Dancing Sea Foam and a footbridge to nowhere

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

On Sunday, the ocean was still putting on a show.  The Sea Foam was dancing all over the Back Shore.

 

What is sea foam?  From the National Ocean Service.

Sea foam forms when dissolved organic matter in the ocean is churned up.

If you scoop up some water from the ocean in a clear glass and look at it closely, you’ll see that it’s chock full of tiny particles. Seawater contains dissolved salts, proteins, fats, dead algae, detergents and other pollutants, and a bunch of other bits and pieces of organic and artificial matter. If you shake this glass of ocean water vigorously, small bubbles will form on the surface of the liquid.

Sea foam forms in this way – but on a much grander scale – when the ocean is agitated by wind and waves. Each coastal region has differing conditions governing the formation of sea foams.

Algal blooms are one common source of thick sea foams. When large blooms of algae decay offshore, great amounts of decaying algal matter often wash ashore. Foam forms as this organic matter is churned up by the surf.

 

 

Magnolia Library Hosting 6th Annual Magtoberfest on October 11th 11am-5pm

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Magnolia’s annual block party returns with live music, food trucks, local makers market, classic cars, family activities, and a beer garden—all to benefit the Magnolia Library.

GLOUCESTER, MA. — The Magnolia Library & Community Center is excited to announce the return of Magtoberfest, the best block party in Magnolia!  The 6th Annual Magtoberfest will take place on Sunday, October 11, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. along Lexington Avenue in Magnolia.

Each year, Magtoberfest brings residents and visitors together for a day of live entertainment, local food, shopping, and family fun. 

This year’s Magtoberfest will feature:

  • Live musical performances by The Runaround and Funbucket
  • A variety of local food trucks and tents
  • A beer garden featuring Idle Hands Craft Ales
  • A Makers Market presented by Cape Ann Makers Market
  • A classic car show
  • A Kids Zone with activities for families
  • Sweet treats and specialty food vendors from across the region
  • FREE shuttle bus from Stage Fort Park (runs back and forth)

Musical performances are generously sponsored by Cape Ann Savings Bank, while the beer garden is sponsored by Reverie 73. 

Festival attendees can enjoy offerings from local favorites including Holy Cow Ice Cream, Papa’s Stuffed Sopapillas, Rhea’s Pizza, DonutNV, Meat & Sweet Foods, Crêpe du Jour, Pure Pastry, Between Pop-up,  and many more.

The event is made possible through the generous support of local sponsors, including Cape Ann Savings Bank, Reverie 73, Boston Board Up, U.S. Advisory Group, Lisa Ramos Real Estate Sales, Logue Insurance, Ferrara Electric, Pat D’s Photos, Michael Falzarano Electrical, the Magnolia Pub, and Extreme Truck & Auto.

Admission is free, and all are welcome to attend. Proceeds from Magtoberfest directly support the Magnolia Library & Community Center, helping fund the library room, community programming, and the preservation of one of Magnolia’s historic gathering places.

For more information about Magtoberfest or the Magnolia Library & Community Center, visit www.magnolialibrary.org.

Thank you, Generous Gardeners

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

 

The most beautiful event of the year is the

Generous Gardeners

Stacy Boulevard Dahlia Bouquet Sale

Saturday October 3th at 10:00 by the tennis courts

Generous Gardeners volunteers will be cutting and arranging the amazing dahlias for sale to the public Saturday morning. The flowers will be in vases for you to transport home. The dahlias are spectacular this year, so be sure to see the show of flowers before this event. Arrangements will not be set aside or pre-sold.

We do expect the flowers to continue blooming, so if you cannot make it this Saturday, find Antonietta on the boulevard (or call or text her at the number below) over the next few weeks and she will make individual arrangements for you to purchase up until we dig them out. We will not be selling tubers this fall. Any extra dahlia tubers will be sold at our spring tuber sale that is always first Saturday in June.

Thank you for your support.

Susan Kelly

781-346-1363

Antonietta Calabrese

978-907-2675

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Generous Gardeners Inc. | 2 Lexington Ave | Gloucester, MA 01930 US

 

 

October brings crisp coastal days, colorful foliage, and plenty of fall fun to Gloucester and Cape Ann. 

