15+ Things to do on a RAINY DAY & a classic video

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

Visiting Gloucester?  Have friends in from out of town?  You’re probably complaining to yourself that the weather isn’t cooperating, right?  Not to worry!  There’s lots to do in Gloucester and Cape Ann when the weather is lousy.  Just be glad you’re not on Cape Cod, where there really isn’t much to do except go to the beach.

Just to see what he’d say I asked a friend, who grew up in Gloucester and now lives in NYC (owns a bar and writes for a New York Time Blog) why would New Yorkers come here instead of Cape Cod.  Here’s the mini rant he wrote back:

Gloucester is a place for culture now, just like it was in the 1800s and 1900s. Contemporary culture is actually at its best here, maybe more so than any Mass city other than Boston and Cambridge.  Where else can you buy fresh caught fish, see a great play, hear Henri Smith play a bar or watch the Met opera in 3D, attend a reading by a national author, eat lobster in the rough or a 3-star style meal, hike, jump quarries, dive off rocks into the ocean (there are no rocks on Cape Cod), mountain bike, drink a $2 beer in barroom full of fisherman, see the most beautiful boats in the world, go to a world class museum, etc etc. 

You nailed it Ray!  Below the video, we’ve listed another 15 things you can do on a rainy day.  Just be glad you don’t live in England, where you wouldn’t expect the sun.  As John Lennon put it in the Beatles classic, “I Am the Walrus”:

Sitting in an English garden waiting for the sun.
If the sun don’t come, you get a tan
From standing in the English rain.

SEE 15 RAINY DAY IDEAS BELOW VIDEO:

Glazed – Paint Your Own Pottery & Glass Fusing
184 Washington St
Gloucester MA 01930
Phone    978-283-5751

Cape Ann Lanes
53 Gloucester Avenue
Gloucester, MA 01930-2256
(978) 283-9753

Cape Ann Art Haven
 180B Main Street
Gloucester, MA 01930
978-283-3888

Gloucester Cinema
74 Essex Avenue (Rte. 133)
Gloucester, MA 01930
(978) 283-9188

Cape Ann Museum
27 Pleasant Street
Gloucester, MA

Maritime Gloucester
23 Harbor Loop
Gloucester, MA 01930
978-281-0470

Beauport, Sleeper-McCann House
75 Eastern Point Boulevard
Gloucester, Mass. 01930
Tours on the hour. Last tour at 4:00 p.m.

Cape Ann Foodie Tours
617-902-8291

Cape Pond Ice – Ice House Tour
104 Commercial Street
Fort Point Wharf
Gloucester, MA
978-283-0174

Ryan & Wood Distilleries
15 Great Republic Drive
Gloucester, MA
978-281-2282

Sargent House Museum
49 Middle Street
Gloucester, MA 01930
(978) 281-2432

Rocky Neck Art Colony
Rocky Neck
Gloucester, MA

Cape Ann Community Cinema
21 Main Street
Gloucester, MA 01930
978-309-8448

Shop Locally!

Live Music – At over a dozen locations

SATURDAY at the Rockport Farmers Market!

Posted on by S.D. Kelly

BN7kmniCIAEz3hAExciting times coming up this Saturday! We have the Cape Ann Waldorf School joining us to offer a fun, food-related activity for kids. And we also have Alek Razdan, who is just an amazing musician, playing a set or two for market-goers. Wally’s Blackburn Bistro will be on hand with coffee to jump start your morning (or afternoon), and Sea Biscuit Bakery is back with their amazing bread and granola. And those are just a few of the amazingly delicious items on offer this week! Don’t forget to pick up fresh produce from Mike of First Light Farms. He manages to bring beautiful produce week after week, no matter the growing conditions. We’re so happy that Mike, along with our other hard-working vendor — all of whom offer delicious, high quality items — are a part of the Rockport Farmers Market!

p.s. After selling out the first week they went on sale, reusable Rockport Farmers Market totes are back! Pick up yours this weekend at the market and fill it with good things to eat…


 Vendors

Seaview Farm

Prides Osteria

Sullivan’s Sugarhouse

Ma’s Tomato Marmalade

First Light Farms

Home Grower’s Wheelbarrow

Rockport Festivals Market booth

Batter Up Bakery

Sea Biscuit Bakery

Wally’s Blackburn Bistro

 

Musician

Alek Razdan

 

Children’s Activity

Cape Ann Waldorf School

August Theatre Camp for Kids at the YMCA

Posted on by Matthew Green

 

If your little ones couldn’t make it to the July theatre camp, there’s another once coming up!  They’ll have fun and discover their own creativity and talent for theater!august ymca kids theatre– Matthew Green

