Mark your calendars! The 2024 Blackburn Challenge will be held on Saturday, July 13th. Registration to open April 2024.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/blackburnchallenge?mibextid=LQQJ4d

The date for the 2024 Blackburn Challenge (BBC) is Saturday, July 13th and we’re looking for chase boats. It’s a fun time on the water watching and helping one of the most iconic events in Gloucester/Cape Ann. 

Please let them know if you’re able to volunteer, The Cape Ann Rowing Club.

-Suzanne Sweeney

Check out their Facebook Page for more info

Cape Ann Pride 2024

Good Afternoon Cape Ann Businesses,

 

The Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce is proud to partner with Cape Ann Pride Coalition to present the first-ever Cape Ann Pride Weekend, May 31-June 2!  With the support and coordination of community partners, we are putting together a weekend full of pride, celebration, community, education, fun and support for all LGBTQIA+ people and their allies.

 

We are excited to invite you, the business community, to be a part of this inaugural celebration.  We have prepared a brief survey for your considered participation.  Please use the following link to let us know how you would like partner with us.

 

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/TQiTc7L

Aquarium and Ship Yard Sale Saturday at Maritime Gloucester

Do you need to check out some nautical oddities and other aquarium/marine tools or supplies? Maritime Gloucester on the Harbor Loop is offering items up for sale tomorrow Saturday April 13 from 9 am – 1 pm. Stop by and help them take some of this stuff off their hands as well as support their efforts. Plus you might get exactly what you need at exactly the right price. RSVP and more info at this link.

Seeds Available At Sawyer Free Library

Yes, you saw the headline correctly. I stopped by the library this week and noticed a display offering a seed exchange. What a great idea! I did a little digging and found more information at this link about how the library is marking Earth Day throughout April. Check it out. I know many of us are starting to think about gardens and outdoor activities….. AND Happy Library Month to all the wonderful staff and librarians out there.

My friends and I talk about this all the time. Restaurant people if you care to listen I think this is huge.

There are a lot of Gloucester Restaurants that get this. 💯🫡

A free, two-day safety training for commercial fishermen on May 2-3 at U.S. Coast Guard Station Gloucester

Good afternoon, Joey,

 

Thank you for your past support in spreading the word regarding Fishing Partnership free trainings.Unfortunately, commercial fishing remains one of the deadliest occupations in the country. North Shore fishermen can access free programming through Fishing Partnership Support Services, a Massachusetts-based non-profit dedicated to improving the health, safety, and economic security of commercial fishermen, their families, and their communities. 

 

Our North Shore Office (located in Gloucester) will be conducting a free, two-day safety training for commercial fishermen on May 2-3 at U.S. Coast Guard Station Gloucester. We invite your coverage of this training in either pre-date sharing of information and/or coverage of the training itself. 

 

Below, is more detail regarding what transpires during each day of training, and I have also attached our event flyer which has details regarding times and registration: 

 

Day One: Safety & Survival –

This training is designed for all fishermen, including crewmen, to learn or hone fundamental skills. Through hands-on training, fishermen learn about EPIRBs, Signal Flares, MAYDAY Calls, Man Overboard Recovery, Firefighting, Flooding & Damage Control, Dewatering Pumps, Immersion Suits, PFDs, & Life Rafts. Commercial Fishermen who attend are eligible for a 50% rebate off a Lifejacket they purchase after the trainings. 

 

Day Two: Drill Conductor Certification 

During this second day, fishermen dig deeper into what they learned in the Safety & Survival Class, including new information in cold-water survival, helicopter rescues, stability, liability, and emergency procedures. Fishermen who complete these two days of training are Alaska Marine Safety Education Association certified Drill Conductors, which meets USCG requirements under 46 CFR 28.270(c). 

 

While commercial fishermen work in one of the most dangerous occupations in the country, Fishing Partnership works to equip them with the knowledge and skills to fish more safely. At-sea preparedness has been proven to save lives. Please visit, www.fishingpartnership.org to learn more. 

Tonno Gloucester French Wine Dinner April 30 Book Your Tickets Now!

Link for tickets

About

Reception NV Le Grand Courtage, Rosé

First 2020 Grossot, Chablis Sole Meunière, ratatouille

Second 2022 Raffault “Galuches”, Chinon Confit De Canard, roasted honey glazed carrots, pea purée

Third 2021 Chateau Mongravey, Bordeaux Beef Bourguignon, mashed potatoes

Fourth 2020 Chateau Laribotte, Sauternes Vanilla crème brulée, mixed fresh berries

The North Shore Paddlers Network  invites you to join us for a free “New to Sea Kayaking Workshop”

The North Shore Paddlers Network <nspn.org> invites you to join us for a free “New to Sea Kayaking Workshop”

Are you interested in learning more about sea kayaking? Whether you have never held a paddle or are a seasoned canoe or white water paddler this workshop is for you. Meet other sea kayakers, see various boats, paddles, clothing, safety equipment, and more. 

When- April 20, 2024 10 am – 3 pm (lunch is available)

Where-    Winter Island Park, 50 Island Road, Salem, MA

Questions- ntskw@nspn.org

Register-  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfFPYsbGXObdKBvG9T4uUXP-Fz-iA9f_EBsgHP6_FNtHyrBPw/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0)

A family-friendly afternoon of live music, beach games and summer vibes featuring Mayor Verga’s band “Moonraker” – all to celebrate the 2025 Sawyer Free Library!

Get ready to make a splash at this community-wide celebration for the 2025 Sawyer Free Library at The Cut at 177 Main Street in downtown Gloucester on Sunday, April 28 from 3:00 -5:00 p.m. Dive into the fun and usher in summer early with live music, beach games and summer vibes – for all ages!

Headlining the event will be “Moonraker,” Gloucester’s very own Mayor’s band featuring Amy Prichard on lead vocals and guitar, Adam Quinn on drums, Missy Sponagle lending her vocal talents, Nate Kidder on lead guitar, Mayor Greg Verga on bass, and a special guest appearance by Millie Manning from Millie and the Half Nelsons on vocals and keyboard.

Adding to the summertime vibe, local reggae sensation the “Dis n’ Dat band” will kick off the party, setting the stage for an afternoon filled with beach games, prizes, and other surprises. Plus, a sneak peek into the exciting developments ahead with the 2025 Sawyer Free Library!

The Library is grateful to The Cut for generously donating their space for this event. And for those who choose to have dinner after the festivities, The Cut will also donate 10% of your final bill to the 2025 Sawyer Free Library.

The family-friendly event is open to all ages; admission is free, but donations to the 2025 Sawyer Free Library are welcomed.  To register or for more details, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5500.

Great Blue Heron Nest Check

We went out to Georgetown to check on the Great Blue Heron nests recently. Though there weren’t many herons in sight at midday, I did notice a number of them sitting pretty low in the nest, which I think could mean they are sitting on eggs. Many of you may not agree, but I find this to be exciting news! I also noticed that a couple of the nests such as one you see here, seem to be smaller in size. I believe this could mean they are newer nests and perhaps not yet completed and ready for a new family. I look forward to checking again on their progress. It’s so nice to start to see our migrating birds return.