Opening night at The Cave!

Last night was the Grand Opening of The Cave – purveyors of fine wine, cheese, and chocolate at 44 Main Street in Gloucester.  GMG was well represented, so I am sure that other photos will appear on the blog, but here a few shots I took:

Because wine was being served, they had to check our ages at the door:

Alexander Thompson was on hand with some of his delectable tomato marmalade, which being sold on site:

It went really well with these crackers and cheese, but it’s also good on toast (I can vouch for that, having bought a jar a short time ago), and I’m sure it’s great in any other context where fruit spreads are used.

They also sell fig spread, local honey… “tastefully” arranged on the mantlepiece.

They have a variety of chocolate too, of course, as their tagline indicates:

Unlike the classic cheese shop sketch by Monty Python, this cheese shop is well stocked:

Plenty of wine also grace the shelves. I was told that the emphasis is on Italian wine, although there is also some from California.

There were lots of smiles from behind the counter…

…and in front as well, as the visitors enjoyed the samples of wine, cheese, chocolate, etc.

Among the visitors was Fred Bodin (at the right below), at whose shop I had sampled The Cave’s merchandise last week.

He got a good shot of me being carded at the door

The Schooner Thomas E. Lannon’s 15th Birthday Sail

If you come to Gloucester or if you’ve lived in Gloucester and you haven’t experienced a sail on the most beautiful ship in Gloucester harbor, The Thomas E. Lannon then I really feel sorry for you.

It’s beyond just bouncing along on a pretty boat, it’s the warmth and friendly hospitality of the Ellis family, Kay, Tom and Heath.  It’s experiencing Gloucester harbor without the blaring of a diesel engine or the exhaust fumes.   It’s the peace, it’s the sunset, it is the friendships forged.

I’m telling you right now you just gotta go.  You have friends coming in from out of town?  Take them on the Lannon, you’ll love it,and they will thank you.

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more pictures and video coming

Video Interview- Guy Fiero Talks GHS Sailing Program

For more info contact Patti Page at  Sailghs@yahoo.com 

Click the picture below for the interview with Guy Fiero

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Happy 26th Wedding Anniversary To The McKechnie’s

…and what a way to spend it- Aboard the Most Beautiful Boat In Gloucester- The Thomas E Lannon on the Lannon’s 15th Birthday. 

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Dave is our Financial guy.  In my lifetime I’ve had I think 4 financial planners that I’ve worked with.  Every other one tells you everything you want to hear about personal service and how they are going to look out for you and every one except for Dave and his team at Beauport Financial let me down.

Dave will call me and say hey, it’s time to sit down and talk about your long term goals, where you’re at and how we can help get you where you need to be.  They take personal service to the next level and I can’t recommend them highly enough and without any reservation. 

It’s not just Dave you’re getting at Beauport either, my boy Kevin who works with Dave gets me the answers that I have questions to every single time and quickly and even the secretary is super nice and helpful.

So you know how I am with my recommendations, Dave McKechnie’s Beauport Financial gets my unequivocal without reservation top gold exemplary recommendation for your financial needs.

I receive no special treatment or financial gain by this endorsement I just want to share when I have great luck and experiences with someone or thing and Beauport Financial definitely falls into the category of great in my book.

Call them up or check out their website- they’re not just like every other financial planner that just wants to sign you aboard and then they forget your name.

http://beauportfinancial.com/

3 Heritage Way, Ste. 2  Gloucester, MA 01930

(978) 283-0748

IDRC Race Day

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The International Dory Races will be held this Saturday June 24th in the North Chanel of Gloucester’s inner harbor (best seen from Jodrey State Fish Pier) at 10 AM.  Teams from the US will compete against teams from Canada in 5 divisions: Mixed Doubles, Junior Men, Women, Master, and Men Open.  The event will be preceded by a Pancake Breakfast fundraiser at the Head of the Harbor Park (at the end of the North Chanel) starting at 8 AM to support our organization.  Please join us on this exciting day of competition and camaraderie on the waterfront in Gloucester .

Other dates/times to remember.

Thursday Night Canadian Reception at St. Peter’s Club 6:30 PM

Saturday Afternoon Awards Banquet at Maritime Heritage Center 1 PM

If you have time to help, we are looking for a few volunteers to help with the Pancake breakfast and the Awards banquet…let me know!

See you there,

Erik Dombrowski

Community Stuff June 22, 2012

Rockport, Massachusetts – June 20, 2012 – Rockport Rotary Club’s Installation Dinner was held on Tuesday, June 19th. Paul Harris Fellowships were awarded to Kecia German, Laurene Wessel and June Sullivan. The Employee of the Year Award went to Jim Davidson, Citizen of the Year Award went to Carl S. Gibbs and Appreciation Awards went to Angela Cook, Susan King and Laura Wheeler. Sworn into office as Rotary President was Laurene Wessel, President Elect Susan Lovasco, Vice President Anne Lewis, Treasurer Robert Audano Jr., Secretary Janice Beacham, Assistant Secretary Kecia German and Past President Robert Gillis. Board Members announced were Maryanne Bland, Jonas Gavelis, Ruth George, Mina Sheedy and DJ Tardiff.


