Wednesday April 30th , 2014 Cape Ann Weather..

Posted on by Peter J Lovasco

Marine Forecast …
Wed E winds 10 to 15 kt with gusts up to 20 kt. Seas 6 to 9 ft. A chance of rain.
Wed Night SE winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts up to 30 kt. Seas 6 to 9 ft. Rain likely. Vsby 1 to 3 nm.

Wednesday Forecast :
Mostly Cloudy with a chance of rain late morning .. Highs in the 40’s winds east at 10-20mph ! Rain gets heavier later in the afternoon winds increasing to 25-30 mph from the east south east .. Wednesday night rain heavy at times early then tapering off to showers / drizzle late lows in the 40’s continued breezy east winds 10-20 mph .. Thursday Rain in the morning temps milder into the 50’s ! Winds becoming south 10-20mph and gusty late afternoon ….

Hourly Forecast …

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Extended Forecast…

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Thanks for viewing … 🙂

Community Stuff 4/30/14

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Movie about Whitey Bulger is looking for background extras.

http://www.projectcasting.com/casting-calls-and-auditions/black-mass-starring-johnny-depp-extras-casting-call-in-boston/

I’ve seen a few older cars rolling around Gloucester, they might want to cash in.

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Spring Greetings Joey!

Below is a release highlighting fun and easy spring things-to-do with The Trustees of Reservations on the North Shore, including best first hikes, great picnic spots, gardens in bloom, and more! We’d love it if you would consider using this (or parts of it!) as a spring/early summer story. Many thanks and please give me a ring with any questions.

Cheers,

Holly Hannaway

Fun and Easy (and Wallet-Friendly!)

Spring Things to Do with The Trustees of Reservations

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This spring The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) offer a slew of fun (and affordable) ideas for people of all ages to get out and enjoy their 112 properties – from Stockbridge to Boston. Their reservations offer something for everyone, encompassing thousands of acres of wide open spaces that include woodlands trails, historic homes, community farms, gorges and waterfalls, miles of coastline, and formal gardens.

Whether you’re looking to take a breather from a hectic day or itching to spend the afternoon enjoying your favorite outdoor activity, you can easily find a Trustees property near you to unplug with family or friends. Check out these properties below for a few ideas, as well as The Trustees website for fun programs and events for all ages this spring: www.thetrustees.org/things-to-do/.

PACK A PICNIC…No reservations required!

Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, Ipswich
The rolling half-mile-long Grand Allée with sweeping ocean views makes a wonderful spot for spreading a blanket. Pack your favorite lunch or, beginning in May, grab a delicious sandwich or salad from our Castle Hill Café. Take a historic house or landscape tour or throw a Frisbee or fly a kite. While you’re there, check out our “preservation in action” project on the rolling front “lawn” of this National Historic Landmark.

Coolidge Reservation, Manchester-by-the-Sea
For the perfect mix of views and picnic-friendly terrain, this ocean side property on the North Shore is hard to beat. Follow the pathway that leads to the Ocean Lawn and stop. This broad expanse of green is matched only by the blue waters of Massachusetts Bay spreading before you.

FIRST HIKES…It’s a walk in the park, literally!

Appleton Farms and Grass Rides, Hamilton and Ipswich

Explore the farmstead and surrounding fields and woodlands of a 350-year-old working farm. With more than 12 miles of flat or gently rolling trails that are either grass and gravel, the farm is the a perfect spot for a first hiker or stroller. If you have more time, stop by and say hi to the animals on the farm, pick up some fresh farm milk or cheese in the Dairy Store and learn about the many programs offered throughout the spring and summer at this special place.

Ravenswood Park, Gloucester

With 10 miles of carriage paths and trails that meander through the park, there are plenty of options for exploring. Children love the Ledge Hill Trail – a two-mile round-trip walk among magical-looking, fern-covered boulders. Use the Cape Ann Discovery Center as your jumping-off point – check out the Investigation Station and borrow a Discovery Detective Backpack for your outdoor exploration.

GARDENS IN BLOOM…Stop and smell the roses!

