Good Morning Gloucester

Three authors reveal the stories behind

their unforgettable memoirs

ROCKPORT — Three of our region’s favorite authors have agreed to summon the same candor, wit and grit they used to write their unforgettable memoirs to speak with us about what it has been like to publish candid and personal material. And, yes, there are stories yet to tell.

Literary Cape Ann is thrilled to announce that Andre Dubus III, Benjamin Anastas and Steve Almond will appear in person at the Shalin Liu Performance Center at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 19. Their memoirs — “William Stoner and the Battle for the Inner Life” by Steve Almond; “Townie” by Andre Dubus III; and “Too Good to be True” by Benjamin Anastas — are powerful, unflinching and critically acclaimed. Sometimes witty, sometimes wrenching, the memoirs are thought-provoking page-turners worthy of a deep dive. Literary Cape Ann is proud to present this discussion to Cape Ann. Admission is free of charge, but seating is limited due to the ongoing pandemic. Those who wish to attend should bring masks and proof of vaccination, should these items still be required.

On the cusp of spring and the reopening of Cape Ann after extended and careful COVID precautions, Literary Cape Ann joins with readers and residents in welcoming this special literary treat. The authors’ books will be on sale after the discussion, and all three authors will sign books. Those interested are invited to visit LCA’s Facebook page to view a recording of the event.

Literary Cape Ann extends a very special thank you to the authors for their generosity, to Shalin Liu Performance Center for offering its beautiful space, to The Bookstore of Gloucester for helping to promote the event and selling the authors’ books, and to Literary Cape Ann’s longtime sponsors: SUN Engineering in Danvers, Bach Builders in Gloucester and the Institution for Savings. Since the closing of Toad Hall independent bookstore in Rockport, Literary Cape Ann has continued to provide information and events that support and reinforce the value and importance of the literary arts.

More about the authors:

Benjamin Anastas

banastas@bennington.edu

Benjamin Anastas is the author of the novels “An Underachiever’s Diary” (Dial Press) and “The Faithful Narrative of a Pastor’s Disappearance” (FSG). His memoir, “Too Good to Be True “(Little A), was a national bestseller, and his short fiction has appeared in The Paris Review and Yale Review, where it was awarded the annual Smart Family Prize for Fiction. 

His journalism, essays and reviews have appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine, The New Republic, Harper’s, Bookforum, the Oxford American, and “The Best American Essays” anthology. He teaches literature and writing at Bennington College and is the fiction editor at the Bennington Review. He is from Cape Ann and his late father, Peter Anastas, is also known for his fiction and nonfiction.

Steve Almond

stevealmondjoy.org

Steve Almond is the author of a dozen books, including New York Times bestsellers “Candyfreak” and “Against Football.” His new novel, “All the Secrets of the World,” [https://bookshop.org/books/all-the-secrets-of-the-world/9781638930020] will be published in April by Zando Books, and has been optioned for television by 20th Century Fox. He’s the recipient of an NEA grant for 2022 and teaches at Harvard and Wesleyan. His stories have been published in the “Best American Short Stories,” the “Best American Mysteries” and “Best American Erotica,” and his essays and reviews have appeared in the New York Times Magazine.

Andre Dubus III

www.andredubusIII.com

Andre Dubus III’s seven books include the New York Times’ bestsellers “House of Sand and Fog,” “The Garden of Last Days” and his memoir, “Townie.” His most recent novel, “Gone So Long,” has been named on many “Best Books” lists, including The Boston Globe’s “Twenty Best Books of 2018.” His new novel, “Such Kindness,” is forthcoming in 2023, and his essay collection, “Ghost Dogs,” will be released in 2024. Dubus has been a finalist for the National Book Award, and has been awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship, The National Magazine Award for Fiction, two Pushcart Prizes, and is a recipient of an American Academy of Arts and Letters Award in Literature. His books are published in over 25 languages, and he teaches full time at the University of Massachusetts Lowell.