Who: Annisquam Village Church

What: 3rd Annual On-line Auction

When: June 22, 2012, 8:00 AM to July 8, 2012, 8:00 PM

The Annisquam Village Church On-Line Auction is back for the third year with more items, more donors and more variety.  The On-Line Auction provides support for the ministries, maintenance and the ever-expanding community outreach of our growing church. There are 145 items which have been donated by artists, individuals and businesses on Cape Ann and beyond, and there is something for everyone – sports tickets, the work of local artists, jewelry, travel opportunities, restaurant gift certificates, whale watches and landscaping, just to name a few.  Check us out at www.BiddingForGood.com/avc and join the fun!


The Rockport Garden Club 2012 Coastal Garden Tour

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Waiting for Lunch From Susan LaRosa

Neighborhood cat waiting for lunch at the birdfeeder.
Susan LaRosa     

Leonardos Meatball Subs

The toasting of the bun on any sub brings it up at least 2 numbers on a scale from 1-10.  the meatball sub at Leonardos is a solid 9.  I’m a big fan of Leonardos.

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Horses and Other Abstract Notions

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The next guest artist exhibit at Khan Studio and the Good Morning Gloucester Gallery is by my lifelong favorite best artist, person and FOB, my sister, Judy Wilburn, and her friend Lyn Cardinal.  Their exhibit will run tomorrow, Friday, June 22 through Thursday, July 5, with an opening reception tomorrow night from 7:00-9:00pm.  Stop by and see the exhibit, have some refreshments and meet Judy and Lyn.  I would not be living in Gloucester or have known about Good Morning Gloucester if it weren’t for Judy, and she has taught me much, and encouraged and supported me over the years following my path as an artist.

E.J. Lefavour

http://www.khanstudiointernational.com/goodmorninggloucester%20gallery2012.htm

Sunday Brunch at the Seaward Inn

What more could one ask for in a fine dining experience–inviting location and ambience, beautifully prepared food, and welcoming service. A recent trip to enjoy The Seaward Inn’s Sunday brunch provided all of the preceding, and then some.

The Seaward Inn is located on Marmion Way, which runs along Rockport’s picturesque shoreline. Sunday brunch is served from 10:30 to 1:30. The cost is 18.95 per person--really quite reasonable considering coffee,  juice, freshly baked breads and croissants, organic yogurt, and homemade granola are all included with the three course prixe fixe menu.

Savory Tart Tartin

Roasted Beet Salad

For starters my husband had the exquisite wild mushroom, caramelized onion, goat cheese, and watercress Savory Tart Tartin and I had the Roasted Beet Salad with spring greens, blue cheese, toasted walnuts, and balsamic vinaigrette. We were both hard-pressed to decide which was the more fabulous. Cheese blintzes, with citrus ricotta and seasonal fruit, as well as the classic Caesar salad are also offered for the first course.

Omelet to Order

Eggs Florentine

The entrees were equally as difficult to chose between. Roasted breast of chicken, pan-seared salmon, grilled flank steak, waffles, French toast, and quiche of the day were the entrees to which we had to say no. Tom had the Omelet to Order with a wonderful medley of fresh veggies and I had their gorgeous Eggs Benedict with exquisitely creamy, lemony Hollandaise and perfectly cooked spinach. I am looking forward to another visit soon to the Seaward Inn for brunch as every item on the menu sounded irresitible.

Guinness Chocolate Cake

Tom loved the homemade basil ice cream with fresh strawberries and I had the simply divine Guinness chocolate cake–the cake’s texture was amazingly light and perfectly sweetened. Key Lime pie is another favorite offered–I guess the next visit won’t come soon enough!

John Lamarinde and Nancy Cameron-Gilsey

The Seaward Inn opened for its 68th year in business in May of this year, and has been continually in operation under the same family for all these many years. Nancy Cameron Gilsey, the youngest daughter of the original proprietors Roger and Ann Cameron, has partnered with the renowned chefs of Beach Gourmet Catering for their brunch menu, special events, and continental breakfast; their weekly continental breakfast is also open to the public.

See Joe’s GMG video posted earlier this year for a first look with John Lamarinde at the new Savour Wine and Cheese and Beach Gourmet Catering, opening very soon, and located at 76 Prospect Street, across from St. Ann’s School.

Rockport Police: WARM WEATHER ALERT FOR ELDER RESIDENTS

The Rockport Police Department and the Rockport Council On Aging are asking residents to check in on their elderly family members, friends, and neighbors throughout the warm summer months.

Residents should pay extra attention to homes that are exceptionally hot and to warning signs of dehydration, heat stroke and exhaustion, which includes lack of energy, nausea and high body temperature.

The Rockport Council On Aging will also be welcoming seniors to the town’s air-conditioned Senior Center in the Community House at 58 Broadway.

Any resident concerned about an elder may contact the police at 978-546-1212 or the Council on Aging at 978-546-2573.

