Community Stuff 7/24/12

Thacher Island Lighthouse Cruise

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Joey,

We have a terrific sunset lighthouse  cruise planned for this Friday night July 27  at 6:00pm aboard the Miss Cape Ann departing from Captain Bill&Sons Whale Watch at 24 Harborloop,Gloucester .

This 3 hour narrated cruise  up the Annisquam River and around Halibut Point pass all of  Cape Ann’s  six lighthouses.

We will catch the sunset at Thacher Island,see Annisquam light, Straitsmouth Light,Eastern Point and finally Ten Pound Island.This cruise will be narrated by lighthouse expert Jeremy D’Entremont.

Refreshments are available or bring your own plus cash bar.

Donation is only $30 and helps us continue to restore and maintain both Straitsmouth and Thacher Islands.

Call Sharron at 978-283-7223 or e-mail thachercruise@gmail.com for reservations.

Thanks!

Paul St.Germain, President
Thacher Island Association
web site www.thacherisland.org

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Good morning.  I am the current president of the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary post 32.  The ladies have worked extremely hard over the past several months and we have had a lot of support from the community.  Attached is a copy of our very first newsletter highlighting our accomplishments and thanking all of those who have supported us.  If you could post this on your site, I would be very grateful. 

Thank you,

Jennifer Gannett, AMVETS Ladies Auxliary #32

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sailing classes at SBYC

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NOTHING SAYS CLASSY LIKE…

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Perhaps the only thing more gross to me are cliché tattooed, double denim, mom jean, fanny pack wearing broads with black, green or orange nail polish, smoking cigarettes.

Dark Brown Compost Mulch FTW

2012 Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce Auction Photos from Angela Cook

Angela Cook owns Oasis in Rockport check her out here

Hi Joey
Here are some photos from the Cape Ann Chamber Auction, held July 19th at The Essex Room at Woodman’s
Enjoy!
Angela

Bid On Killer Deals On The Cape Ann Chamber’s Online Auction Now-

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Welcome to the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce 25th Anniversary Online Auction

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Make Your Bid to Support the Cape Ann Chamber

Now is your chance to not only get all the great items you want, but to do it knowing you are helping support our organization and mission.  The mission of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce is to serve as the principal voice of business while working to enhance both the economic environment and the quality of life for the citizens of Cape Ann.

For more information regarding the Cape Ann Chamber please visit www.capeannchamber.comor call 978-283-1601.

The Cape Ann Chamber 25th Anniversary Online Auction is now open. The auction will run from July 19, 2012 to August 2, 2012 (9:00 p.m. EST), with proceeds going to support the mission of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce.  The auction includes an amazing Caribbean Cruise and several historic New England vacation packages along with a multitude of bundles and individual items designed to showcase the diversity of local arts and amenities.  The items graciously donated are guaranteed to delight and surprise.  Please make sure to tell your friends, family and community.  Let the bidding begin!

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New York Times Features Gloucester’s Hopper Houses

John McElhenny Forwards this Article In The NY Times-

The Original Hoppers

To New Yorkers, Edward Hopper is likely to evoke visions of moody nighttime urban scenes. But the painter created some of his most famous work in the bright seaside town of Gloucester, Mass., on Cape Ann, where he spent time in the 1920s. The photographer Gail Albert Halaban has been locating the original houses in Hopper’s paintings there and taking pictures of them as they look today. Greta Bagshaw, whose husband’s family has owned the ‘‘Mansard Roof ’’ since 1962, is accustomed to the attention. ‘‘Not infrequently we’ve seen people who set up easels in our backyard to paint it,’’ Bagshaw says. ‘‘We know it’s time to put up the awnings each year when we’re eating on the porch and we turn around and see a big tour group watching us eat dinner.’’

Julie Bosman

Click below for slide show and article-

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Going around Ocean Lawn

Rick and I took our Kayaks out about 15:00 on Friday and actually went around Magnolia Harbor to Ocean Lawn into Manchester.  We are getting brave.  I think we are getting addicted to Kayaking..  By the way… talked to Greg Bover in Magnolia Harbor..  he was on his sweet sail boat.

Tonight: Love and Other Anxieties at Cape Community Cinema!

Love and Other Anxieties is having it’s Gloucester premier at the Cape Ann Community Cinema tonight!  Tickets include dinner and the screening of the movie with Lyda.

Lyda, Lily, and Kent

See my interview with director Lyda Kuth here.

Sugar Mags vs Classic Cooks HUGE REMATCH for the First Seafood Throwdown this Thursday ~ 4pm at the Farmers Market ~ Stage Fort Park

Last year Julie Geary claimed the title from four-time winner, previously undefeated Missy Hart of Sugar Magnolias in an extraordinarily close contest, full of mouthwatering anticipation and suspense.  See the video that Joey made of that throwdown here:

Below is a quick press release from Throwdown master organizer, Sandy Farrell.

