Cape Ann Diner follow up

Posted on by Matthew Green

To put my money where my mouth is, I had lunch here yesterday!

Right away I was offered coffee or tea, so I opted for a hot cup of decaf tea.  The soup options for the day (my first stop practically everywhere) were corn chowder and Southwest chili.  They let me try the chili before ordering, and it was very good, but a bit too spicy for me to eat a whole bowl (my stomach is a bit sensitive).

Instead, I ended up getting a Grilled Veggie Wrap on a tomato basil wrap, with potato chips (other options were mashed potatoes and home fries). It was served piping hot!

The waitress was very attentive and friendly. The wrap, chips, and cup of tea, came to $8.29.  On my way out, I was also given a coupon for a free 16oz cup of coffee (their special this month: egg nog coffee!) or a jumbo fresh-baked muffin! Here are some of the muffins:

 

I think I will get one of these muffins with my coupon, maybe on Saturday…

– Fr. Matthew Green

Photos with Santa Paws

Posted on by Alicia Pensarosa

Bring your dog to see Santa at the 9th Annual Santa ‘Paws’ fundraising event to benefit Cape Ann Animal Aid on Sunday, December 2, from 11am to 2pm at Smith’s Ace Hardware and Lumber in Rockport and Saturday, December 8, from 11am to 2pm at Hometown Ace Hardware in Gloucester. For a $10 donation, take home a keepsake photo of your dog(s) with Santa and receive a digital version for e-mail purposes. For more information, visit www.CapeAnnAnimalAid.com or call (978) 283-6055.

Open House at Present Sunday 5-7pm!

Posted on by Sharon
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Please Join Us
Sunday, December 2
from 5-7
for bit of food and drink
as we celebrate
this season of Present.

271 Main St.  Gloucester

If There Is One Family Day I’d Say You Must Circle On Your Calendar In The Month of December It’s The Middle Street Walk

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

SATURDAY December 8th- Lock It Down!!!!

There is just soooo much to do and see all packed into one glorious Gloucester Day.  No matter where you live I’d say it is the Holiday Event of The Season to attend.

Sure there’s the Christmas lights thing at the Stone Zoo and tree lightings and holiday fairs here and there that are worthwhile to attend but there is NO WHERE ANYWHERE THAT HAS THE SHEAR MASSIVE NUMBER OF ORGANIZATIONS ALL HAVING UNIQUE HOLIDAY EVENTS AT THE SAME TIME IN THE SAME AREA AS THE MIDDLE STREET WALK.  BOTTOM LINE- NOT UP FOR DEBATE.

Don’t be a neglectful parent who deprives their child of partaking, circle it on your calendar today.

The Gingerbread House Competition Is Just Getting Huger and Huger Every Year, The Buoy Painting At Art Haven and Lobster Trap Tree Lighting, The Many Musical Holiday Concerts, this year they will be having tours of the City Hall Tower, you would be hard pressed to get through all the events.

Not only that but after you tuck the kids away in bed it’s time to get your naughty on at The GMG XMAS Party At Bodin Historic Photo 6PM-Til All The GMG Elves Fall Down Drunk and We Push “Em Out Onto The Sidewalk.

Listen this is like going to Disney World except instead of paying $160 per person to get in and flights, you walk on up and donate $2 a head and enjoy all there is to enjoy all day long.  For a family of 4 that’s what, a $632 savings just on the tickets alone.

I count 35 Separate Events. 

Here’s the latest for the organizers-

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Community Photos 11/30/12

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

The Pioneer Club did a wonderful job creating wreaths for the church fair on Saturday Dec 1st at Trinity Congregational Church. 9-2 pm. Looking forward to seeing Santa too!

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Ten Pound Island Light photo by Anthony Marks

Ten Pound Island Light

HMS Bounty In Gloucester Mist

C. Mac Images wants to share ~

In the very early light of September 3rd 2012, we piloted our dingy out into Gloucester’s inner harbor.   Our hope was to see the HMS Bounty before she left our waters.   We were in luck.  From a distance her outline was visible.  The Bounty was still tethered to the dock.  She cast a grand silhouette that rose out of safe harbor.   She was stunning with three masts, and her distinctive figurehead of a woman in riding habit.    As we drew near we viewed her crew making ready to leave port.   Crew danced upon the rigging unfurling her square sails one by one.   Her sails were of a warm hue with stains and patches that revealed the miles of wind she had traveled.