The Stevens-Coolidge Place, North Andover
Soak up history and horticulture as you explore the gardens behind this renowned country house. Highlights include a perennial garden, a rose garden, the greenhouse complex, and a potager garden (or French vegetable garden) with a brick serpentine wall. Intermingling with the formal gardens are rustic elements, including hay fields, an orchard, and woodlands.

Long Hill, Beverly MA
Explore cultivated gardens, an extraordinary woody plant collection, an apple orchard and meadow, a network of woodland trails – even a children’s garden and organic farm!

QUESTING…Learn and discover as you go!

Exploring a Trustees property is easy and fun with a Quest, or outdoor scavenger hunt. Follow the series of clues that lead to you a hidden box. Local Quests include:Hermit’s Haven at Ravenswood Park and Pinnacle Quest at Appleton Farms Grass Rides. For a complete list of participating properties visit: thetrustees.org/quest. You can find the Quest maps at the parking lot bulletin board of participating properties. Kids can also download a special Quest Detective booklet online (thetrustees.org/detective) and stamp their “passport” when they complete a Quest. 

HISTORY BUFFS…Find your Home Sweet Home!

In celebration of Massachusetts heritage and preservation month, tour one of the many Trustees historic homes across the state during their FREE Home Sweet Home Open House Day on May 31st. Participating Northeast & Greater Boston homes include: The Great House at Castle Hill, The Old House at Appleton Farms, The Paine House at Greenwood Farm, The Stevens-Coolidge Place in North Andover, and The Old Manse in Concord. Visit: thetrustees.org/homesweethome for all the details.

ATANK (OR FERRY) AWAY…Grab a friend and go!

Why not pick a Trustees property you’ve never seen and go? Check out thetrustees.org for a full list of their reservations.  A few great ideas include Dunes Edge campground in Provincetown and several “hidden gems” and beaches on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.

The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) “hold in trust” and care for properties, or “reservations,” of scenic, cultural, and natural significance for the general public to enjoy. Founded by open space visionary Charles Eliot in 1891, The Trustees are the nation’s oldest, statewide land trust, one of Massachusetts’ largest conservation organizations and an established leader in the conservation and preservation movement nationally and internationally. Supported by more than 100,000 members, donors, and thousands of volunteers, The Trustees own and manage 112 spectacular reservations – including working farms, historic homesteads and gardens, community parks, barrier beaches and mountain vistas – located on more than 26,000 acres. In addition, The Trustees work closely with permanent affiliates including Boston Natural Areas Network and the Hilltown Land Trust as well as hundreds of community partners to preserve and protect special places and provide year-round programs for all ages. Visit www.thetrustees.org.

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Gotta Respect This Big Time Power Move From Bob Whynott

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Rockin That T-shirt Like A Boss!
Nobody Pulls Off The My Name In Bold Letters On The Front Of My T-shirt Look Like Bob Whynott, NOBODY!!!!

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Burnham’s Field groundbreaking this Saturday

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Joey, 

GoodMorningGloucester has done a great job covering the improvements to Burnham’s Field over the last four years so just wanted to share this news below — the official groundbreaking of the Burnham’s Field renovation project! It’s a good day for open space in the heart of Gloucester.

Thanks for all you do,

John McElhenny  

Burnham’s Field groundbreaking this Saturday

After four years of planning and community meetings, the renovation of Burnham’s Field, the largest open space and playground in central Gloucester, is set to begin with an official groundbreaking this Saturday, May 3, at 10 a.m.

Mayor Carolyn Kirk, City Councilor Melissa Cox and the Friends of Burnham’s Field invite friends, neighbors and anyone who cares about Burnham’s Field to attend the groundbreaking. All are welcome and invited.

The renovation is the first major upgrade to Burnham’s Field in more than 30 years. The renovation will include new playground equipment, swings, walking loop, lighting, fences, resurfaced basketball courts, a spray fountain for kids, trees and new bathroom.

Burnham’s Field is located on Pleasant Street across from St. Ann’s Church. Plans call for the work to be completed in time for the opening of the West Parish School at the former St. Ann’s School in late August so the kids will have a newly renovated Burnham’s Field to play on. For more information, contact John McElhenny at jmcelhenny@gmail.com

Fun Video of Mega-Crowds Gathered to See First Sighting Ever Recorded of an AMERICAN ROBIN in the NETHERLANDS!!!