Our “Hotter Than July!” rematch pits Missy Hart’s Team Sugar Magnolia with Lydia Sands and Santos Carvalho against Julie Geary’s Team from Classic Cooks. Watch closely as both of these teams bring years of experience to the table. Grant writer, organic farmer at Beacon Street Farm, and head of the Backyard Growers Program, Lara Lepionka will be judging the event with her critical eye. Steve Parkes, the “Fillet King” will lead a demonstration showing how to fillet a whole fish and break down the process so that you can feel confident in the kitchen. Join emcee Peter Van Ness of gimmesound.com this Thursday, July 26 at the Cape Ann Farmer’s Market. This is our second year at Stage Fort Park where the parking is always free on Market afternoons from 3pm on. The SeaFood Throwdown starts at 4pm.

Another judge or two will be announced soon.  Hope to see you there!

Wanna smile today in the face of all this depressing news lately?

 

 from; http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap120710.html
Happy People Dancing on Planet Earth
“Video Credit: Matt Harding & Melissa Nixon; Music: Trip the Light

Explanation: What are these humans doing? Dancing. Many humans on Earth exhibit periods of happiness, and one method of displaying happiness is dancing. Happiness and dancing transcend political boundaries and occur in practically every human society. Above, Matt Harding traveled through many nations on Earth, planned on dancing, and filmed the result. The above video, the latest in a series of similar videos, is perhaps a dramatic example that humans from all over planet Earth feel a common bond as part of a single species. Happiness is frequently contagious — few people are able to watch the above video without smiling.”

Harbor Loop Concert Series July 26, 2012

 Three Shows in one night!

Charlee Bianchini

solo acoustic

photo by Louise

http://www.charleebeth.com/

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Magnolia

http://www.magnoliatheband.com/music/

Magnolia includes local musicians Eleanor Halgren – vocals and Jud Abts
– guitar

~

http://marinaevansmusic.com/

Marina Evans Band

Marina Evans Band includes local musicians:
Pete Lindberg – drums
Dave Borge – bass
Jack Tomaiolo – electric guitar
Marina Evans – guitar & vox

6:00 to 9:00

Free concert

Caught in the act!

Caught in the act!

We were driving around the Cape last night and we came across this inconsiderate bike rider.

when we got closer my wife noticed it was Joey C.

He was in Camo clothing. he left his Speedoo Biking Clothing at home. He was hogging the whole road.

Fred Bodin’s View Of The July 2012 Block Party

The West End was packed, from Jalepenos to Washington Street.

Blackburn Challenge athlete Paul Morrison and pro photographer Kathy Chapman in my gallery.

Painter Laureen Maher’s oil painting of the Good Harbor Beach concession stand and of Fly Amero, with Banana’s window in the background.

Ed Collard and Laura Jardullo rock out in the gallery later in the night (haven’t I seen them dancing in Havana in the 30’s?). Ed was instrumental in finishing the mini-keg of Heineken. It was a great Block Party, with 150+ people coming in, no food or wine left, so I’m going home!

Saturday Night Report: Art at Scout Vintage Finds & I Loved the Block Party

Before heading over to Gloucester’s Block Party on Saturday night, I stopped in at Scout Vintage Finds at 186 East Main Street, across from Beacon Marine for a Photography Reception. Karen “Scout” King, the shop’s proprietess, hosts a rotating art show every month during the summer.  For July the visiting artist is a young photographer named Alex Knudsen. The photographs he is showing at Scout manage to be Americana without the kitsch. I especially loved a wistful photograph of a mint green 1950s bedroom which felt like it has been vacant in every sense for a long time. Be sure to stop by and see his work and Karen’s store soon, as the show is up through the end of July. For more info go to www.facebook.com/scoutfinds

And another thing…the Block Party was a whole lot of fun. A HUGE thank you to the people who pull this together, as there was truly something for everyone and just a great atmosphere of fun. There was an amazing variety of great music and food, and lots of kids’ activities. The only problem we had was finding simple street food (I hate to admit it, but I was looking for something straightforward like hot dogs), as we weren’t about to attempt  a sit-down dinner, foisting our children on the rest of the dining public. The pizza slices were sold out, which is a great problem to have. Then we came across Markouk Bread, which has some delicious, fresh options. The hummus with onion, tomato and mint leaves? Wow. Check them out at the Cape Ann Farmers’ Market and online www.markoukbread.com. By the way, Markouk Bread will be coming to Rockport in the Fall for our annual HarvestFest. I’m already planning to take a hummus break at the festival (yes, I plan ahead).

