The G400+ Cemetery Tour Series Concludes:

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

“Notable Mariners, Historians, Philanthropists & Artists”

Oak Grove Cemetery

177 Washington Street, Gloucester

Saturday, October 14th, 3:30 to 5PM

Rain date: Sunday, Oct 22nd, 3:30PM.

Meet at the main entrance of the cemetery near the Bradford Memorial Chapel.

Parking is on Washington Street since there is no parking in the cemetery.

For registration and details please go to the Eventbrite link below:

Register on Eventbrite

Notable Mariners, Historians, Philanthropists & Artists

In 1854, Gloucester was enjoying a prosperous period. Six local businessmen purchased an oak grove near downtown Gloucester to be the site of a modern cemetery. This private cemetery was to be designed so that both the living and dead could enjoy an open, public space of beauty.

Cleveland and Copeland, a noted Massachusetts landscape architecture firm, was hired to design Oak Grove Cemetery. Their focus was to be sensitive to the natural landscape with the addition of open spaces, interconnecting byways, and ornamental plantings. The original design consisted of 280 gravesites in 6 sections and over time the cemetery expanded to more than 5500 burials. This cemetery is on the National Registry of Historic Places.

Oak Grove Cemetery is located at 177 Washington Street, Gloucester, MA 01930. A cemetery tour led by knowledgeable guides, Courtney Richardson, a former Oak Grove Cemetery board member and Katy Marques will provide you with stories of a number of notable individuals and families who called Gloucester their home such as Ben Pine, James Pringle, Samuel Sawyer, the Davis sisters, and Fitz Henry Lane.

The Saturday tour (Oct. 21) will meet at the main entrance to the cemetery at 177 Washington St., near the Bradford Memorial Chapel at 3:30PM. The 0.5 mile walking tour will meander through the cemetery stopping to pay homage at select gravesites as well as giving you the opportunity to appreciate the lovely landscape and the variety of unique gravestones in Oak Grove. Please wear comfortable walking shoes. The cemetery is wheelchair accessible by using the paved and packed dirt byways.

Street parking is on Washington Street since there is no parking in the cemetery. The cemetery is a 0.3 mile walk from the MBTA commuter rail station in downtown Gloucester.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with history and immerse yourself in Gloucester’s rich heritage. Rain date is Sunday, October 22, 3:30PM.

Supported by the 400+ Steering Committee and Oak Grove Cemetery Board of Trustees with bottled water supplied by Kaylynn Favaloro and Blue Marble Group.

A message from our wonderful Magnolia Community Farmers Market

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

THANK YOU TO THIS COMMITTEE

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

 

With Columbus/Indigenous People’s Day come and gone, the unofficial, (official) unofficial delayed closing bell of the “extended New England summer” has gonged. I hope you are all rested and recovered from a long and often wet farmers market season on Lexington Ave. Mother Nature sure had an alternative agenda for our weekend weather this year, and I feel like it was an uphill climb since June.

 

Many thanks for all the familiar faces who came to support Magtoberfest last weekend, a collaboration between the Farmers Market and the Magnolia Library. The shape of this event has evolved quite a bit since its inception as a fall festival, but now this beer, bubbly, music and food truck extravaganza has become one of the most well-attended fundraising events in town! The entirely volunteer-run Magnolia Library & Community Center is such an important entity in our village and we are proud to help keep their doors open year after year by partnering for this event. Thank you all for attending, supporting and donating to the cause!

 

Each year, the drop in temperatures and the turning of the leaves brings a change in gears for our MCFM board. No more Sunday morning alarm clocks, foot traffic counts, vendor schedules, or road closures. Time for fiscal evaluations and financial assessments. Moments of reflection and consideration as we calculate our next moves as a board, as a team, as a farmers market.

 

This summer of 2023, our fifth season on Lexington Ave, was admittedly a struggle to get off the ground. After scouring hundreds of websites, sending cold-call style emails, canvassing other local markets, snail-mailing applications, pouring time into originally crafted marketing material, attending locally sourced food conventions, and pleading and poking over several platforms of social media we finally procured the required farms and foodies to make a go of it, with up to 12 tents popped on Lex on our busiest day.  The shopping community seemingly loves our Sunday morning family; from day-1, it has felt like Magnolians appreciate our efforts, and we sincerely hope it has been worth it for our vendors, as well.

