Save the Date: Tom Hauck Reading at Toad Hall Bookstore for THE BODY ON THE ROCKS

Save the date for a reading by my husband Tom Hauck of his recently published thriller The Body on the Rocks at Toad Hall Bookstore, Rockport, on Wednesday, July 16th at 7pm.

I hope you can join us!

Body on the Rocks 300dpiExcerpt from The Body on the Rocks

The instant Chris Mark heard the scream he knew something was very wrong. At the edge of a narrow chasm a woman was backing away from something. Her dog strained at its leash. Mark took his hands from his pockets, broke into a run. The woman saw him and pointed. The dog pulled excitedly, trying to get close to whatever was down there. Mark approached the crevice and looked down. On the rocks ten feet below him a man lay on his back. He was clad in jeans and a sweatshirt. While the body was in bad shape – bloated and discolored – the waxy face still had its nose and ears, and the two bluish hands were at the ends of the arms. The limbs and small bits had not yet been devoured by predators. “I’m sorry that I screamed like that,” stuttered the woman. “I just looked down and there he was. What do you suppose happened?” Mark shrugged. “The ocean can take you any which way.” “The Body on the Rocks” presents twelve thrilling stories featuring detective Chris Mark. Set in the rugged port city of Gloucester, Massachusetts, each story offers human drama, passion, intrigue, and a glimpse into the complicated life of an Iraq War vet who only wants to help people solve their toughest problems. This fast-paced collection is perfect for a day at the beach or an evening by the fireplace, and will keep you turning the pages long past your bedtime.

What’s your name?

DSCF4832“What’s your name,’ Coraline asked the cat. ‘Look, I’m Coraline. Okay?’
‘Cats don’t have names,’ it said.
‘No?’ said Coraline.
‘No,’ said the cat. ‘Now you people have names. That’s because you don’t know who you are. We know who we are, so we don’t need names.”
― Neil Gaiman, Coraline

Gloucester MA Chief Of Police To Be Tossed

The Gloucester Police Department is very active in supporting the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR), which is the law enforcement fundraising arm of the Massachusetts Special Olympics. Events that are sponsored by the LETR include the "Tip A Cop" fundraiser, the Cruiser Convoy, Polar Plunges, various 5 and 10k races, and "Toss Your Boss". All of these culminate in the "Guardian of the Flame" ceremony in which sworn police officers carry the Special Olympic Torch across the host country of the International Special Olympics.

I am proud to say that, after an event held in April here in town, the Gloucester Police Department currently holds the state record for a single night "Tip A Cop" fundraiser. I feel that we, as a police department, have a responsibility to use our positions to do the best we can for such worthy causes as the Special Olympics.

As such, on July 19 at 8am, I will be "tossed" from the 27th floor of the Hyatt Regency in Boston for the annual "Toss Your Boss" Fundraiser. If you’ve ever wanted to see the Chief of Police tossed off a building….pony up!!!. For the biggest single contributor…I will wear their choice of outfit (within reason…).

I know the timeframe is tight. I am humbly asking for any contribution, however small, you can make. And additionally, for any networking you can provide to help me raise money for the Massachusetts Special Olympics. Thanks so much in advance for considering this cause.

Donations may be dropped off at the Police Station c/o Christina Melillo. Checks should be made out to "Massachusetts Special Olympics"

Respectfully,

Leonard Campanello

Chief of Police

City of Gloucester, MA

Save $12 right now on Gloucester Blues Fest Tix — then relax the rest of the month

The last few times we’ve warned you against waiting until the last minute it has been because the shows were selling out (which they did) and we didn’t want you to complain that you hadn’t heard about them until it was too late.  This time we’re trying to save you $12 PER TICKET to the Gloucester Blues Festival, which is the biggest and best blues festival that will ever come to your backyard for prices like these: $28 in advance or $40 at the gate.

I know, August 9 seems far away, but you can only buy advanced tickets until August 4.  That’s only 4 weeks from today and given this great weather, you’ll probably forget because you’re having too much fun in the sun during the day and partying too hard under the stars at night.

But right now, you’re reading this blog post, which means you’re at a computer or on a smart-phone, either of which can be used to get your tickets RIGHT HERE.  Then you can relax and enjoy the rest of July without worrying that you’ll be distracted at just the wrong moment by that nagging voice asking, “What was I supposed to do?”

Here’s Shemekia Copeland at the very first Gloucester Blues Festival in 2012.

Check this year’s lineup here.

Chelsea Berry Gloucester show on Friday, July 25!

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Photo by Louise

 

Writing all of you fabulous Cape Ann folks to remind you that my summer show in Gloucester is coming up in 3 weeks!

We have rented the event tent at the Cape Ann Marina (at Mile Marker on 133) and the entire tent will be theater row seating with the exception of cabaret seating up front (cabaret table seats 4 and ticket price includes a bottle of Prosecco!).

Renee & Joe are opening and then I’ll do an acoustic set, followed by a full band set with Renee DuPuis on keys and backup vocals, Joe Cardoza on bass, Dennis Monagle on drums, and Brendan Burns (amazingly talented Somerville guitarist) on lead guitar.

