attentively to a reading of “The Night Before Christmas” during the first ever Santa at Sea cruise aboard the Beauport Princess on December 6th. The two cruises drew more than 250 guests who were treated to hot chocolate and cookies, caroling with elves and a visit from Santa.

Oh, the weather outside is frightful …

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

Now, if you read my GDT letter from 2011 (here) you’ll know that I usually start my Christmas shopping on Dec 24 at about noon — and I do almost all of it in Gloucester and Cape Ann.  But I realize the rest of the world starts a tad earlier — and perhaps you’re grousing at this week’s nasty weather, thinking it’s an excuse to head to the mall where all the stores are indoors.  Before you do (head to the mall that is) STOP and think about your friends in town who offer unique, interesting gifts and a convivial shopping experience.

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Gift Certificate for The Cave — you can print it on your own printer immediately after buying it online!

This year you’ve got a new choice that doesn’t even require you to get dressed. The Cave is offering on-line Gift Certificates and you can print them when you buy them. So, if early on Christmas morning, you wake up and remember, Oh… Aunt Betty actually got out of the hospital and is coming for Christmas dinner … well, just get her a Cave Gift Certificate (click here), print it out and put it under the tree.  #BOOM!

Here’s a video I shot a couple of years ago of our first time at what has become one of our favorite stores in Gloucester!

Check out this fun video that reminds us what it would be like if all this rain had been snow:

Ricky King Russell This Thursday’s Dave Sag’s Blues Party @ The Rhumb Line 8:30 – 11:30pm 12.11.2014

Posted on by Joanne

dave sag rl 4.3.2014

 

 

Well, it’s time for that most holy trinity of wise guy men: the Three Stooges of the East. (Boston, that is…). I do mean the perspiring trio of Edd Scheer, Ricky Russell ,and Mario Perrett.  These guys are the Hamburger Helper® of the blooze. With them around, anything can happen, and usually does. Ed’s an amazing singer and frontman who always puts out the grease to make my head spin. Throw in Ricky on gootar and vocals and things brighten up. Add Mario, former teen idol, on vocals and sax and what’s left? Chaos! But, seriously, folks, these are my favorite guys cuz we all get a chance to sing and play more stupid songs than are necessary and to have random harmonies to boot!  Come see!

rkr

 

logo rl40 Railroad Ave

Gloucester, Ma

978-283-9732

http://www.therhumbline.com/

Wednesdays with Fly Amero Special Guest: Allen Estes 8pm 12.10.2014

Posted on by Joanne

Wednesday, December 10th
Special Guest: ALLEN ESTES!

allen estes

The great Allen Estes returns! Warm and fuzzy this time of
year, as Allen and I get to play our co-written Christmas song,
“I Wish I Could Fly”, among so many other wonderful tunes.
Time to start getting into the spirit! ~ Fly
Dinner with great music!
*Each week features a special, invited musical guest
Dave Trooper’s Kitchen…
Prepared fresh weekly by “Troop”… always good!
Check out Fred’s rockin’ wine menu!
Upcoming…
12/17 Amero Family Christmas

ameros

 

Visit: http://www.therhumbline.com/
Looking forward…

Give the Gift of Cape Ann this Season!

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Happy Holidays to our Chamber Members, Friends, and Families!

First quick update on our Chamber Holiday Celebrations:

– Manchester-by-the-Sea was last week at La Casa de Luis – a great time had by all!

– Rockport was Tuesday at the Fish Shack

– Essex is this Thursday at the Windward Grille

– Gloucester is next Tuesday (12/16) here at the Chamber

All celebrations are open to all – come on by and kick-off the Holidays with us.

And, with Santa making the rounds, ‘tis the Season for Gift Giving.

I’m sure by now that you have heard about the beautiful and symbolic Cape Ann License Plate, but did you also know that the proceeds are going back to the Cape Ann community to support:

1. Promotion of our Region

2. Economic Development, and

3. Education

Have you wanted to sign-up, but not yet done so?  Well, now is the Perfect time:  for Yourself, your Family, and your Friends –

Give the gift of Cape Ann this Christmas!