O’Maley Academy Drama Club officially reopened to a live audience, with a cast of over 60 middle schools students in their performance of The Little Mermaid Jr.  Following an opening weekend of 3 sold out shows, you can still see this double cast production at O’Maley Innovation Middle School: Friday 3/11 at 7:30pm, Saturday 3/12 at 7:00pm, and Sunday 3/13 at 1:00pm. Tickets can be purchased through the O’Maley Innovation Middle School website, and due to limited capacity, must be purchased in advance. 

(All Photography by Martin Del Vecchio)

VINEYARD ROAD’S COLLECTION OF FINE AND RARE WINE, FEATURED FOR THIS SAVOUR- SATURDAY COMPLIMENTARY TASTING, BEGINS OUR FOCUS TO TRANSITIONAL WINES  MATCHED TO THE SEASON AS MARCH HERALDS SPRING. GUEST HOST DAVE BENDER’S VR PORTFOLIO SPECIALIZES IN SMALL PRODUCTION ARTISANAL VINTNERS, EMERGING PRODUCERS OF JUST 5 YEARS TO 500 YEAR-OLD ESTATES…WINES THAT TAKE US FROM COOL TO WARMER CLIMES AND SPRINGTIME!  

WHAT & WHY: For this Saturday and over a series of upcoming weekend tastings going well into April, culminating with the celebration of Easter, we are bringing you wines that are both “paired” to the changing climes, and the food “we” prepare as in-season ingredients become available. Kathleen’s expertise in pairing wine and food, sharing her know-how with our loyal customers continues in ’22. We are pleased our tastings present wines new to your palette. Each Saturday offers the occasion to learn, taste and experience fine wines of complexity.

WHO: Guest Host Dave Bender, Vineyard Road wine merchant / importer and Savour’s Kathleen Morgan have chosen wines  primarily from small, independent, innovative vintners

WHEN: This Saturday, March 12th,  from 2pm to 4pm +… @ Savour

HOW: Saturday tastings are complimentary, as is parking behind the store with rear entrance.

Saturday’s Pourings Features: Wines Of Brittany (organic cider), Upper Loire, Austria, Alsace, Veneto  and Southern Rhone  

Cedric le Bloas, Cidrerie du Leguer, Lannion,  Brittany organic certified cider, NV, ADV 5%
Varietals: Apple blending: 5% bitter, 50% bitter-sweet, 25% sweet, 20% sharp. Tasting: From “cider central”, France’s Brittany comes this absolutely cracking drink from Cédric Le Bloas at Cidrerie du Leguer. Organically farmed and at the lo-fi end of the scale, Cédric’s ciders are pure as pure can be with a brilliant interplay between the sweetness of the apple-pear-quince, spice fruit, the acidity and the knife’s edge of bitterness….it’s all about tension and attention to detail.‘BrutBrut’!!!…..extra dry even. Pairs Well: Best to say this cider is broadly food friendly! … $14.99

Domaine Villargeau les Abeilles Sauvignon Blanc, Upper Loire,  Coteaux du Gennois 2019, Alc. 13.5%, Varietals: Sauvignon Blanc, Tasting: A rich, luscious style of wine, with dense citrus and pineapple flavors, this is flooded by sunshine and generous fruitiness. There is a light tang in the texture and some fresher final crispness that serves as a balance to the wine’s full-blown ripeness. Drink from 2021. Pairs Well: Enjoy with all fish, seafood and white meat dishes. Ratings: Wine Enthusiast 90 pts … $19.99

Salomon Undhof Troken (dry) Riesling, Kremstal, Austria 2019, Alc. 13.5%
Varietals: Riesling Tasting: A yeasty expression  infiltrates the soaring tangerine notes on the nose, pointing to its youthfulness. The citrus theme continues on the palate where we have the same youthful yeastiness adding some flesh to the zesty body. This is slender yet concentrated, with citric verve and pithiness making it utterly refreshing. The finish is lip-smacking and pristine. Pairs Well: grilled figs wrapped in prosciutto, grilled pork loin, shellfish, spicy foods, cured meats Ratings: Wine Enthusiast 95 pts….$32.99                        

