Schooner Adventure introduces….

Skippy Finds Adventure

This beautifully illustrated children’s book tells the story of Schooner Adventure’s mascot of 15 years, Skippy, a wharf dog, who followed Adventure’s engineer aboard in 1936 and stayed for the rest of her life. Find out what life was like on Gloucester’s last dory fishing schooner through Skippy’s eyes. Meet members of the crew—Skippy’s family—and see what their daily work was like.

When Schooner Adventure retired from fishing in 1953, she was the last American dory fishing schooner on the Atlantic. A way of life died as this grueling method of fishing was replaced with more modern net fishing equipment, which required fewer crewmen onboard. Adventure spent the next 30 years taking passengers on windjamming trips out of Maine. In 1988, Captain Jim Sharp donated her to the people of Gloucester, returning her to her original home port. Today, a complete restoration of Adventure is nearing completion, bringing her back to her original fishing configuration. Now she serves as a living memorial to Gloucester’s master mariners, teaching new generations about Gloucester’s fishing history.

Skippy Finds Adventure was created under the direction of Adventure’s education coordinator, Beth Welin, and was generously funded by the Dusky Foundation. The creative team for Skippy Finds Adventure includes Gloucester residents, artist Rusty Kinnunen and writer Peter Cherry, as well as editor Ann Droppers, another North Shore resident. The book will be used in the “Skippy’s Adventure Program” geared for grades PK – 2 and joins Adventure’s other education programs (the Traveling Dory Program, the Working Waterfront Walking Tour, and the History Sharing Program) in helping bring to life the story of Gloucester’s fishermen and fishing industries over the ages.

Skippy Finds Adventure books and Skippy stuffed animals will be available at Schooner Adventure’s Holiday Tea at the Inn Magnolia (Dec 2. 1:30-4pm), in City Hall during the Middle Street Walk and soon at local stores! Adventure items may also be purchased through Schooner Adventure’s office (Fitz Henry Lane House on Harbor Loop). For more information about Schooner Adventure’s offerings, go to www.schooner-adventure.org or contact Beth Welin at 978-281-8079 or email bwelin@schooner-adventure.org.

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Rotary Club of Rockport-Tree Lighting event

Rotary Club of Rockport Tree-Lighting Dinner

Saturday, December 1, 2012

4-8pm The Fish Shack Restaurant

21 Dock Square Rockport MA 01966

Watch the beautiful Rockport Christmas Tree Lighting, enjoy Christmas carols, and then join us for a delicious dinner!

Clam Chowder or Creamy Chicken Stew served in Bread Bowls, Salad, Dessert, and beverage.

$10.00 in advance or at the door.

Spaghetti and Meatballs for the kids w/dessert and Beverage

$5.00 in advance or at the door

For tickets in advance contact slovasco@bankgloucester.com or lwessel@bankgloucester.com

Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Rockport to benefit the scholarship fund and other community service projects.

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Saturday afternoon after Thanksgiving – 11/24/12 – 1-4pm

The Farm Bar & Grille, Essex

and the Sunny FishCakes’ Music Revue present –

*Rockin’ the Farm for Rockaway Beach*

BBQ, Blues and Brews to support rebuilding lives and communities in the wake of the flood and Super Storm Sandy.

We hope that if you are around for the holiday weekend, you will consider joining with family and friends for an afternoon of fine Farm food and beverages with local musicians Live Dead and special guests contributing their craft for this fundraising event. No cover charge – the Farm Bar & Grille will donate a generous amount of the proceeds to recovery efforts in the hardest hit areas of NYC.

Email KittCox@gmail.com for additional information

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Addison Gilbert Hospital to assist The Cape Ann Military Family Support Group

The Cape Ann Military Family Support Group will be preparing holiday packages for our military serving and items will also be sent to military hospitals.

During the month of November, a collection of items will be taken and provided to the support group for the gift baskets they will be assembling.

Needed items include:

Candy canes, breakfast bars, pre-package cookies, Lollipops, bar soap ChapStick, roll-on deodorant,toothbrushes, toothpaste, Handy-wipes, wet-naps, Band-aids, Dental floss, nail files, hand towels,writing paper, writing pads, Ziploc bags, Magazines (Auto, Men’s Health, People), Crossword Puzzles,Movies for DVD players.

Containers are located inside the Fisher Lobby of Addison Gilbert Hospital, 298 Washington Street, Gloucester, for those who would like to donate items that will gratefully be received.