“I can hear that one with the band” ~ OK, Allen, here it is!

A few weeks ago, we premiered Chelsea Berry‘s new song Lonely Being Lonely on Local Music Seen with Allen Estes (see the post here).  When she finished the song, Allen said, “Yeah, I can hear that one with the band.” to which Chelsea replied, “That’s the electric guitar song.”

This video shows part of the solo acoustic version aired on Local Music Seen followed by the electric version of that same part of the song shot at a rehearsal for the band’s debut on June 28 at North Shore Music Theatre opening for Chris Isaak.  Enjoy!

It’s another hot summer night with plenty of music by (and on) the water –or in air conditioned venues — from classic rock to string quartet to open mic to soul and blues.  Take your pick.  See the full live music lineup here.

Thursday Night Blues Party to Host John Keegan of Madhouse @ The Rhumb Line Tonight @ 9:00pm sharp!

Dave says,

I’m really eggcited this week! I have a coupla good shows goin’ on, so let’s get movin’!
Firstly, this Thursday at the Rumblind sees the return of that mayhem inspiring mover of the hips: Mr. John Keegan©, the man who practically invented the hangover! Erstwhile leader of that rocking’ outfit known as Madhouse, Johnny K. is sure to raise your blood pressure to alarming new levels as he gargles his way thru the entire soul music catalog. He’ll be backed up by that palpitating pianist and general keyboard wizard; Mr. John Cameron. We’ll also be tapping our canes to the boogie beat with our own Irish Ace of Pace: Mr. Benny Benson on eggbeaters. Of course, Mr. Greg T. and myself  will be there, too, monitoring the Richter Scale. Wear helmets!

http://www.madhouseproductions.com/www/cover.html

http://www.therhumbline.com/

Thursday night sunset sail on the Schooner Ardelle ~ music 6/21/12

Hi friends, artists, gardeners and Honky Tonk Women fans…..
If you enjoy sailing out on the water…..
A new music, sunset cruise is being offered by Harold Burnham of the Schooner Ardelle
beginning Thursday, June 21st from 5:30 to 8:30. The Everly Sisters (Sheila Schrank & Elaine Persons)along
with Mr. Ron Schrank on guitar and Mr. Barry O’Brien on mandolin will be joining us.
It promises to be a very, very hot night so the water will be a beautiful place especially
at sunset.   Beer and wine, snacks, are available. Bring your own flask !
If you are interested, join us at the dock at 5:45 pm behind the Maritime
Gloucester / Heritage Center (next dock over from the Gloucester harbormaster) off Harbor Loop.
to purchase a ticket (trunnel) and come sail with us.
I believe if you are a museum member there is a substantial discount, as well as students, seniors,
children, etc.   More information is available at:
www.travelzoo.com (special for the Schooner Ardelle)
You can even call Ron & I if you want to reserve a space last minute 281-3451(before 5pm).
Looking forward to a nice sail tomorrow.
Sheila & Ron Schrank
Capt. Harold Burnham will be onboard, now an internationally known shipbuilder from Essex.
He built the Schooners Thomas E. Lannon, and several others gracing the Gloucester waterfront.
Just sayin’……
More news from The Everly Sisters,
More news,
The Everly Sisters are also playing at the Old Sloop Coffeehouse this Saturday, June 23 at 7:30 pm.    Doors open at 7 
The Everly Brothers harmonies are our specialty, but we play many popular styles and only the # 1,
classic hits, so you will know just about every melody.  SHOW starts at 7:30 as we are opening for KBMG,
Dan King and his notorious boys are on next – and they are awesome.  THey all have played with many
 famous artists too numerous to mention.   Donations are taken at the door & reservations can be made
 via phone .    It’s a Coffeehouse, so save room for dessert for $1.00.    www.rockportucc.org
LOOK at this   !!!
We’ll be singing aboard this Schooner Ardelle this Thursday night (the 21st) for their new sunset cruise series!
Mr. Ron Schrank and Mr. Barry O’Brien will be joining us on guitar and mandolin.
 I’m very surprised at this new special price too.  We should let your friends know that with the warm weather
coming, Thursday night will be perfect for sailing.   See you Thursday at Maritime Gloucester dock.
Bye for now,   Sheila
Check out this deal from TravelZoo too!

What a deal.      http://www.travelzoo.com/local-deals/Boston/Other/18692?utm_source=localdeal_us&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=1259096_html_gloucester

KBMG is The Boston Globe North Shore Best Bet…

Globe North Best Bets

http://www.boston.com

Rockport: KBMG is a thought-provoking folk rock band whose members have performed with big names in rock, folk, and country music, including Paul McCartney, Simon and Garfunkel, George Harrison, Roseanne Cash, Billy Joel, Elton John, and Jethro Tull. Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Old Sloop Coffeehouse, First Congregational Church. $12, $10 advance, $7 seniors, $5 under 18, $24 family. 978-546-3551, www.oldsloopcoffeehouse.org

 

This is my all time favorite done by KBMG