Domaine Barmes-Boucher Rosenberg Pinot Blanc, Alsace, Fr.2019, Alc. 14%
Varietals: Pinot Blanc Tasting: Golden colour… Minerals and a dankness on the nose with the relief of some peach. Then a gulp of pineapple and orange, lemon and spice – pepper, clove. Luscious, weighty fruit, but good acidity and clean mouthfeel. Long follow through. Delicious on its own and well up to a curry. Pairs Well: grilled salmon, tuna tartare, shellfish, mild & soft cheese, cured meats.…ah yes, Mediterranean  Ratings: Wine Enthusiast 90 pts …$27.99

Pra Morandina Valpolicella, DOC, Vento, It. 2020 Alc. 12.5%, Varietals: Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Oseleta, Tasting: Pra Valpolicella is born from biodynamic principles. Atypical for the appellation, this wine offers a unique profile and a reserved colour similar to Pinot Noir.  Mild spices, cherry and vegetal notes mark the supple and lively mouth feel, presenting Valpolicella under a different light. Pairs Well: rib roast, pasta bolognese, veal and Cornish game hen….$.24.99

Piaugier Cotes-du-Rhone, ‘Sablet’ Villages Rouge, AOC, 2020, Alc. 14.5%
Varietals: Shiraz / Syrah, Grenache. Tasting: Medium-bodied, dry. Vibrant and aromatic on the nose followed by lots of earth, minerals, black berries, pepper and spice on the palate. The finish is long and earthy with ripe tannins, Pairs Well: Gourmet burgers, grilled lamb chops, beef stew with root vegetables, game (deer, venison)  … $19.99

Everything Savour Deli Foods – American & Imported Artisan Producers
starting with our signature cheese portfolio curated to pair nicely to our wines as are all our foods…pates  l  Charcuterie  l  cured – uncured meats  l condiments  l  spreads  l
fab-frozen baguettes from Canada  l  distinctive crackers l  Boston sweets  l  imported
chocolate bars l  you-pour imported Greek Olive Oil  l  fresh foods to-go  ….the unexpected.  

Adding to the Vineyard Road Tasting This Saturday is Savor’s Everyday Tech Tastings at the North Shore’s Only Digital Wine Machine. Fun to use!
>Taste up to 20 wines with new selections regularly added…& yes, complimentary. Kathleen welcomes your questions for food pairings.

Welcome Your Donation in any amount (suggest $5) for Pathways for Children.
                                                                                                      Thank You! …Kathleen

For Your Mobile Calendar l Mar.-April Savour Wine Tastings!
March 12 – Dave Bender of Vineyard Road Wines
March 19 – Brooke Overheiser of Connoisseur Wines (Martignetti)
March 26 – Chris Hoffman, Oz Wines
***************************************************************************
April 2 – Gordon Alexander, owner Terrior Wines – “Italian Tasting”  
April 9 – Anthony Sciarappa, Carolina Wines Divi. of Martignetti
April 16 -Bob McVicker, Masciarelli Wines  

PLEASE NOTE: Updated Mask Policy: Gloucester’s Board of Health has ended mask requirements in all public spaces including the retail community while encouraging people to continue to wear face coverings when indoors and with people of unknown vaccination status, and to respect, to be tolerant of people’s choice to wear masks.
> In accordance with the new policy, we welcome customers and vendors without mask and welcome customers and vendors wearing masks.
>Savour continues to provide the safest possible shopping environment for the health & well-being of our customers & our Savour team.
>We continue using our 5 Molekule high performance air purification units that clear the air of 99.9% of viruses, bacteria and allergens every hour, store wide.
>We welcome your use of our hand sanitizers. We will continue to sanitize credit cards before returning, and ask you respect customers who continue to socially distance. Thank you!