 

Sail GHS Summer Sailing Clinics

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Hi Joey,

I’m sure you have seen the kids on the Sail GHS Team out in the harbor having a great time racing in all weather throughout the year.  During the summer months, they are offering Summer Sailing Clinics in their

new, C 420 sailboats and even in their newly acquired Laser!  Level II Sailing Coach, Guy Fiero is at the helm and with assistance from his very, dedicated team of volunteers.  This is the biggest bargain for sailing on Cape Ann at  ONLY $85 per week, Monday through Friday 8 – 11:30am.  Five days a week and still time in the afternoon to hit the beach!  Kids with some sailing experience ages 10 and up are welcome.  Classes meet at Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center and there is no need to pre-register!  Just bring yourself, your friends, and your life jackets if you have them.  Sailors should arrive promptly at 8:00 am as space is limited.  Discounts available. 

All proceeds from this ongoing fundraiser go to Sail GHS, a non-profit organization to help defray operating costs and provide the youth of Cape Ann and beyond with this wonderful sailing opportunity!

Please contact sailghs@yahoo.com or Guy Fiero at 978-290-7894 with any questions.

Thanks so much for sharing!

Becca Campbell

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You’ve been Hearing About It For 2 Years- Sista Felicia’s Cookbook Kickstarter is Finally Live!!!!!!

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Click here to check it out and reserve yours

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Check out the video and reserve your copy today!!!

A unique & colorful cookbook that will bring to life lost recipes & traditions from my Sicilian kitchen to yours. My Gifts of Gold!

Funds raised through Kickstarter will allow me to realize the first step in my dream of publishing a series of four cookbooks that includes recipes and stories I learned growing up in a Sicilian family. When I became a mother of twins, I was compelled to collect the stories and the recipes I felt were being left behind because I wanted my children to be raised with all the same traditions and rich cultural heritage I had experienced.

What started out as a gift for my children quickly evolved into a hardcover 250 plus page restoration of Sicilian culture and foods. Through my cooking videos onGoodMorningGloucester.org and Media Program Network (MPN), a demand has developed for a text copy version of all my recipes so they may be shared with others within my community and beyond.

My first book is ready for print; it is written, is loaded with photographs, and awaits funding. Monies raised will pay for current  expenses related to editing, book design and layout, photography, and publication.

With your help, Kickstarter will enable me to bring my passion for all things Sicilian to your kitchen to share with your loved ones. This book embodies my commitment to ensure the past is not lost but is forever saved for future generations.

Last Call To Order Super Crazy Soft Ladies Feminine Cut T’s For The First Shipment

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

I’m taking requests for different colors email me here with your combination (Marty Morgan I know you want the scoop neck Dark gray but I forgot the size so shoot me an email)-Request your color/style/size example: navy/scoop neck/large

When I called the rep I asked her to tell me what the top three premium women t-shirts are for softness and quality.  So I ordered a bunch up and we narrowed it down to one brand and two different styles from that brand v neck and scoop neck.

The regular GMG email is messed up so use the contact form to make a request and I’ll place the order for your request for any sizes/colors/styles that aren’t listed as in stock from the ordering page.  

Click here to use the GMG Store contact form- http://gmg.storenvy.com/contact

The three color GMG logo will be on the left chest, small and classy.

Here’s the very limited inventory I got just to try out sizes and quality-

V-Neck Super Crazy Soft and Lightweight

Sista Felicia and Amandacakes model our product samples (yet to be emblazoned with GMG Logo)

DSC09923

Features:

  • pre-shrunk 100% combed cotton jersey
  • 3.7-oz.
  • 36 singles for extreme softness
  • 1×1 baby rib-knit set-in collar
  • satin label

Black Med 1, Lg 1

Dark Gray Med 1, Lg 1, XL 1

Indigo Med 1 Lg 1 Lg

Light Pink Med 1

Scoop Neck Super Crazy Soft and Lightweight

Alicia DeWolfe models the Scoop Neck version

DSC09922

Features:

  • pre-shrunk 100% combed cotton jersey
  • 3.7-oz.
  • 36 singles for extreme softness
  • front cover-stitched 1×1 baby rib-knit set-in collar
  • satin label

Black Lg 1,XL 1

Navy Med 1, Lg 1, XL 1

Check to see if your preferred size/color/style combination is already in stock on the ordering page here- http://gmg.storenvy.com/

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Community Stuff 7/26/13

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Vintage Fashion of Cape Ann Exhibit

In Style: Two Centuries of Cape Ann Fashion” , vintage clothes from the collection of the Sandy Bay Historical Society, will be on exhibit at the Rockport Community House, Broadway, Friday August 16 through Sunday, August 18, from 10 to 4 p.m. The five dollar donation includes admission to the Sandy Bay Historical Society, 40 King St., Rockport and the Old Castle in Pigeon Cove.