You can buy tickets online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/709321 or in person at Mile Marker 1. Seating is general admission.

This is a one night event so if you plan to attend, please buy your tickets early! We won’t add a second show if we sell out (and I think we will)!

On a side note, I want to take the opportunity to sincerely thank you all for the support you have shown me since moving to Gloucester. Six years ago I began playing open mics at Cameron’s, the Pleasant St. Tea Company, the Rhumb Line, Dog Bar… now most of my shows are in listening rooms and out of state! I’ve worked hard to get here but there is no question in my mind that there is no way I’d be where I am in my career if it weren’t for you. The support system that Gloucester offers to musicians is something truly unique and amazing. It really is because of you that all of these wonderful opportunities have come my way… so thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Really hope to see you all on July 25!!

Love,
Chelsea

http://www.chelseaberry.com/

http://www.milemarkerone.com/

Young and Salty

We were on our good friends’ boat the other day with their 3 children, our two boys, and two additional cousins.  As we watched all of the children laugh and chill on the bow while we made our way around the back shore of Gloucester, he said, “I love that these kids are all growing up so salty.”

Well, me too.

Today the boys asked if I would do a post in which they could talk about how they haul lobster traps.  How do you say “no” to that!  So, as they hauled some gear, I took a bunch of photos and they taught me what was up along the way.

This is what they had to say….

 

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Monday July 7th , 2014 Cape Ann Weather..

Marine Forecast …
Mon SW winds 10 to 15 kt with gusts up to 25 kt. Seas 2 to 3 ft. Patchy fog.
Mon Night SW winds 10 to 15 kt with gusts up to 25 kt. Seas 2 to 3 ft.

Video Cast :
http://www.spreaker.com:80/episode/4702038

Hourly Forecast :

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7 Day Forecast…

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Water Shuttle Available 6-9 PM St Perter’s Sq and Rocky Neck

These hours are only on Friday and Sturday, Normal hours Monday through Friday.

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Celtic Music on the Thomas E. Lannon – Great Music, Sail, People and Sunset

Captain Tom Ellis took the Thomas E. Lannon out on a glorious sail beyond the breakwater, Celtic singer Michael O’Leary and Friends played music to the delight of everyone on board, many happy faces enjoying the sunset and a welcoming flock of sea gulls as they escorted the Schooner Lannon back home.

GloucesterCast With Pete Lovasco and Marcy Sears Taped 7/6/14

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GloucesterCast With Pete Lovasco and Marcy Sears Taped 7/6/14

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Subscribe to The GloucesterCast Podcast by Email Free

Check Out Pete’s Show Here

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GloucesterCast Has Been Been Invited To Be A Station On Stitcher Radio On Demand To Listen To Past GloucesterCasts Click The Stitcher Link! 
Check It!!!
Listen to Stitcher

New Video: Kyle Barry ~ Saturday 2014 Greasy Pole Champion!

Congratulations to Kyle Barry, the 2014 Saturday Greasy Pole Champion! This was Kyle’s second win. He was also the 2013 Friday Champion.

The first clip is especially Felliniesque but then again, the entire time I am shooting the greasy pole I feel as though I am in the midst of a Fellini film. Friday’s and Sunday’s films are coming in the next few days, with some Very Fun Footage.

I Loved this song when first I heard it and thought it perfect for Greasy Pole Walkers. Written and performed by Fitz and The Tantrums, “The Walker,” (that is really the title of the song!) is from their second album, More Than Just a Dream.

Previous GMG Posts about Kyle Barry: Kyle Barry for the Win! Greasy Pole Kyle Barry for the WIN! Saint Peter's Fiesta ©Kim Smith 2014 -2 Additional music note ~ Fitz and The Tantrums will be performing at the House of Blues in Boston on November 15th.

Follow Kim on Twitter @kimsmithdesigns and be her friend on Facebook.

Four-Legged Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Thanks to Jen Helzberg who submitted this excellent photo of her Bernese Mountain Dog pup, Juno, taking the paddle board out for a spin last week in Oak Cove on Rocky Neck in response to my It’s a Dog’s Life post from yesterday.

Great Job, Juno!  Looking good out there.
Great Job, Juno! Looking good out there.

 

 

A special gift left on my doorstep July 4th made my day!

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During the GMG Horribles Parade Tailgate on Thursday evening I asked brothers Thatcher and Finn Schrafft if they had collected any Swedish Fish during the parade that they were willing to trade with me for some of my homemade pasta…. (knowing how much they loved my pasta this spring at St. Joseph) Both brothers rummaged through their bags of candy looking for a fish to share with me. After a minute of looking, Thatcher and Finn disappointedly reported they didn’t have any Swedish Fish to share, but instead offered me my second favorite candy, “Twizzlers!” The next day my husband St. Barry found special package and sweet note labelled ‘Felicia” in our mailbox. Thank you boys. You made my day! I’m looking forward to receiving your photos and recipe using the homemade pasta I delivered to you yesterday! Happy Cooking!

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