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

From Discover Gloucester:

From seasonal events and spooky experiences to art, outdoor adventures, fresh seafood, and more, there are plenty of reasons to plan a visit this month.

Here’s what’s happening this month in America’s Oldest Seaport:

Credit: Apple TV

Love Widow’s Bay? You might recognize some familiar places! Much of the series was filmed right here on Cape Ann, with Gloucester and Rockport standing in for the fictional coastal town. Discover the real-life locations behind the show on our blog.

Spiritualism Tours by Candlelight | Thursday Evenings Throughout October

Explore the mysterious side of Hammond Castle Museum on a candlelit tour featuring stories of spiritualism, astrology, and the supernatural.

Color & Light with Water-Based Oils | October 1, 8, 15 & 22

Explore color and light with local artist Melody Phaneuf during this four-week, small-group painting workshop for all experience levels.

Halloween on the Hill | October 1–30, Wednesdays–Sundays

Thousands of glowing jack-o’-lanterns, an eerie graveyard, haunted pirate ship, and more family-friendly frights transform Long Hill in Beverly for the season.

Elizabeth Bish Artist Talk| October 2

Join 2026 Gloucester Invitational Artist Elizabeth Bish at the Cultural Center at Rocky Neck for an intimate conversation about her artistic journey, process, and residency.

Cape Ann Plein Air | October 3–11

Watch 36 juried artists capture Cape Ann’s coastal landscapes during a week of plein air painting, demonstrations, special events, the Gala & Art Sale, and more.

Cape Ann Artisans Fall Open Studios | October 10–11

Visit artists in their studios throughout Gloucester and Rockport, meet the makers, see where their work is created, and find a new piece to take home.

Rocky Neck Beaux Arts Ball Halloween Bash | October 24

Celebrate Halloween Rocky Neck-style with costumes, live music, dancing, a costume contest, prizes, and a silent auction of one-of-a-kind experiences.

Barebones Wood Carving Workshops | October 24–29 & November 7–12

Learn traditional woodcarving techniques during upcoming workshops with master woodcarver David Calvo.

Halloween Halibut Hoedown | October 28

Celebrate Schooner Adventure’s 100th anniversary at The Cut with live music, dancing, costumes, maritime mischief, and plenty of Halloween fun.

Boo-Port Spooktacular Halloween Cruise | October 31

Set sail on Gloucester Harbor for a family-friendly Halloween cruise featuring pumpkin decorating, crafts, treats, music, costumes, and more.

Beauport Hotel Halloween Soirée | October 31

Dress up for a 21+ Halloween celebration by the harbor featuring live DJ entertainment, late-night bites, a costume contest, and more.View the Full Event Calendar >>

Surfside Subs THURSDAY 10/1 SPECIALS! 🍂

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Make Thursday a good one with lunch or dinner from SurfSide and a sweet treat from Long Beach Dairy Maid! 🦞🍕🍦

🌊 SurfSide — OPEN 11-9

🦞 $17.99 + tax Lobster Roll served with Chips & Pickles

🍕 Buy any 18” Pizza and get a 2nd 18” Pizza HALF PRICE!

Limit of 2 per customer

🍕 16” Pizzas HALF PRICE!

Limit of 3 per customer

🍦 Long Beach Dairy Maid — OPEN 2-9

🍁 Try our Maple Soft Serve Creemee sprinkled with Maple Sugar!

❤️ Buy any ice cream and get the 2nd HALF OFF!

Second item of equal or lesser value.

Grab dinner, then finish the night with ice cream! 😋🍂

SurfSide exclusions:

Excludes gluten free

Excludes online orders

Pizza specials cannot be combined

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro
episode-127Download

This episode could save a life. Maybe even yours.


(We’re not medical professionals, and this content is not a substitute for medical advice.)


Picture this: you’re driving to your boyfriend’s house on the Fourth of July weekend when the phone rings. It’s your doctor — and you already know what’s coming. “You have breast cancer.” You’ve been diligent about mammograms since your early 30s — years before the recommended age of 40 — only to discover you have two types of breast cancer.