Items range from a men’s beaded wedding vest from 1784 to a 1970s Indian caftan. The dresses include the wedding dresses treasured by Cape Ann women and their everyday sunbonnets

SUBMITTED BY SARAH CLARK, DIRECTOR OF COLLECTIONS, SANDY BAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
email: revsarahclark@hotmail.com

Fundamentals New Moon Reunion Party
Tuesday, August 6th  7:30pm at the Dogbar, Main Street, Gloucester. Join us for a new moon celebration featuring the soulful vocals of Greg Coles, and the original members of the Fundamentals:  Ira Levine, Lon Mackey, Tucker Lindquist, Will Hunt and John Buckner, and friends.  Be prepared to dance and party.
Hi Joey, I hope this notice can get in for the next couple weeks. Thanks, Tucker Lindquist

History Alive! presents
Goodnight, Captain White
Salem’s hysterical history-mystery 

Written by Mark Stevick
Directed by Jill Miriam Rogati

at The Griffen Theatre, 7 Lynde Street, Salem, MA

July 26th-28th and August 2nd-4th

7:30 Fridays and Saturdays, 5:00 Sundays

Tickets: $23 general admission, $20 seniors

Ticket prices include bonbons and bubbly

poster for theatremania2

DESCRIPTION:

It’s 1830. "All friends and well wishers are invited to attend" the retirement party of Captain Joseph White’s favorite ship, the Caroline.  But this magnanimous invitation lures a host of enemies and ill-wishers into the perfect opportunity to murder the rich, old captain.  Allegiances twist and turn. Foibles are exposed, depravities revealed. It’s up to the audience and an under cover Daniel Webster to figure out who-dunnit and how. The creators of Cry Innocent give Salem a crime to laugh about.

"A hysterical interactive whodunnit"–Salem News

"Dashedly clever"–Georgetown Record

"quick-witted, playful"–Weekender

"A zany who-done-it. It captivates you. Four stars!"–The Eagle Tribune

Hi Joey, I wonder if you could post this event on your blog…
and wish the rain away while you’re at it!

byjeseipswichdays

Olde Ipswich Days
43rd Annual Art & Craft Fair • July 26-28, 2013 • Ipswich, MA 10-5 daily

On the Historic South Green, corner Rt 1A and 133, free entrance, free parking, awesome artists. I’ll be there with a huge sale on my linen clothing, ByJESE

Here’s a link to the event
http://oldeipswichdays.wordpress.com

Lost Dog

Hi Joey  wondering if you could post this for me.  I found a dog today running down Bass Ave in traffic.  The dogs name is Quizno.  I called the # on the tag a few times but got no answer I’m hoping they are not like me and don’t use their home phone. The dog is small seems to be maybe a miniature schnauzer. I had to go to work so the dog is at my house alone. I can be reached at 978-290-1228. Thanks. Kellie

“Spirit of Gloucester Cocktail Contests” Crowns Champion Mixologist- Felicia Grossi Of Alchemy Bistro

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Champion mixologist, Felicia Grossi Of Alchemy Bistro, was announced today at Ryan & Wood Distillery as the winner of the first “Spirit of Gloucester Cocktail Contests” with her drink “Simpler Tides”. The contest is being held at each of the 3 Downtown Gloucester Block Parties of 2013 and Block Party Organizers designed it to increase the synergy and camaraderie between the Sponsoring Supporter Ryan and Wood Distillery, local restaurants and the block party participants.

For More information about Gloucester’s Ryan and Wood Distillery Check Out Their Very Informative Website Here http://www.ryanandwood.com/

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Gloucester mixologists in the block party were challenged to create a winning cocktail using Ryan & Wood’s Folly Cove™ Rum and these restaurants rose to the challenge: Short & Main, Dogbar, Giuseppes, Ohana, Topside Grill, Alchemy and Lat43.

Ryan & Wood is a local distillery based in Blackburn Industrial Park whose owners Bob and Kathy Ryan are natives of Gloucester. The Ryans branded the name of each of the participating 7 restaurants on an oak cask which they placed side by side at their Block Party table on Main Street. Partygoers were encouraged to go and try a sample of the different drinks at each restaurant, which were also offered on the menus in a full-size for purchase. They then voted for their favorite concoction by placing a wooden nickel, distributed to the restaurants by the sponsor, in that restaurant’s cask.