I have attached a ‘Christmas Application’, for you to fill  out and mail back to the Chamber. If you prefer, you may hold the $40 payment, and we will follow up with you as we get closer to the 1,500 target, and then we will submit the entire batch to the Registry.

Want to save paper and use an even easier way to sign-up? – you may do so on line at: http://capeannchamber.com/cape-ann-license-plate/ , or click on the below icon:

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And we want YOU to be a part of our “I Got Mine” campaign!

Everyone who has submitted an application by the end of this year, is automatically entered into a drawing to win a reserved number from 11 – 100, or a custom number free of the $100 donation charge. There will be three chances to win.

As part of this campaign, we are featuring folks who have signed up for the plate. Take a selfie with our license plate promotion frame, and post it on your Facebook page and we’ll post it on ours. Make it fun – come on by and pick-up a promo. frame (or we can deliver to you), they also make great stocking stuffers! Anyone recognize the good looking gent below?

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Check out our facebook page for frequent updates:   https://www.facebook.com/capeannchamber

I hope to see you before the Christmas break, but if I do not – I wish you a wonderful and safe Holiday season.

Yours Sincerely,

Ken

When Do You Tune in to the Holiday Tunes?

Posted on by Nichole S.

Ok, so Christmas is just two weeks from tomorrow.  So, yesterday I scanned through the radio stations on the way home from work/school to find some holiday music.  Now the real test will be, can we keep it up until Christmas?

I like to hear the festive music while out and about doing errands and at holiday events, but not so much day in and day out for two solid weeks…or, heaven forbid, longer.  We’ll probably end up listening to “real” music on the way to school and holiday music on the way home.  About one week out we’ll probably go hard core and Jingle Bell Rock ourselves to exhaustion while Decking the Halls, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, and Ho Hoing the Mistletoe.

So, I ask you…  When do you start cranking the Christmas Tunes?

And, as a thanks for taking the holiday song poll….please enjoy one of my favorites!

Saturday Clean up

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

Clean Gloucester and The One Hour at a Time Gang will be meeting at City Hall this Saturday morning at 8:00 am to clean up the neighborhood in preparation for the Middle Street Walk:  http://middlestreetwalk.org. A bonus, at 9:00 what we are finished, the UU Church will be open with coffee, pastries and crafts. Please bring your gloves, we will have bags.

Thanks all.
January 23, 2013 City Hall at as the sun is going down

 

Wednesday December 10th , 2014 Cape Ann Weather…

Posted on by Peter J Lovasco

Marine Forecast :
Today E winds 10 to 15 kt with gusts up to 30 kt. Seas 5 to 8 ft. Patchy fog. A chance of rain. Vsby 1 nm or less.
Tonight S winds 10 to 15 kt…becoming SW 15 to 20 kt after midnight. Gusts up to 25 kt. Seas 4 to 7 ft. Patchy fog. Vsby 1 nm or less.

Pod Cast Weather :
http://www.spreaker.com:80/episode/5332663
Couple YouTube Reporting Vids From BlueShuttersINN .. Thank you to my Friend Ed Cormier 😊. Was Wild Ed! Esp when we couldn’t get the Front Door Open from the pressure of the Insane Wind!

Hourly Forecast :

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Storm Pics 12/9/14

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This pic tells all !

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Community Stuff 12/10/14

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Cape Ann Families are invited to the Cape Ann Skating Club’s “Winter Festival on Saturday, December 13, from 11-2 pm at the Talbot Rink, O’Maley School, 32 Cherry Street, Gloucester.

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Free Family Event!

*11 am – Noon: Ice Skating Exhibition

*Noon – 1 pm:   Free Arts & Crafts, Used Skate & Dress Sale

*1 – 2 pm:         Open Skate – $5 per Family


*Great opportunity to learn about Cape Ann Skating Club Hockey & Figure Skating programs

Participants are encouraged to bring your own skates & helmets, limited rentals are available. Not a drop-off event!

Thanks!

Cape Ann Skating Club

For more information regarding Cape Ann Skating please visit:
http://www.facebook.com/CapeAnnSkatingClub

website: http://cafsc.org/

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Treetop Yoga is happy to be a part of the Toy Drive Program fro Pathways for Children!