That’s the reality our guests faced. In Episode 127, B-Side sits down with our own Alicia Cox and Mix 104.1’s Kennedy Elsey as they open up about their diagnoses, their recoveries, and the journeys in between.


A special thank-you to Quincy’s own Annie Dow for recording our opener, sharing the facts, and giving important trigger warnings.


Kennedy and Alicia talk about the moment they found out, the decision to go public, the ups and downs of treatment, and how they’re doing now.


⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of anatomy, mental health, suicidal thoughts, and body-related topics.
Please listen through to the end — we’re sharing a full list of resources for anyone who needs them.
You are not alone. Your light is needed.

🎗 Massachusetts Resources
Screening & Patient Navigation
Massachusetts Breast & Cervical Cancer Program (MBCCP): Free screenings (mammograms, Pap tests) + navigation, transportation, childcare, and interpretation support for eligible women 40–64.

Ellie Fund: Free grocery gift cards, meals, childcare reimbursement, transportation, housekeeping, and integrative therapies for patients in treatment.

CHAT Program – Brigham & Women’s Hospital: Up to $1,200 annually for medication, wigs, prostheses, sleeves, transportation, childcare, and counseling.

Pawsitively4Pink: Financial assistance and personalized support for underserved women diagnosed with breast cancer.

BIDMC Breast Cancer Support: Support groups, online community, specialty shop, and caregiver resources at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

Mental Health & Crisis
Samaritans 24/7 Helpline: Call or text 988

Hey Sam (ages up to 24): Text 439-726 (9 AM – 12 AM ET)

Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line: Call (833) 773-2445

🎗 New Hampshire Resources
Screening & Patient Navigation
NH Breast & Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP): Free breast and cervical screenings statewide.

My Breast Cancer Support: Financial and emotional support for patients and families in Seacoast NH & southern Maine.

Pink Revolution NH: Coalition providing financial support and easing treatment burdens.

American Cancer Society – NH: Transportation, advocacy, and local programs like Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

SNH Health Cancer Support Group: Twice-monthly meetings in Nashua for patients and families.

Mental Health & Crisis
NH Rapid Response / Behavioral Health Crisis: Call or text (833) 710-6477 or visit NH988.com

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (National): Call or text 988

Mobile Crisis Teams: Access through the NH Rapid Response line

🌐 Additional Regional Resources (MA + NH)
Susan G. Komen New England: Funding research + real-time support services.

American Cancer Society: Comprehensive programs, events, and local resources across both states.

BreastCancerAwareness #BreastCancerSupport #BreastCancerSurvivor #FightBreastCancer #CancerAwareness #CancerSupport #CancerWarrior #StrongerThanCancer #HopeForACure #PinkRibbon #ThinkPink #YouAreNotAlone #SurvivorStories #EarlyDetectionSavesLives #MammogramMatters #HealthScreening #PreventBreastCancer #PinkPower #CourageOverFear

#MentalHealthAwareness #EndTheStigma #MentalHealthMatters #SelfCareMatters #YouMatter #ItsOkayToNotBeOkay #BreakTheSilence #MindfulLiving #EmotionalWellness #HealingJourney #HopeAndHealing #MentalHealthSupport #WellnessWarrior #TalkAboutIt #MentalStrength
#Samaritans #HeySam #SuicidePrevention #CrisisSupport #YouthSupport #PeerSupport #YoungVoicesMatter #ReachOut #SafeSpace #StayConnected #StrengthInSupport #SupportEachOther

October is For Pumpkins

Posted on by Pat D

I just love pumpkins all ready to go. One of my favorite spots is Russell Orchards in Ipswich. If you need a pumpkin fix, I highly recommend this scenic spot which also has delicious treats and farm animals!