Over 400 people voted in the spirited contest, which is an astonishing 20%, assuming even that 2000 people attended the first block party.

The contest was feverish and the vote was close. Grossi’s success was said to be due to her careful research of the rum, and a team effort in which Owner and Serenitee Executive Chef Jeff Calas suggested his favorite drink “Pain Killer” as the inspiration; Restaurant General Manager Danny came up with the drink name and Alchemy Executive Chef Scott Jensen added the final “Midas Touch” with his special, traditional Italian meringue which Grossi torched into a brulee before garnishing it with a fresh-cut flower.

Bob Ryan expressed his gratitude and amazement when he said “This was about Gloucester for Gloucester and everybody contributed. I had not realized how much the staff of each restaurant would have to do to get the thing going. I had friends tell me that they went into restaurants they had never been in, to try the cocktails, so I do think these great efforts were rewarded.”

Gloucester Downtown Block Party Committee Head Valerie Marcley commented “This contest fits into our block party criteria for any sponsor or event: It has to be free, fun and adds to the party. Stay tuned for the GDBP August 17th contest, featuring Ryan and Wood’s Beauport Gin™.”

The Demolition of a Rockport Landmark

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Fred Bodin Submits-

This iconic smokestack is being slowly taken down, in anticipation of a
housing development planned for the site. It’s scary to see how high up these workers are as they attack the masonry. The "Tool" closed in 1987 after almost a century of manufacturing drop-forged metal tools. Sailors will miss the navigational marker, but now we have GPS and cell phones. The black ring marked the very top of the tower. In the foreground is Pigeon Cove Harbor.

These workers have been working hard with powerful and noisy equipment, and this is how far they got. Implosion is not an option because of nearby homes, boats, cars, and its proximity to Route 127, the major and only road that circumnavigates this island of Cape Ann.

I’ll report on this project as things change, including the mandated public access to the shoreline and water.

Fred

Catching Memories

Posted on by Marty Luster

P1060368_edited-1

When I was about this young boy’s age I regularly went fishing with my father in the Rondout Creek in Ulster County N.Y. where he was raised.  During those outings we spoke little, but communicated a great deal. He taught me patience and the practice of meditation as it applied to repeated casts into the mesmerizing swirls, pools and eddies of the creek. He taught me that subtlety and finesse caught more fish than brute force and that the joy was in the journey, not the destination.

I never became a great fisherman, but the memories I caught on those excursions – hiking through the woods to the creek, baiting up, watching how Dad expertly cast his line and landed his fish, and walking home quietly through the fields as the setting summer sun cast a magical glow  – these prizes I caught, and they are displayed forever on the mantel of my heart.

Cape Ann Views and North Shore Gardens by Audi Souza

Posted on by God's Morning

announcement_audi souza final

There will be an exciting exhibit of Audi Souza’s acrylic paintings at Khan Studio, 77 Rocky Neck Ave., Gallery 3 from July 27 – August 9 with an Opening Reception on Saturday, August 3 from 6-8:00pm.  Come over to Audi’s opening before steppin’ out to the Beaux Arts Ball.

E.J. Lefavour

www.khanstudiointernational.com

News from Downtown Workplan

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Catherine Ryan Submits

News from Downtown Workplan

Hi Joey,

There has been a lot of interest in the Downtown Work Plan. There were 90+ people on site at City Hall for the City’s presentation with Utile, and good discussion. Cape Ann TV was filming. Ahead of time, individuals and organizations sent in a range of comments and concerns via email or testimonials. For example here was one (and a repeat one at that) muni wifi rant plea from Joey:

https://goodmorninggloucester.wordpress.com/2013/07/10/can-someone-explain-to-me-in-this-day-and-age-why-my-cell-phone-doesnt-have-service-in-the-heart-of-main-street-gloucester/

And have a read through the excellent detailed memo from the Downtown Development Commission.

No doubt the robust feedback was helped immeasurably by local media announcements. Thank you, GMG!

So, please come to the next meetings, and/or send along questions or comments to Tom  TDaniel@gloucester-ma.gov

Tom Daniel, Community Development Director, writes:

“As promised, we have posted the presentation to the City’s website. You may find it link to the presentation here: http://www.gloucester-ma.gov/index.aspx?NID=760&ART=2142&ADMIN=1. It is a large file and may take a couple of minutes to load. We will post future presentations to the website as well.”