On that morning our harbor was serene and the atmosphere was thick with mist.   We were low in our dingy.   Shooting 8" above water line I wiped the soupy Gloucester mist off my lens. Armed with my trusty Nikon and zoom we floated ever closer.   A higher ISO was dialed in so I was able to shoot sharp and fast enough to "still" the waters. . . but long enough to expose the fog.   It was magical out there as ethereal clumps of mist rolled upon the waters surface and bounced along the Bounty’s hull.   She rested there in the pale morning light.   The sleepy sea mixed a ever moving reflective art exhibition ~ a impressionistic watercolor painting composed of her black yellow-stripped hull, her amber sails, and her three gold masts.   The entire ship was draped in Gloucester Harbor Mist.   Then a breath of wind parted the misty veil and the Bounty and the waters she commanded clearly emerged.  All her colors were saturated in dew.  We found ourselves at water line and side-by-side with this vessel. Looking up at her tall masts was dizzying. At a low vantage point one may appreciate the enormity of this 30′ beam and 180′ length square rigger.   I clapped her wooden hull with my hand and we received a friendly wave from the deck above.   On this day we were truly gifted to be drawn to the right place at the right time.   Who would know that this would be "The last farewell from the HMS Bounty to our Gloucester Harbor".

May this photographic study help heal hearts of all those affected, and it is especially dedicated to the family friends of Capt. Walbridge, and deckhand Claudene Christian.  On my SmugMug posting there resides a collection of fifty (50) "HMS Bounty In Gloucester Mist" photographs and may be viewed in the link below.  Captain Walbridge’s Sister Lucille comments: "A gorgeous series thank you."  That simple thanks means so very much.

The images also reside on the Bounty’s FB.

In Memoriam:HMS Bounty ~ For Lucille Walbridge Jansen. As promised, photographic study of

HMS Bounty leaving Gloucester Harbor Mist, September 3rd, 2012.
http://cmacimages.smugmug.com/Other/HMS-Bounty-Gloucester-Harbor/26317143_nZM6Nk#!i=2192666510&k=s5JJtGb

HMS Bounty, Gloucester Schooner Regatta Races, dock, water, Sails, boats,HMS Bounty, Gloucester Schooner Regatta Races, dock, water, Sails, boats,

Community Stuff 11/30/12

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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The Fair features fresh holiday greens, centerpieces, wreaths and plants; exceptional handcrafts; and a glittering display of costume jewelry. We pride ourselves on the festive presentation and wrapping of home-baked, gourmet foods and preserves. Find a delightful surprise at our SILENT AUCTION of original artwork or delightful hostess gift baskets for sale. In honor of their 175th Anniversary last year, the Sewing Circle is selling their award-winning cookbook entitled, A Circle of Recipes, which is filled with cherished family recipes and historical commentaries from Sewing Circle members.

A delicious and festive three-course luncheon will be served for $15 per person at two seatings: 11:30 am and 1:00pm. Reservations are recommended:

Please call 978-283-2247.

Founded in 1837, the Annisquam Sewing Circle is one of the oldest, continuous, independent societies of women in the United States. The Annisquam Sewing Circle contributes proceeds of its fundraisers to the needs of Cape Ann’s community programs.

The Village Hall in Annisquam, Gloucester, is located on Leonard Street, off Rt. 127A; watch for the signs!

Seacoast Holiday Bazaar – Santa to visit!

Seacoast Holiday Bazaar will be held on

Saturday, December 1 from

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

at Seacoast Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 292 Washington Street, Gloucester.

Sponsored by the Friends of Seacoast.

Featuring: Professional vendors, bake sale, raffles, white elephant table. Santa will visit from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m!

For further information, please call Alison Cox at

978-283-0300. 