Rose Baker Goings On

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

The leaves are falling and painting the landscape with color. At Rose Baker, there is a lot going on. Daily activities can be found by going to www.gloucester-ma.gov, clicking on Departments and scrolling down to the Council on Aging. You can see our newsletter or call 978-325-5812 to get on our mailing list. For events indicating registration, please stop by or call Natalia at the above phone number. Follow us on Facebook – Rose Baker Senior Center Gloucester

Special things going on:

October 5th and 19th – 1:00 – 3:00 -Old Salties

October 15th – 9:30 – Element Care Presentation (please register)

October 26th – 12:00 – Coffee with Elise

October 29th – 11:30 – Halloween Party Luncheon (please register)

October 29th – 4:00 – 7:00 – Energy Savings Fair.  Lots of information, raffles, flu shots, pumpkin painting and pizza (please register)

*** No line dancing October 14th or 21st

*** Shine appointments start October 15th.  The Open Enrollment period is October 15th – December 7th.  Please call 978-325-5820 to make an appointment.

Movies on Thursdays at 12:30

October 8th – Skyfall with Daniel Craig, Javiar Bardem and Judy Dench

October 22nd – Touch of Class with George Segal and Glenda Jackson

October 29th – The Jerk with Steve Martin and Bernadette Peters (Begins at 1:15)

Seniors on the Go Bus – Please register

October 5th – Topsfield Fair $10 Senior Ticket Day – Tickets at the gate.

October 19th – J.C. Penny/Champions PubOctober 26th – Dollar Store at Liberty Tree/Depot Diner

Here’s the payoff meal rundown at The Lobster. Jimmy Dalpiaz is a man of honor. Paying off on his Red Sox vs Mets better regular season record bet of drink/app/entree/dessert. 

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Before my shift at the Visitors’ Center

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

On Tuesday, look what we saw at Stage Fort Park.  What a dress and being on top of a Clydesdale.  Not sure what was going on.  It looks like a perfume ad.  Beautiful dress and a gorgeous horse.

Elizabeth Bish to Present Artist Talk at Rocky Neck Cultural Center

Posted on by James Eves

Friday, October 2 at 6:00 PM
Cultural Center at Rocky Neck, 6 Wonson Street, Gloucester, MA

Open Studio on Saturday, October 24 from 2-4 PM
51 Main Street (Rear), Gloucester, MA

Elizabeth Bish Closing Talk on Friday, October 30 at 6 PM
51 Main Street (Rear), Gloucester, MA

The Rocky Neck Art Colony invites the community to join Gloucester artist Elizabeth Bish for an intimate Artist Talk on Friday, October 2, at 6 PM at the Cultural Center at Rocky Neck.

As the 2026 Gloucester Invitational Artist, Bish will share her artistic journey and process to date and how she’s looking forward to the Goetemann Artist Residency  providing her with the time and space to explore new directions in her painting, pushing her familiar language of landscape and still life toward greater abstraction.

A longtime Gloucester resident and practicing chiropractor, Bish has devoted decades to the study and practice of painting. Working primarily in oils, her work encompasses landscape, still life, figurative painting, and abstraction. Her paintings are grounded in close observation while increasingly exploring the possibilities of color, shape, gesture, and abstraction.

Bish has exhibited throughout Cape Ann, including at the Rockport Art Association, North Shore Arts Association, and Patricia Sullivan Gallery. Her work reflects a deep connection to the Cape Ann landscape and a continuing curiosity about how that landscape can be translated through paint.

The Artist Talk is open to the public. For more information, visit the Rocky Neck Art Colony or contact the Cultural Center at Rocky Neck.  RNAC.director@gmail.com.  

Rocky Neck Art Colony Announces 2026 Beaux Arts Ball Halloween Bash

Posted on by James Eves

A spirited night of costumes, live music, dancing, and 12 one-of-a-kind experiences up for bid

Get ready for an unforgettable night of Halloween fun, creativity, and Rocky Neck style! The Rocky Neck Art Colony (RNAC) will host its third annual Beaux Arts Ball Halloween Bash on Saturday, October 24, from 6–10 p.m. at 51 Rocky Neck Restaurant.

This is not your ordinary Halloween party.  GET YOUR TICKETS HERE.

Guests are invited to come dressed to impress—or dressed to surprise—for an evening filled with live music, dancing, passed hors d’oeuvres, a costume contest, prizes, and plenty of creative Rocky Neck spirit. Artists, friends, neighbors, and art lovers will come together for one of the Colony’s most festive celebrations of the year.

And this year, the fun extends beyond the dance floor.