 

But man, is it exhausting. We are a small but mighty team, and we have always been driven by a passion for our community, a dedication to bringing fresh foods and produce to our quiet neck of the woods, where local “food shopping” is really only cafes and a convenience store for anyone with transportation challenges. Our team has been so much fun to work with, and our collective enthusiasm year after year is inspiring. But we all have growing families, aspiring careers, and personal obligations that we can no longer shelf.

 

It is not without much contemplation, that the planning board for Magnolia Community Farmers Market has decided to table this project and we will not be putting on the Market in 2024. The commitment of time and resources is no longer something any of us is able to shoulder, without sacrificing self care, paid opportunities and personal needs. We have loved working with and for each of you, and have benefited immensely from our years of service to Magnolia. Your passion for farms, food, fun and family is unmatched and all of Magnolia and greater Cape Ann is lucky to have received a bit of your magic through this market.

 

The time and effort that goes into planning, advising, permitting, insuring, and financially managing a project like a farmers market is certainly not for everyone. I’m so blessed to have had some amazing people come together to make the work feel fun, to make the engine run smoothly, to get the cogs spinning in sync every year. Our OG team, Rebecca Doyon, Nying Gallo and Caitlyn Shatford are among the most intelligent, powerful and downright amazing women I have ever been fortunate enough to know. Your passion, your knowledge, your ingenuity are unmatched. Thank you for your commitment to my crazy ideas and for giving me your time and your love. The phenomenal additions of Greg Farrenkopf’s web designing and marketing brilliance, Dylan Belong Gallo’s zany ideas that always worked, and David Kelley’s logistical and engineering wizardry rounded out an incomparable board which I am forever grateful to call family. I can only hope that if anyone chooses to take these reigns, they are fortunate enough to find a collection of outstanding individuals like you. You all have my heart and I’d follow you anywhere.

 

I’m confident in my decision to step away, but it’s not without a bit of happy sadness. Magnolia has my heart and I’ve loved every Sunday you’ve shared with me. I may be stepping away from the market but not from my passion for this community, my commitment to the library, my pride for our pier and my admiration for the special magic this place holds.  Thank you for being a part of this adventure. Now it’s time for the next…

#meetmeinmagnolia

 

Alana

Magnolia Community Farmers Market

President

 

 

Surfside Subs: Check out our NEW Wicked Wednesday Special! 10/18

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

💥New Special Lobster Roll Price $13.95 🦞🦞
💥Half Off Large Cheese & One Topping Pizzas!
excluding slices & gluten free crusts

978-281-1700

Utopia Farms Delightful Roadside Farm Market

Posted on by Pat D

I came upon Utopia Farms market on Atwater Ave in Manchester last week. What a delight! It’s small and tucked in with a generous parking area and inviting outside displays. I picked up some cider and Virgilios bread but there is much much more. They offer fresh fruits and vegetables, pumpkins, apples, bread, frozen treats and cold drinks to name a few. It won’t be my last visit and I look forward to what is offered in other seasons as well. You can get updated information through Facebook Utopia Farms.

Sawyer Free Library to host Local Author Karin Gertsch on October 19th

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

 ~ SAWYER FREE LIBRARY

Sawyer Free Library to host Local Author Karin Gertsch on October 19th

We’re doing it! Vodka Blind Taste Test $9.99 Sea Ice Vodka vs Tito’s vs Grey Goose On Sunday’s gloucesterCast- Listen To The Video For The Details

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Rose Baker Senior Center in Gloucester, MA, Celebrates Exciting Six-Month Transformation

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

The City of Gloucester and the Rose Baker Senior Center are thrilled to announce the successful completion of several major improvements over the past six months, enhancing the overall experience and services offered to the seniors of Gloucester and the community as a whole.

The transformation includes significant upgrades aimed at creating a more comfortable, modern, and efficient environment for seniors to enjoy a variety of activities and services. These improvements will not only enrich the lives of Cape Ann’s valued seniors but also ensure a brighter future for the Rose Baker Senior Center as a community resource. Here are the key enhancements that have been made:

1. New Roof to Eliminate Leaks: One of the most critical improvements undertaken was the replacement of the aging roof. The new roof provides a durable and watertight seal, ensuring that the Rose Baker Senior Center remains a safe and dry haven for the senior community.

2. New Rooftop HVAC Units: The City’s commitment to comfort and air quality is evident through the installation of state-of-the-art rooftop HVAC units. These systems ensure a consistent, pleasant indoor climate throughout the year, catering to the unique needs of the senior members.