Women’s Community Club of Magnolia Holiday Party

The Women’s Community Club of Magnolia will hold it’s HOLIDAY PARTY and YANKEE SWAP on Tuesday, December 11th, at 7p.m. at the home of Linda Foster.  Everyone is asked to bring a $20 gift.  If your last name begins A – K  you will be called to help with refreshments.

For more information or directions, please call Linda Foster at 978-526-8750.

Thank you for printing this.  Sandy Dupray – Publicity.  978-879-4625.

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A Christmas Twist

Posted on November 20, 2012 by Marty Luster

On December 1st at 8 PM and December 2d at 3PM the Fishtown Players will perform a staged reading of A Christmas Twist,  a little Christmas Carol and a dash of Oliver Twist combined to produce an hilarious parody that shouldn’t be missed. This fundraiser for the Cape Ann Community Cinema costs only $15 per ticket which can be purchased purchased or reserved by calling the cinema at (978) 282-1988 or the players at (978) 515-7957 or e-mailing fishtownplayers@yahoo.com.

For further information click here

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More From Tugster (Gloucester From A New Yorkah’s Perspective)

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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Road Fotos 26

November 28, 2012 in arts, gallivant, Massachusetts, photos | Tags: Cape Ann, Fitz Henry Lane, Good Morning gloucester, Gordon W. Thomas, tugster

Three years ago when I visited Cape Ann, I returned obsessed with ideas about edifices and erections . . .  no no not what you think.  For a spell I toyed with efforts to grow ideas of erecting lights in the sixth boro like this . . . until I concluded–at the time–that our fair harbor already has its light. . . yet I’m ambivalent about the finality of that answer.

I like Gloucester’s unique reinvention of the tradition of a tree with lights, a genuine community effort, building the tree while building a community.

click here for the whole entry and photos

The New Cell Phone- Samsung Galaxy S3

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Just picked up the relatively new flagship Android phone The Samsung Galaxy S3.  Had the original HTC EVO 4G for 2.5 years and it was a little long in the tooth.

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If anyone would have asked me before I had this phone what kind of cell phone one should buy I would have told you an iPhone for anyone that does what 95% of cell phone users will ask a cell phone to do and do well.

This was based on more than a few hiccups I had with the original EVO.  This Galaxy absolutely SCREAMS it is so fast, the screen is so beautiful.  There is zero lag.  It has a removable back for which you can buy a larger extended battery which will last you several days under constant heavy duty use as opposed to being stuck with a solid case which doesn’t allow you to snap on an extended battery.

The stock Samsung Galaxy s3 is so lightweight that I actually prefer a little extra size and heft with the extended battery.  It comes with 16gb of on board memory for your music and movies and to save podcasts with a slot for a micro SD card which can handle up to another 64 GB of on board storage space for photos. music, files.

So far I have no reservations about recommending this phone.  The top online tech sites routinely compare it to the iPhone and other top end phones.

It gets my highly recommended nod.

Ron Beckley of Gloucester, who specializes in disaster services technology, has been deployed to New Jersey To Aid In disaster relief after Hurricane Sandy

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Red Cross volunteers deployed after Hurricane Sandy

Ron Beckley

From the American Red Cross-

American Red Cross volunteers from Eastern Massachusetts, after working in our communities during Hurricane Sandy, are accepting deployments to states devastated by the superstorm.
Ron Beckley of Gloucester, who specializes in disaster services technology, has been deployed to New Jersey.
Disaster Services Technology specialists are responsible for all the technology that is deployed on disaster relief operations. DST volunteers set up satellites where all phone and internet services have been disrupted, they set up computer services in remote locations for Red Cross caseworkers and often have to repair equipment in crisis situations.
The American Red Cross has mobilized more than 14,900 disaster workers from all over the country who have supported relief efforts. Volunteers have served more than 7.6 million meals and snacks so far, and have handed out more than 5.5 million relief items.
Ron Beckley, in accepting this deployment, is gaining more experience working with Red Cross experts throughout the U.S. When he returns to Massachusetts, his knowledge will help better inform our efforts, and help make our local region stronger.