                   We are pleased to continue curbside pickup service

                  Savour Wine & Cheese  l  76 Prospect St.  l  Gloucester l  978. 282 .1455    
savourwineandcheese.com

Design of Mine in Gloucester recently advertised some special discounts to celebrate reopening so, of course, I had to go down there ….. for the blog of course….. I had not been there in quite a while (2 years anyone?) and I love their stuff so off I went with wallet in hand. To my delight, GMG contributor Joanne was minding the store and we had a nice chat. I purchased a sweater at a very reasonable price made even better by the application of the mystery discount! Friendly service and interesting items make it a no brainer. Welcome back for the Spring Design of Mine!

Jim Capillo writes:

Join Phil and Jim for the Quarter Finals of the 2022 D2 Tournament, Friday 3/11 at 5PM! Gloucester vs Norwood. Get your tickets early, it will be a barnburner!!!

We’ll be livecasting on both of our outlets, Facebook and YouTube – just search for “Cape Ann LIVE” in the search bar.

Please subscribe and share!!!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Joey C (@captjoe06)

Yes.

Early morning light…

IMPORTANT MESSAGE & DATE CHANGE- 2022 BLUEFIN BLOWOUT

Change!! Yes, the last almost 3 years have been nothing but change, and many times change is for the good.  Cidalia and I recently met with our friends at NOAA to try to get an understanding of the commercial fishing schedule for Atlantic Bluefin Tuna.  As many of you know, the schedule last year was reconfigured to allow for some days of commercial tuna fishing and other days were allocated to those boats that fall into the recreational category. When we first planned the tournament for this year, we consulted with NOAA and explained our tournament days would be like years past, but the simple answer was “a ruling has not been determined.”   Well, a ruling has now been determined and we cannot successfully hold the tournament on the days we first advertised July 28 to the 30th.  BUT we can and will hold the tournament on July 26^th – July 28^th .  This way all contestants can fish back to back days of July 27^th and 28^th .    This is actually a better schedule in couple of ways as there will be less marina traffic and more available lodging. Lastly, the various fishing grounds will be less pressured. Simply put we fish Wednesday and Thursday versus Friday and Saturday with the kickoff party on Tuesday evening.  

If you have registered your boat with us and you cannot accommodate these dates, we will happily refund your entry fee.  If you are good to go with the new date change, then just sit tight and we will continue to update all our crews, volunteers, sponsors and fans.  It’s going to be a great season for Bluefin Tuna fishing and raising money to help our friends at the Alzheimer’s Association.  Contact: Cidalia Schwartz cschwartz@lyonwaugh.com 

One last note, the Bluefin Bash our fundraising party under the tent is now scheduled for July 13th.   This is one of the best parties on Cape Ann and we raise a “boatful” of money on that evening too.  Cidalia will be filling everyone in on the details and it will be a great way to kick off the tournament.  Contact: Cidalia Schwartz cschwartz@lyonwaugh.com 

Thanks in advance for all your understanding and please know that everyone is working diligently to make this tournament happen at the fabulous Cape Ann’s Marina & Resort and the best and oldest fishing port in the good old USA…..Gloucester, MA. 

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 

May 15^th Bluefin Blowout 5k 

July 13^th Bluefin Bash Fundraiser- Benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association 

July 26^th Captains’ Welcome 

July 27^th Fish & Weigh In 

July 28^th Fish, Weigh In, and Closing Ceremonies 

LODGING 

Cape Ann’s Marina & Resort – Room Block BB2022 

The Beauport – Gloucester – Room Block Bluefin Blowout / Lyon-Waugh Auto Group 

I wanted to see if you can post this on your facebook page for Cape Ann Youth Hockey!  We have an amazing program for Learn To Skate Kids for the past 8 weeks and we are now doing another session and would like to get more kids involved can you post this program on your Facebook page also attaching the link for parents to register their kids!  

This Saturday is last day of the first 8 week session but we will be starting a new season next saturday March 19th same time same place! We’d love to get more kids involved for this new session the current one we have like 70 kids and this new session so far only 11 or so! We need to get more kids signed up now! We just think for some reason parents are not aware of the new session!

Anything you can do to get info out is much appreciated!  

Thank you

Sarah Earl

Link here- https://www.leagueathletics.com/Registration/Restrictions.asp?RegID=221270&n=32360&org=capeannyouthhockey.com