Toy Drive

If you have new children’s toys and would like to donate them, please stop by our studio! All gifts must be submitted by Wednesday, December 17th.

We would also like to invite you to the “Holiday Flow” Class with Anneliese Brosch on Saturday, December 13th from 1:30-3 pm.
This will be a fun, warm Vinyasa-style class set to some of your favorite holiday tunes and carols. The class is designed to help you connect to the back body – the universal – and release some of the inevitable holiday stress.

The cost is $12 when you bring a child’s toy for Pathways for Children Toy Drive. ($20 otherwise.)

Wellspring House Annual Holiday Store on Saturday, December 13th and Sunday, December 14th

Wellspring House’s Annual Holiday Store will be held this year on Saturday, December 13th and Sunday, December 14th.  In its 18th year, the Holiday Store program provides an opportunity for low-income parents to “shop” by appointment for toys and gifts for their children.  This year Wellspring expects to serve 750 children from more than 350 families.  The operation of the Holiday Store relies strongly on the generosity of the Cape Ann community.  Many individuals and local organizations are holding toy drives, brightening the holidays for those most in need in our community. 

On Sunday, November 16th Cape Ann Pee Wee Football and Cheerleaders held a toy drive at their Championship Sunday event at Newell Stadium.  Over 100 items were collected.  Gloucester Fire Department, as well as Manchester Fire and Police Departments, are also holding drives.  New, unwrapped, non-violent toys/gifts may be dropped off at any of these stations until December 10th.

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Friends old and new are invited to En Vogue Salon’s Annual Holiday Open House on Thursday, December 11th.
We will be offering all day specials (listed below), refreshments, discounts on products and services, beautiful retail gifts by Leavitt and Co and a chance to catch up with our staff of stylists in the evening when they put down their scissors and blow dryers and socialize with you, our clients in the spirit of the holiday season.
Please join us!
Rosalie and the En Vogue Salon Team
En Vogue Salon
18 Washington St, Gloucester
(978) 281-8870
http://envoguesalongloucester.blogspot.com/

Open House Specials
Free Product Samples
20% off All Products
OPI Gel Manicure $25
Blow Outs $18
Makeup $25
Cuts and Blow Dry $30
Cut, Blow Dry, Makeup and Nails $75
Take advantage of our GIFT CERTIFICATE SALE December 11- 24. Save 10%
And sign up for our BASKET RAFFLE  – $5 ticket, $200 worth of products.
Drawn on Christmas Eve Day

En Vogue Annual Holiday Open House Flyer jpeg

2 SHOWS LEFT
“TOMFOOLERY” IS A MUST-SEE!

   Our first stage show, “Tomfoolery,” is a hit! It runs for 2 more shows, so catch it while you can!
     Thanks to a generous gift from a patron (who is both a fan of our Cinema and of fringe theater), we have added a 30′ performance stage, complete with a new live sound package and thoroughly modern sound. Each quarter, we will either host or produce a repertory or original stage production. Join us for our final 2 performances of satirical songwriter Tom Lehrer‘s classic TOMFOOLERY.
     The show, “by local folks, with local folks, for local folks,” is ensemble-directed and features Brian King, Jennifer-Lee Levitz, Jeph Ellis, and Olivia Gale, with Joseph Nuccio serving as musical director.
Click for a feature story about the Cinema & Stage. Click here for more information on the show, and here for more on Tom Lehrer.
     While this addition is a dramatic (and comedic!) new part of what we do, we are still movies over 95% of the time. Keep your eyes on your email for an announcement of our big December 12th movie!
     Won’t you please come out for TOMFOOLERY? It would mean a wicked lot to all of us who have put so much into bringing it to you.
     The following shows still have tickets available:
WED. DEC. 10 @ 8:00PM
THU. DEC. 11 @ 8:00PM

TICKETS:
$20.00 GENERAL ADMISSION
$18.00 CACS MEMBERS

With great appreciation,

Henry Allen & The New Swingset 50 Shades Of Jazz @ C.K. Pearl 7-9pm

Posted on by Joanne

henry ck pearl 12.10.2014

 

Henry Allen & the New Swingset in concert. It’s a gratitude party! Great food, Great bar, Great music, Great friends! JOIN US Wednesday, December 10th.