Many in your community want to know how to help. They could train to become disaster volunteers, or fund this long-term relief effort by calling 1-800-REDCROSS or visiting RedCross.Org.

The Real Santa Claus by Lobster Boat this Saturday December 1 at 3:45PM in Rockport

Posted on by paultmorrison

As an annual tradition dating back centuries, Santa Claus rides into Rockport Harbor on a fishing boat, and then makes his way to Dock Square to light the tree. This is no mall Santa but the real thing!!

The day we have all been waiting for!

This Saturday, December 1st. Santa arrives at 3:45PM and the tree lighting is at 4PM in Dock Square.

The 2010 tree:

Cooperative Seagulls

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Good Harbor Beach -1©Kim Smith 2012While filming B-roll of gorgeous herons, ducks, geese, and gulls this morning, the homies were particularly cooperative. Click images to view larger.

Good Harbor Beach -2©Kim Smith 2012

Come to think of it, the sunbeams, the herons, the pearly pink-hued surf caught in the dawn light, and sand turned-brilliant-gold were also cooperating. It must be my good fortune! Last night on my way home from work I purchased my first ever lottery ticket and, although unfortunate in that I did not win the half billion dollars, I feel fortunate everyday for our shared beauty that is Gloucester.

Good Harbor Beach -3©Kim Smith 2012JPG

Good Harbor Beach November 29, 2012

CORRECTION: Berklee Rock Night @ Lat 43 $10 tickets available until 5pm

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

Today’s Gloucester Daily Times article correctly states that tonight’s show featuring Boston rockers, The Shills with local rising stars Renee & Joe, is at Latitude 43.  But their Tunes on the Town  listing has the wrong location.

Tonight’s ALL AGES SHOW is at Latitude 43.  Doors open at 6:30.  Come for a great dinner and stay for the show.  Kids: bring your parents and prove to them that this generation is producing great music!

Get $10 tickets online here (until 3:30pm) or @ Gloucester Music or Liquor Locker until 5pm.  Tickets are $15 at the door — cash only at the door, please.

A portion of the proceeds benefits the Berklee2Gloucester Scholarship Fund.

Renee & Joe have promised an excellent set of new music.  Here’s a taste of the hot, driving, melodic sound you can expect from The Shills:

Cape Ann Diner is open in Brown’s Mall!

Posted on by Matthew Green

In Brown’s Mall, there is now a new cozy restaurant, the Cape Ann Diner (7 Pleasant Street)! They are currently open 7-2PM, Monday-Saturday (closed on Sunday).

There aren’t big signs outside yet, but they sometimes have a sandwich board outside. The closest entrance/exit is the door between The Hive and the Pleasant Street Tea Co.  I came in that way, and chanced upon some friends who were enjoying a delicious lunch at the diner.

I joined them for a cup of hot cocoa (with a mound of whipped cream) – perfect on a cold early winter day.

The prices are very affordable.  A bowl of the soup of the day – my favorite item on most menus – is just $2.95!  The most expensive item I could find on the lunch menu (all good traditional American fare) is the Burger Bomb – two fresh patties, American cheese, crispy bacon, grilled pepper and onions, bbq sauce and mayo on a grilled seeded bun with lettuce and tomato with choice of potato chips, home fries, or mashed potatoes. All of that for $8.95!  That sounds so good, I am almost drooling on my keyboard.  No, they didn’t bribe me to say that.

If you go in the front door of Brown’s Mall on Main Street, you get to enjoy the decked halls as you head up one flight of stairs towards the back left.

Up the stairs, into the hall, to the right!

– Fr. Matthew Green

Thanksgiving Morning Surf

Posted on by Alicia Pensarosa

 

Thanksgiving morning I took an early morning walk to relax before all the craziness started. It reminded me to be extra thankful for the wonderful place I live.

The light we have on Cape Ann is amazing and everyday it’s a little bit different. It was nice to  have the Thanksgiving break, where I had time to enjoy the mornings a little more, rather than my usual rush to work and sitting in 128 traffic.

~Alicia