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

An American Robin (Tudus migratorius), or a Roodborstlijster, as it is called in Dutch, was first spotted on sand dunes before moving inland. I love the video of the crowd of birders waiting to catch a glimpse. It reminds me of the backshore, times ten, whenever a rare bird is seen on our shores!

Both videos were originally posted on Dear Kitty. Some Blog: American Robin in the Netherlands. Dear Kitty often reblogs my posts, sending new readers to GMG. Thank you Dear Kitty!

I feel a little sad for the lonesome fella and can only hope another was carried off course, too.

See recent GMG posts about the American Robin:

Birds of Cape Ann: The American Robin and Bird Food!

I Love Sumac

Worms!

Who Remembers Virginia Il?

Posted on by God's Morning

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I came across these old Polaroid snapshots that my mother took of her friend Kay during a trip to Gloucester in August 1983 aboard the Virginial.  I was surprised to see a big ferry boat like that tied up behind the Studio.  Who remembers this, and when did it stop coming and why?  Wouldn’t it be great if they resumed ferry service from Boston to Gloucester.  It would help alleviate vehicular traffic and we have the transportation infrastructure in place with Lady Jillian, the Trolley and CATA to allow visitors to move around and take advantage of much that Gloucester has to offer.

E.J. Lefavour

Have You Howled Yet? Wolf Hollow!

Posted on by Nichole S.

GMG phenom, Paul Morrison, has told you to get yourselves down to Wolf Hollow before…but in case you didn’t listen, it bears repeating.  I, like many of you, had driven by the relatively small and unassuming house that doubles as Wolf Hollow in Ipswich so many times without ever even considering stopping in.  Shame on me.  As is typical of my life now, it took my boys all of a sudden being super interested in wolves and coyotes for me to think, “Hey…we should go there!”   So, back in October we stopped in and my boys were immediately in love.  So much so that we got them the Junior Membership for Christmas and “adopted” two of their favorite wolves.  They were so excited to get their membership cards, stickers, and beautiful photos of Argus and Bear Christmas morning.  And….couldn’t wait to get back for their next visit!

If you ask me, it is a perfect example of a Sunday (or Saturday) afternoon trifecta!  1.  Get outside  2.  Learn something  3.  See some beautiful animals up close… and the bonus #4.  Some quality time with your children during which they get the opportunity to learn about conservation and the balance of nature.  NO brainer!!!

The “dock talk” as my older son called it (even though we were no where near a dock) is just the right length.  Not too short and not too long.  The staff member who taught us about the wolves easily engaged a crowd of 30 or so people who ranged in age from 3-83 years and allowed for a long session of questions when she was done.

Kudos to Wolf Hollow for devoting themselves to these gorgeous animals and making a difference while doing what they’re passionate about!  I, as a mom and a teacher, am so thankful for the plethora of places (such as this one) where my boys can learn and be inspired.  Selfishly, I also had a great time photographing them in all their majesty.

Wolf Hollow

 

 

What’s Your Favorite SANPELLEGRINO Flavor?

Posted on by Sista Felicia

Print

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Our family has been drinking SANPELLEGRINO sparkling fruit beverages for years.  SANPELLEGRINO was one of the many imported Italian specialty products sold at my grandfather’s Italian verity store “Pat’s Center Grocery” on Washington Street here in Gloucester Ma., when I was a child. Growing up, everyone in the family was spoiled with the endless supply of Sicilian imported carbonated lemon and orange sparkling fruit waters, sold at ” Pat’s Center Grocery.”  I think our families younger generation shares this same passionate likeness to our family favorite beverage SANPELLEGRINO, because it literally now runs in our blood after the amounts we consumed over the years in my grandfathers’ store. 

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SANPELLEGRINO has expanded their flavors’ to six including the original Lemon and Orange.   Today Lemon, Orange, Grapefruit, Clementine, Pomegranate & Orange, and Blood Orange verities, are manufactured in the United States, and sold in almost all major grocery and retail stores. 