Here are the dates for the next two public meetings to be held in the Kyrouz Auditorium of City Hall, from 6-8pm:

– Tuesday, August 20

– Tuesday, September 17

For More info:

http://www.gloucestertimes.com/local/x218352785/Downtowns-destiny

https://goodmorninggloucester.wordpress.com/2013/07/03/help-draft-the-next-chapter-of-downtowns-story/



DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

c/o City Clerk’s Office, 9 Dale Avenue, Gloucester, MA   01930

gloucesterinfo@gmail.com

July 9, 2013

Mr. Drew Kane, AICP
50 Summer Street
Boston, MA   02110

Dear Drew:

Last evening, the Downtown Development Commission discussed what it would like to see changed, added to or modified in the downtown in anticipation of the upcoming visioning meetings.  I encouraged all members to attend but we also felt that we wanted to send you something in writing listing our thoughts.

The following are the items brought up by the Commission:

Parking Garage  Many meetings were held about this idea a number of years ago.  The idea was to build a deck on top of the current parking lot by the police station.  DPW Director Mike Hale was involved in discussions and probably still has this information.

Development of I4C2  It is the hope of the DDC that this can be developed in some way that would benefit downtown and not just be kept as a parking lot.

Empire Building  The continued blight of this building is a concern.

Police Station/Central Fire/YMCA  Members hoped that there would soon be a plan for the fate of these buildings.

Police Station Steps  The terrible condition of these steps roped off with police tape is not an attractive picture.  The DDC wondered if there was a short-term solution since any garage or selling of the police station would be long term.

Ornamental Lights/Brick Sidewalks  The only sections of Main Street without this streetscape are the middle sections, which were last renovated in the 1970’s.  Members would like to see this area tied into the look of the East End and West End.

Trees  The trees on Main Street have probably never been pruned.  Many hold both decorative old lights that no longer work and some have an abbreviated version of new lights.  We feel that there should be some work done on these trees.

West End Ornamental Lights  These lights were installed many years ago and the DDC thinks they have never been cleaned.  This is one of the reasons they appear to be so dark.  The DDC would like to see them cleaned and repainted, if necessary.

Benches  There are now a variety of styles of benches downtown.  We would like to work towards the replacement of the benches, many of which are wood and splintered, to have one consistent look.

Trash Barrels  The DDC bought a number of black trash barrels for downtown and they are showing their age.  We would like to re-examine the type of barrels and work on eventually replacing them.  Apparently a couple of them were done in by snowplows this past winter.

Preserve America Signs  The Commission would like to continue this signage program.  We also think there needs to be some type of protocol in place when one is damaged or disappears as has happened.

Gilham & Gander Study  The DDC would like this study reintroduced as it had many worthwhile aspects.

Stacy Boulevard  The conditions of the railings are in terrible shape and are to the point of being dangerous.  Hundreds of people walk this area daily.  We understand that this would be a long term and expensive project but it needs to be stated.  Having new grass and a working sprinkler system on the Boulevard is a step in the right direction as it is a gateway into Gloucester for so many.   

Drew, hope these are helpful.  Looking forward to seeing you Wednesday night.

Sincerely,

Suzanne Silveira
Chair
DDC

cc:  Tom Daniel

North Shore Art Association and Smith’s Cove

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Smith's Cove Gloiucester ©Kim Smith 2013

Snapping photos of the Cove on a morning walk and turned to leave to find the sun rising over the North Shore Art Association. Love my hood!

Noth Shore Art Association -1 ©Kim Smith 2013.

Here’s your chance to be in a live studio TV audience without even crossing the bridge

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

Next Monday 7/29, we’re filming two Local Music Seen with Allen Estes shows for Cape Ann TV at their studio at 38 Blackburn Center (see map).  Filming will begin around 2:30pm.  Allen’s guests will be Joe Thomas & Memory Lane of Giuseppe’s, who hosted the very popular Noise Magazine Singer Songwriter Shuffle.  There will be a break after filming Joe & Memory and then we’ll begin filming a show with very talented, young singer/songwriter Alexandra Valenti as Allen’s Guest.  Here’s Alexandra at the Singer Songwriter Shuffle.

People are welcome to attend as guests.  If you’d like to attend, please be there by 2:30pm. And please be patient as we have to test sound and lights and often we have to move stuff around and mess with various gadgets to get things just right.

If you’d like to be notified, by email, of all future Local Music Seen with Allen Estes tapings (along with other concert info before the public knows) you can join our gimmeLIVE Concert Club here.

2013 Fiesta Fun Video: Crazy Hat Ladies & Greasy Pole Champs from Lisa Smith

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

Here’s an entertaining video by Cape Ann TV’s Lisa Smith that captures all sorts of 2013 Fiesta fun with profiles of the Hat Ladies and Greasy Pole Champs, plus a special appearance by Gloucester City Councilor Sefatia Romeo Theken .  ENJOY!