12 One-of-a-Kind Experiences Up for Bid

Adding to the excitement is a special online silent auction featuring 12 unique, one-of-a-kind experiences.

These aren’t your typical auction items. Each experience offers an opportunity to do, see, taste, learn, or enjoy something truly memorable—created especially for this year’s Beaux Arts Ball.

The auction will be open for viewing and online bidding, so everyone can take part, whether attending the Ball or cheering from afar.

“This is one of those evenings that captures the spirit of Rocky Neck—creative, welcoming, a little unexpected, and a whole lot of fun,” says Elizabeth Carey, Executive Director of the Rocky Neck Art Colony. “And the auction has some wonderfully unusual experiences that we think people will have a lot of fun discovering and bidding on.”

Come in Costume. Come to Dance. Come for the Fun.

The Beaux Arts Ball has quickly become a Rocky Neck fall tradition, bringing together the Colony’s artistic community and friends from throughout Cape Ann for an evening of celebration and connection.

So gather your friends, dream up your costume, and join the party!

Tickets are now on sale to the public.

Beaux Arts Ball Halloween Bash

Saturday, October 24, 2026
6–10 p.m.
51 Rocky Neck Restaurant
51 Rocky Neck Avenue, Gloucester, MA

Tickets and event information:  HERE

Online Silent Auction:
Watch for the auction to open online and discover all 12 extraordinary experiences available for bidding.

Proceeds from the Beaux Arts Ball and silent auction support the programs and activities of the Rocky Neck Art Colony, helping sustain exhibitions, artist opportunities, education, cultural programming, and the historic Cultural Center at Rocky Neck.

About Rocky Neck Art Colony

Founded in 1973, the Rocky Neck Art Colony is a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to nurturing excellence in the arts and celebrating the artistic history and culture of Rocky Neck. Through exhibitions, workshops, artist opportunities, cultural events, and community partnerships, RNAC helps sustain the creative spirit and cultural vitality of this historic art colony.

Tonight!: A Rare Look at Hammond’s Personal Letters, Diary & Photographs from the Earliest Days of the Castle’s Construction

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

~ Hammond Castle Museum~

One hundred years ago, John Hays Hammond Jr. embarked on one of the most ambitious projects of his life: building Hammond Castle Museum. But why construct a brand new medieval-inspired castle after already transforming his previous home into a castle-like residence? And why was Hammond absent during the first year of construction, entrusting oversight of the project to one of the Hammond Research Laboratory’s engineers?

Join us tomorrow evening as Collections Director Beth Welin takes us on a fascinating look back at 1926 as we explore the personal, professional, and historical events that shaped Hammond’s life during this pivotal year. Discover how the construction of his extraordinary home and laboratory unfolded, the people who helped bring his vision to life, and the remarkable story behind one of Cape Ann’s most iconic landmarks.

Museum members enjoy complimentary admission.
A $15 fee applies to the general public. Reservations encouraged.

We’re opening the diary, sharing the letters, and exploring the archives to discover what was really happening during the year it all began. There may even be a little tea (with Mussolini) spilled along the way! Reserve Your Seats Here!

Tomorrow Evening: A Rare Look at Hammond’s Personal Letters, Diary & Photographs from the Earliest Days of the Castle’s Construction

Surfside Subs WICKED WEDNESDAY = DOUBLE THE DEALS! 🍕🍦

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

We’ve got something for everyone today! Stop by Long Beach Dairy Maid for a sweet treat, then head over to SurfSide for some seriously good Wednesday specials! 🙌

🍦 LONG BEACH DAIRY MAID — OPEN 2–9

Buy any ice cream and get the 2nd HALF PRICE!

*Second ice cream must be of equal or lesser value.

🍕 SURFSIDE — OPEN 11–9

🍕 Buy any 18” pizza and get the 2nd 18” HALF PRICE!

*Limit 2 per customer

🦞 BONUS SPECIALS

🦞 $17.99 + tax Lobster Roll served with Chips & Pickles

🍕 16” Pizzas HALF PRICE!

*Limit 3 per customer

Come hungry, save room for ice cream, and make your Wednesday a good one! 😋

Pizza specials exclude gluten free and online orders. Pizza specials cannot be combined.