SEATING IS LIMITED, so reserve now, and invite friends! 978-890-7378

Painting – Meeting of Gloucester Boats on Rum-Row From Bill Hubbard and More About The Arethusa

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Joey,

Here is my Painting, “Meeting On Rum-Row”

It’s 1932,  Prohibition and two former Gloucester fishing schooners meet up with the US Coast Guard’s 75’ patrol boat, CG-100 which was then based in Gloucester.  They are on Rum-Row, 3 miles off the coast of New York and New Jersey.  The coast guard is charged with patrolling the 3 Mile Territorial Limit to protect against the illegal entry of liquor into the US.

On the left is the 100 ft. Sch. H.L. Marshall and on the right is the 110 ft. Sch.  Arethusa.  Both were Essex-built and had been high-liners among the Gloucester fishing fleet.  They were purchased by the legendary bootlegger,  Bill “The Real” McCoy of Florida.  Both were rebuilt, strengthened and had their twin auxiliary engines replaced.  The Arethusa had a new ten ft. bowsprit added to accommodate a flying jib and increase her carrying capacity to 16,000 cases of liquor.  The Marshall carried 15,000 cases They were operating out of the Bahamas under British registry.  At that time the Arethusa’s name was changed to Tomoka after McCoy’s home port in Florida.  They were fast under sail or power and the nemises of the US Coast Guard.  At the height of his career, McCoy operated six former fishing schooners, hauling illegal booze from the Bahamas, Cuba, Bermuda,  Jamaica and St. Pierre & Miquellen Islands off Newfoundland.  Those cases, offloaded on Rum-Row to fast small boats and landed in the US earned McCoy $10/case.  The Marshall carried 1,500 cases and the Arethusa 1,600 and would earn him $31,000 cash

Rum-row was the 3 mile territorial limit of US legal jurisdiction off our coastline at the time.  The federal boats had no jurisdiction outside the limit and the smart rum-runners stayed outside to avoid capture.  McCoy operated one and hired young, seasoned fishing captains to skipper his other boats.  His boats were mounted with Bofors and Colt Machine guns – not to battle the Coast Guard but, as protection against mob-owned hi-speed boats that cruised the “row”  and hi-jacked unprotected ships.  McCoy earned the nickname, The Real McCoy because he refused to buy his liquor from the mobsters and guaranteed it was not watered down.

Eventually, McCoy was captured by what he and many others claimed to be a very unscrupulous trick by the Coast Guard.   My next painting in this series will be the show-down between his Schooner Tomoka/Arethusa and the cutter Seneca.

Bill Hubbard

Meeting on Rum-Row

Joey’s  note:

Our Lobsterman Tommy Burns named his boat The Arethusa after Bill “The Real” McCoy’s Schooner Arethusa.

Paul Frontiero Photo-

Check out Paulie Walnuts Post Here-

Arethusa 04/22/12

Arethusa

Definition: Arethusa was a nymph, possibly the daughter of an Arcadian river god, and a follower of the virgin goddess Artemis. One day as she was bathing, she discovered the river god Alpheus desired her, so she fled. She ran as far as the island of Syracuse, but he kept up. In desperation, Arethusa called on Artemis to defend her. Artemis did what she could. She transformed Arethusa into a spring, but according to Pausanias, the nymph didn’t remain pure even in her transformed state. Alpheus had himself transformed into a river running under the spring so that the waters of river and spring might mingle. AND KNOW YOU KNOW.

There are also these videos from Ben who came up and had a short stint aboard the Tommy’s Arethusa-

You may remember Ben from his brief stint as a lobsterman aboard Tommy Burns’ Arethusa and the Cartoon That Was Made About His Experience-

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Ukulele Love Affair John Hicks Part II

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

John talks about the Ukulele resurgence on Cape Ann

His website –
tinpanhaole
Check Out Ukulele Hootenany At Eastern Point Lit House-
Join us each month for Uke Night @ The Lit House! All levels of uke enthusiast is welcome.

The Next Uke Night is December 15
Ukuele Hootenanny with John Hicks
6:30-8 p.m. |Third Monday each month