Look what’s on sale this week at Stop & Shop!

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Yesterday while shopping at Stop & Shop, I noticed a display advertising a 10/$10 sale on SANPELLEGRINO, and decided to surprise my kids with their favorite “Orange” along with a few other flavors including Pomegranate & Orange, a flavor I had never tasted until yesterday…OMG  it was delicious!

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 Pomegranate & Orange is definitely my new favorite SANPELLEGRINO flavor!

 

 

Gloucester Marine Railways Spring Cleanup From Mary Barker

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Hi Joey,,

This past week at Gloucester Marine Railway the yard was busy with people getting their vessels ready for warmer weather.

The Full Moon is in dry dock having some maintenance before a Coast Guard inspection.   She is being sold.

The new mast was being readied for the Sloop Wndwawrd.

Farmaa (James Brosnahan) had his boathouse taken out of the water for the first time since her  1998 launch.   Doug Parsons was working the lift.

the Yankee’s !st mate Jan Kelly and Captain Steve Waewin were preparing for the upcoming tuna season for the charter boat Yankee.

And the newly covered Adventure was having her decks caulked.r

Mary Barker

Tuesday April 29th , 2014 Cape Ann Weather …

Posted on by Peter J Lovasco

Marine Forecast…
Small Craft Advisory…

NE winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts up to 30 kt. Seas 6 to 9 ft.
Tue Night E winds 10 to 15 kt. Gusts up to 20 kt in the evening. Seas 7 to 9 ft.

Tuesday Forecast :
Video Cast ……

Hourly Forecast…

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Mid – Week Outlook !

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Thanks for viewing … 🙂

Community Stuff 4/29/14

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Eileen Oliver  Newburyport Art Association Award

These were the lovely comments given on Sunday, April 27th for my painting, “The Schooners”, winner of the Mary Alice Arakelian Memorial Award for work in Oil (Best Oil Painting In Show) at the opening reception for the Newburyport Art Association 17th Annual Regional Juried Art Show . It will be there on display from now until June 2nd.

“The precise control of the brushwork coupled with the strong compositional placement of the sailboats, as well as the deft use of colors both in the water and sky, result in a very accomplished and satisfying painting. Congratulations.” – Bruce Brown, Juror. Curator Emeritus, Center for Maine Contemporary Art, Rockport, Maine. 

Eileen Patten Oliver

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ssex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum Presents:

A Panel Discussion led by the Essex Writing Group: Topics in Essex History: Some Essex History,

Sunday, May 4, 2014, 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm at the Essex Shipbuilding Museum’s Waterline Center, 66 Main Street, Essex, MA 01929

Admission is free

Please join us on Sunday, May 4 from 3 – 4:30 p. m. in the Waterline Center at the Shipbuilding Museum.   We will learn about growing up in a clammer’s family during the depression and Revolutionary War veterans from Chebacco (now Essex).  Other topics will be about some very interesting people of Essex.  Carrie Andrews was a gifted singer who died tragically at a young age.  Annie Gosbee was a professional baseball player in a league of her own.  Rev. John Cleveland was a minister and a prominent patriot.
The Essex Writing Group provides an opportunity for those with an interest in Essex history to discuss, research, and prepare a permanent record of their work.  It is led by Karin Gertsch and Kurt Wilhelm, who have published books about Essex and Cape Ann.  Participation in the group is open to all.  This is the first presentation of a continuing program of their activities.
Light refreshments will be served.

Email:  info@essexshipbuildingmusem.org or leave a message with Kurt Wilhelm at 978-768-7342. 

INDEPENDENT PERSONAL STYLIST CAROLINE CARLSON TALKS J.HILBURN MEN’S CLOTHIER

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Hellooooo Brilliant Gift Idea!  Personalized Completely Custom, Tailored Shirts With In Home Fitting and Consultation For Less Than Half The Price Of Boston Tailored Clothier Menswear.

There’s nothing worse than buying a dress shirt and there being a ton of excess material hanging out at the waist if you have an athletic build or if your neck is so thick that you can’t button your shirt to wear a tie.  That’s why having one or two tailored shirts make sense.

