
GLOUCESTER SMILES – 24062

My View of Life on the Dock

Special theatre classes are offered year round and weekly drop ins are welcome at the Y!
So, what’s happening this month? Cape Ann YMCA Theatre Specialist Heidi Dallin details the current fun schedule of intensive theatre classes for all ages :). Jump in and try one!
Have a question about the theatre classes? Contact Heidi Dallin (P) 978-283-0470 (E) dallinh@northshoreymca.org | www.northshoreymca.org
Do you have a Pre teen or Teen interested in developing their skills as an actor? Does your actor have an audition coming up? Scene Study & Acting Techniques, intensive workshops for young actors age 9-16 taught by professional actress & Gloucester native Heidi Dallin, at the Cape Ann YMCA. Students will explore both classical and contemporary theatrical scenes and monologues to learn more about given circumstances, script analysis, character development and vocal interpretation as well as practice listening and responding in character, and learning new acting techniques. Scene Study teaches young actors how to craft the arc of the scene, and it gives them the opportunity to practice creating different characters. Scene Study and Acting Techniques at the Cape Ann Y is designed to provide young people an outlet to discover their creative potential through building self confidence, and developing communication and teamwork skills to use in their daily life as well as introducing them to the skills necessary for professional theatre. Classes are on Tuesdays from 4pm to 6pm at the Cape Ann YMCA. Sign up here: Scene Study Class
The Power of Improvisation, an all ages class for ages 7-16 where young actors can learn the basics of improv through fun and engaging games, with an emphasis on team building, listening & thinking on your feet taught by professional actress & Gloucester native, Heidi Dallin, at the Cape Ann YMCA. Through improv, young actors learn every day tools for life: risk-taking, quick thinking, support, trust, confidence, teamwork, and acceptance. Actors will learn and perfect the 4 C’s of improv: creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and communication Improv training helps young actors to learn how to think faster, to be a confident public speaker, to think more creatively, to perform better in auditions, and most importantly to have FUN on stage! The Power of Improv at the Cape Ann Y is designed to provide young people an outlet to discover their creative potential through building self confidence, and developing communication and teamwork skills to use in their daily life as well as introducing them to the skills necessary for professional theatre. Classes are Fridays: from 4pm to 6pm at the Cape Ann YMCA. Sign up here: PowerofImprov
AND For Our Younger Actors A two week Theatre Intensive
Do you have a young actor at home? Are you a young actor looking to hone your skills as an artist? Are you interested to learn about being on the stage? Explore Acting!, an introduction to the basics of professional acting for ages 5 to 8 years old taught by professional actress & Gloucester native Heidi Dallin, at the Cape Ann YMCA. The intensive class is a great way for young actors of all levels of experience to develop their skills on stage and build their confidence. The class will introduce young actors to basic theatre concepts such as ensemble, pantomime and creating bold memorable characters. Young actors will develop stage presence, listening skills, sensory awareness, and focus through theatre games, public speaking, and storytelling and learn about acting techniques and making choices onstage. Explore Acting! at the Cape Ann Y is designed to provide young people an outlet to discover their creative potential through building self confidence, and developing communication and teamwork skills to use in their daily life as well as introducing them to the skills necessary for professional theatre. Classes are Mondays: from 4pm to 6pm at the Cape Ann YMCA.
The spectacular Holiday Delights pre production and auditions are coming soon.
YMCA Actors on the stage. summer camp. Photo Credit: Photos by Sassy Square



We haven’t been out to dinner too much recently for a variety of reasons. As you well know, that’s not because there’s a lack of options in our area! We are so blessed with so many fine choices for eating out no matter your mood. We returned to Magnolia 525 on Lexington Ave for Saturday dinner a few days ago. It’s like “coming home” when you go to 525. Friends and neighbors greet each other, the staff is welcoming and the food delicious. It’s very comfortable and the food variety hits the spot. Alex was our server and he did a great job getting us our orders and answering questions in a prompt and friendly manner. The owner stopped by to chat. The other staff greeted us as well. I had the prime rib and Jim ordered the seafood marinara. Of course, the carrot cake (Jim’s favorite) for dessert while I had Spanish coffee. It was another lovely, relaxed evening with yummy food and friendly service. Thanks 525!





Join the Sawyer Free Library this Thursday, September 19 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the North Shore Arts Association (11 Pirates Lane, Gloucester) for an evening filled with creativity and connection—all in support of the Sawyer Free Library 2025 Capital Campaign.
Take a Sneak Peek HERE at some of the stunning artwork up for grabs in our silent and live auctions from artists such as Jeff Weaver, John Terelak, Robert Gruppé, Coco Berkman, Charles Movalli, Jon Sarkin, and many more. Every bid brings us closer to restoring, expanding, and modernizing Gloucester’s beloved historic library.
The excitement begins at 7:15 p.m. when Walt Kolenda from Cape Ann Auction kicks off the live auction. Be sure to place your bids early—our silent auction closes promptly at 7:00 p.m..
Enjoy light refreshments, snacks, and live music while mingling with fellow art lovers and community members.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the art world, the 2025 Sawyer Free Library Benefit Art Auction promises to be a thrilling event. It’s a chance to enjoy a fun evening, connect with friends, and take home an original piece of art, all while supporting the future of the Sawyer Free Library. We hope to see everyone there for this exciting and meaningful and free community event!
Register HERE to let us know you are coming to the auction or for more information, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5500


Details, Details…


Join Jacqueline Ganim-DeFalco at Gallery Number One in Rockport for the first two “Friends and Family Friday” nights to celebrate FALL on Cape Ann during Essex Country National Heritage #SailsandTrails! The Gallery will hold extended evening hours from 5-8PM with beverages, appetizers, and added work from Cape Ann Designs authentic sea glass jewelry and hair accessories. Enjoy paintings & prints from Deb Schradieck and Audi Souza along with pottery and glass. Special promotions will be offered each week to give you a head start on your seasonal shopping.
Events from September 20 – September 27 (capeanndesigns.com)


The sandbar that extends out from Wingaersheek Beach into Ipswich Bay is pretty phenomenal. It has been years since I have walked on it, but it always surprises me just how far it extends into the bay as I go by on boats. It also serves as a great example of why boaters need to know how to navigate properly as running aground there could be quite easy. Likewise, for beachgoers, knowing when the tide is rising and when to head back to dry sand is important too. Monday morning public service announcement.

When the afternoon light filters through the trees and arches at Hammond Castle on Hesperus Ave, you are transported back in time. You really can’t help it. I took a little stroll around the grounds recently and it is a treat for the eyes. Visitors can purchase tickets for access to the inside and for the tours but the grounds are open for strolling as well during business hours with some restrictions you can find at this link. It’s always beautiful there and it’s in our very own backyard!







Part of our series discussing real world experiences with hybrid and EV vehicles provided by Lyon Waugh Auto Group.
BMW of Peabody
221 Andover St, Peabody, MA 01960


Gloucester Ma Wave Logo Cap
White cap with PVC patch. Free shipping. Include shipping info in order.
$30.00
In spite of this being a slight misquotation from the 1942 classic film Casablanca, it is applicable to some of the repetetive routines around here.













Carol Deserves At Lot Of Great Recognition For The Work She Does