3. Enhanced Connectivity with Complete Rewiring: The entire facility has undergone a complete rewiring to support improved Wi-Fi coverage. This investment will enable seniors to stay connected with their loved ones, access online resources, and easily participate in digital programs.

4. Advanced VoIP Telephone System: The City has implemented a modern Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephone system, improving communication and accessibility for members, as well as easily accessible phones throughout the building in the event of an emergency. This system enhances the ability to serve and support seniors, ensuring effortless connection.

In addition to these completed improvements, the City is excited to share a preview of what’s to come by the end of the year:

5. Revamped Computer Lab: The Rose Baker Senior Center will soon unveil a completely revamped computer lab with new furniture and cutting-edge technology. The upgraded equipment will provide seniors with opportunities to develop digital skills, explore the internet, and engage in virtual activities. This space will foster learning and creativity among seniors, empowering them in the digital age and improving access to modern technology.

7. State-of-the-Art AV Spaces: Three new spaces equipped with top-of-the-line audiovisual improvements will be added, offering seniors opportunities for enhanced entertainment, educational programs, and social gatherings both on-site and remotely. The modern technology will expand the capabilities to stream programming and services simultaneously at outside locations like neighborhood community centers or directly to homebound seniors. These newly updated spaces will serve as additional hybrid meeting spaces to allow for remote and in-person participation in public meetings.

“Gloucester and Cape Ann’s seniors are such a valued group in our community, and they deserve a senior center that provides modern and high-quality service,” said Mayor Greg Verga. “I am thrilled with the updates made to the Rose Baker Senior Center and the investment made in our seniors. These enhancements will add to the incredible work done by our Council on Aging staff and safeguard this building for years to come. I want to thank the Council On Aging Board of Directors for their support in these projects and for their advocacy for Gloucester’s seniors.”

The Rose Baker Senior Center extends its gratitude to the Gloucester community, local authorities, and donors whose support has made these transformations possible. These improvements are a testament to our dedication to enhancing the quality of life for seniors in our community.

“I’m thrilled with the level of attention and care that the City is giving to the Rose Baker Senior Center,” said Elise Sinagra, Director of Elder Services. “The COA staff and board are delighted at the thought of the enhanced and forward-thinking programming that will be enabled by these upgrades. It’s going to be a whole new ballgame in terms of meeting seniors’ needs with an expanded range of program options.”

For more information about the Rose Baker Senior Center and its programs, please visit https://gloucester-ma.gov/291/Council-on-Aging or contact us at (978) 325-5800.

That Light…

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Hi Joey, artists from around the world are drawn to Gloucester because of the unusual quality of the light. Just before sunset last Friday that light created a beautiful glow throughout the end of the boulevard and the Beauport Hotel. 

Brianne Caso

Surfside Subs: Check out our NEW Tuesday Special! 10/17

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

💥New Special Lobster Roll Price $13.95 🦞🦞
💥Half Off Large Cheese & One Topping Pizzas!
excluding slices & gluten free crusts

978-281-1700

147 Thatcher Rd Gloucester

ClamFest Canceled for This Weekend

Posted on by Pat D

Word from the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce is that ClamFest has fallen victim to the rainy weekend scenario we have been experiencing……. DARN. Pat D’s Photos was really looking forward to being there! Stay tuned for Pat D’s Photos updates……

“Vehicle, Boat & RV Parking Spots For Rent At Grove Street Self Storage”

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

We don’t just provide climate controlled storage units, we also have parking spots for rent! Have you thought of where you are going to park your RV or boat this winter? Check out our rates directly on our webstie:

www.grovestreetselfstorage.com

978-879-4524

61A Grove Street Gloucester MA 01930

We Voted Today and You Can Too!

Posted on by Pat D

Yep. GMG Jim and I went to City Hall during regular business hours and cast our in-person absentee ballots on Monday. Our plans for Election Day are uncertain and it was important to make certain we voted. We feel fortunate that we are allowed to cast an absentee ballot in person or by mail. For in person absentee voting in Gloucester, visit City Hall during regular business hours by noon Nov 6 and ask for a ballot. You will answer a few questions and be given clear instructions and then handed your ballot. It took less than 10 minutes for us to cast our ballots.

I became aware of this option thanks to several Facebook sharers, but Jason Grow’s Councilor page was the first place I happened to see the options (thanks Jason!). Links for further info contained in the images below. I am very grateful there are so many opportunities for voting in the manner that suits individual needs and schedules. However you vote, just do it!