Thanks Block Party organizers, for a great evening out!

Community Photos 7/23/12

Janet Rice Asks- “Do you see what I see?”

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Rockport Sunrise From Angela Cook

Hi Joey
Thought you might enjoy a few pictures from an especially lovely Rockport sunrise on Wednesday morning, shot at the end of Bearskin Neck.
Enjoy!
Angela

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Community Stuff 7/23/12

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Dear Joey,

Just want to pass along a heads-up to GMG readers that the 19th annual running of the Fish Box Derby is coming up on Sunday, September 16th. There is still time to get a car together for any child from 8 to 14 that would enjoy the “Thrill of the Hill”. We will be racing down Rogers Street in front of Gorton’s that day and expect more than thirty entrants. There is no entry fee for the kids. The cost of putting on the race is borne by the Fish Box Derby Committee and the more than 100 sponsors from the community who buy advertising signs on the hay bales that line the course.

Trophies are awarded to all participants with the grandest prizes (bikes, Y memberships, whale watch tickets, and watches) going to the top four finishers in each of the two classes: Freestyle (sleeve bearings) and Modified (ball and roller bearings). Other prizes are awarded for Best Pit Crew and Koolest Kar.

This is one of the great family events of the year. The rules are simple and cars can be built from scratch or from kits, with help available from the committee. Much more information is on www.fishboxderby.org. Anyone wishing to advertise on the race course can also find the form on the website, or call me at 978 283 1932.

Thanks for helping us get the word out.

Greg


July 2012 Block Party Raffle Winner!

Dana Laing of Gloucester is the happy recipient of his half of the Block Party 50/50 Raffle, $70.

Both he and producers hope we raise even more next time, to share with one of you!!

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Kudos To The 2012 Block Party Organizers and Supporters

The Block Parties and The Middle Street Walk are right up there with what I think are the best family fun times for our City.  There is a tremendous amount of energy spent putting these things together and the people that work behind the scenes so you can go down and enjoy all the free entertainment and safe fun atmosphere are many.

Also thank you to the many City officials and agencies that get behind and support it.

So kudos to you all and Thank you for all the hard/fun work you do.

From the Block Party Website-

The Block Heads Who Bring the Block Parties to You Are

Mark McDonough
Mark McDonough – Eminence Gris
Entrepreneur and restaurateur, an inspiring Gloucester supporter, Mark always has his ear to the ground. Because of this he’s often hard to find. He’s a genius, but you’d never guess. He once wanted to jump off a bridge in Paris, but was afraid he’d be found in Seine. His termite collection is world renown.

Valerie Marcley
Valerie Marcley – Artistic Director and Disorganizer Former Construction worker, Playboy bunny and financial advisor to Bernie Madoff. She loves nature, in spite of what it did to her. She has dated several animals. Val enjoys rehab and injuries. She has never really grown up.

Judith Brackley
Judith Brackley – Sponsorship and Advertising Director Writer, radio station boss and news person, she’ll do anything to wear costumes. This is a sickness and she needs help. Please send your contributions (or costumes) to Sequins Anonymous. She loves show business and played the part of the chandelier in The Phantom of the Opera. Judith has almost no musical ability.

Lucinda Seigel
Lucinda Seigel – Volunteer Coordinator and Advisor: Lucinda has a vast international business experience. Because of this Interpol is offering a reward for her. She loves danger and is frequently under cover, so if you see her ignore her. Lucinda carries a gun, enjoys cannibalism and catatonic states. Don’t waste your time trying to figure her out.

Will Hunt
Will Hunt – Technical Director Will makes the Block Party music materialize. A master musician he’s learning the bagpipes but is off kilter. Will spends much of his time decomposing. Although making people leery with his incessant cheerfulness and sunny disposition, Will wears blame proudly. He has almost no self-control.

Contact us at: glostablockpahty@gmail.com with your comments and questions. See you soon!

If you’d like to volunteer, please send an email to lseigel1@gmail.com. Not sure how you can help? Click here for some fun ideas.

Thank you to our exceptionally generous sponsors for all their help! Visit them through the links below:

The GDBP is a project of the non-profit CABI with major support from

BankGloucester
Applied Materials

Gloucester Daily Time
Stop & Shop
Gortons
Orleans Live at North Shore Music Theatre

Latitude 43
Intershell
Rockport National Bank
Hiltz Disposal
Alchemy Cafe & Bistro

© 2008 – 2012, Downtown Block Party Committee ~ Website donated by Van Ness Group ~ Logo & Posters by Mike Ciolino of Verve Creative