For More Info- http://www.carolinecarlson.jhilburn.com

 

 

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Top Ten Tips for Attracting and Supporting Native Bees

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Bees, butterflies, and songbirds bring a garden to life, with their grace in movement and ephemeral beauty.   Bee and Monarch Butterfly ©Kim Smith 2012Many of the plants that are the most highly attractive to butterflies are also the most appealing to bees, too!

Bees are also a “keystone organism,” which means they are critical to maintaining the sustainability and productivity of many types of ecosystems. Without bees, most flowering plants would become extinct, and fruit and seed eating birds and mammals (such as ourselves) would have a much less healthy and varied diet.

Native bees come in an array of beautiful colors, size, and shapes. Some are as small as one eighth of an inch and others as large as one inch. They may wear striped suits of orange, red, yellow, or white, or shimmer in coats of metallic iridescene. Their names often reflect the way in which they build their nests, for example, carpenter bees, leafcutter bees, mason bees, plasterer bees, digger bees, and wool carder bees.

Approximately 4,000 species of native bees have been identified north of Mexico. They are extremely efficient pollinators of tomatoes, apples, berries, pumpkins, watermelons, and many other crops.

Native Bee Pollinating Apricot Tree ©Kim Smith 2009Native Carpenter Bee and Apricot Tree

Listed below are what I have found to be the most successful tips for supporting and attracting native bees to your garden.

1). Choose plants native to North America. Over millennia, native bees have adapted to native plants. If planting a non-native plant, do not plant invasive aliens, only well-behaved ornamentals.

2). Choose non-chemical solutions to insect problems, in other words, do not use herbicides or pesticides.

3).  Choose plants that have a variety of different flowers shapes to attract a variety of bees, both long-tongued and short-tongued bees.

4). Avoid “fancy” plants, the hybrids that have been deveolped with multiple double frilly layers. This only confuses bees when they are looking for nectar and gathering pollen.

5). Provide a succession of nectar-rich and pollen bearing blooms throughout the growing season. Select plants that flower during the earliest spring, during the summer months, and until the first hard frost.

6.) Plant a clover lawn, or throw some clover seed onto your existing grass lawn to create a mixed effect.

7.) Bee Friendly–bees only sting when provoked. When encountering an angry bee, stay calm and walk away slowly.

8.) Plant lots of blue, purple, and yellow flowers, a bees favorite colors.

9). Provide a source of pesticide-free water and mud in your bee paradise.

The first nine tips are for any garden, large or small. The last is for people with larger land areas.

10).  Establish hedgerows, or clumps of native woody shrubs and trees, and wildflower fields. Contact the USDA NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Services) for available funding opportunities.

Tomorrow I’ll post our top ten native plants for attracting and supporting native bees.

Cornus alternifolia ©Kim Smith 2009One of the most elegant of all native trees is the not-widely planted Cornus alternifolia, or Pagoda Dogwood. Where ever I plant this tree of uncommon grace and beauty it becomes a magnet for all manner of bees and butterflies.

My Black Swallowtail Film at the Lowell Film Festival Tomorrow (Tuesday) Night

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

BST Banner FINALI hope you can come join me for an evening of screenings and Q and A at the 2014 Lowell Film Series. My film Life Story of the Black Swallowtail Butterfly is playing, along with Whales of Gold, a film by Lucia Duncan, about the gray whale migration and how to conserve habitat and species in a way that also sustains the livelihoods of local people.

About the film: Life Story of the Black Swallowtail Butterfly is a 45-minute narrated documentary that takes place in a garden and at the sea’s edge. Every stage of the butterfly’s life cycle is experienced in vibrant close-up, from conception to pupation to metamorphosis. The film is for adults and for children so that all can gain a deeper understanding of the symbiotic relationship between wildflowers and pollinators and the vital role they play in our ecosystem. Filmed in Gloucester, Massachusetts.

The location of the screening is at the Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center, 246 Market Street, Lowell. Click this link to read more about the series.

The 2014 Film Series: Land, Air, and Water is offered in partnership by the Lowell Film Collaborative and the Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust.

Click here to visit the film’s website: Life Story of the Black Swallowtail Butterfly