photos: teens help the annual fundraiser run smoothly (click on photos to enlarge and see captions)
Sarah Jean
Who Brought the Magic for a great cause?
I don’t think that there are many individual YMCA or towns that could pull this fundraiser off so well. They don’t have Rick Doucette and the rest of the great staff in Gloucester or such a ridiculous abundance of local foodie establishments and culture. Here’s a list of Gloucester, Cape Ann and North Shore great eats and drinks establishments that participated this year:
Dazzling fine food, desserts and drinks were at every turn. Feather & Wedge, 1606 Restaurant, Mile Marker One, Classic Cooks, Azorean, Sea Glass Restaurant, and Sugar Mags served winning main dishes. To die for desserts and specialty drinks were abundant. Virgilios cannolis were gone fast!
photos: Great fun taking snapshots at all the booths. (Apologies to Liquor Locker! The only photo that didn’t come out.)
Live Entertainment – Jerome Music
Sounds of Taste of Cape Ann thanks to fine musicians were John Jerome on guitar and vocals, and Steve Jerome on drums. Cameron sat in as a back up drummer.
Wouldn’t happen without the 9th Annual Taste of Cape Ann generous sponsors:
Platinum Sponsors: Institution for Savings and Cruiseport Gloucester
Presenting Sponsors: Beauport Financial Services, Robert Stewart PC, Tom Davis CPA
plus all the participating restaurants, hotels, specialty food and liquor businesses, and local business support for all those gift basket raffles
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Congratulations Essex Heritage on 20 years of leading Essex County by helping us connect, celebrate, and preserve our exceptional cultural and natural resources!
Essex Heritage established the Essex County Scenic Byway and annual Trails and Sails weekends. They bring stakeholders together as they did with Scaling Up at Peabody Essex Museum. They have partnered, supported and funded dozens of ideas and projects in Essex County including in Gloucester and on Cape Ann. Let’s do something easy that they’re asking in return.
Please help Essex Heritage narrow down that big, big list of worthy Essex County contenders for a special shout out at the 20th Anniversary Gala. It’s up to us to choose which 4 Trailblazers will get a toast at the Essex Heritage’s milestone 20th Anniversary Gala on April 5, 2017. This idea is a very Essex Heritage thing to do: reflecting on what’s fine and good and sharing it around.
No surprise, I’m going all in Gloucester for this ballot.
Yes, they are all wonderful and deserving nominations, and you’ll recognize favorites throughout the county. BUT this isn’t an everyone gets an award type of deal. You have to narrow it down to one in each category; – thankfully else Joey might need to add an arts rant 🙂 post.
Here’s the rundown as I see it. For Category 2 “connecting people to place” it has to be Kim Smith. She is a one of a kind and exceptional artist. Kim is inspired by the people, wildlife and the natural world all around us. Right here. We are so, so fortunate that she shares her visual experiences and art every day.
And she has memorably captured nearly ALL of the other nominees in photo or film!
Here’s the crib sheet breakout through a Gloucester lens:
also love Peabody Essex Museum, Brooksby Farm, Russell Orchards, Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), Essex County Community Foundation, and Community Preservation
CAPE ANN Y COMMUNITY CELEBRATION – ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS NOW!
THE CAPE ANN YMCA ANNOUNCES NOMINATIONS FOR 2017 ANNUAL COMMUNITY AWARDS
Our Community Celebration event honors community members who make an impact every day.
Do you know someone who is making a difference in our Cape Ann community? The Cape Ann YMCA wants to hear all about them and thank them for all they do! The Y is accepting nominations for its second annual Community Awards in the areas of Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility and, new this year, the Mayor’s Youth Exemplary Award.
Join us Thursday, April 13, 2017 at 7:30 am
Cruiseport Gloucester (the event sponsor)
6 Rose Square, Gloucester.
Complimentary breakfast will be served.
Cape Ann Y Executive Director Tim Flaherty said, “This event is a great way for our Y to honor those people in Cape Ann who join us in our commitment to strengthening our community by providing essential programming regardless of one’s socio-economic situation. Last year, the honorees included Maggie Rosa and Ed Shoucair of the Gloucester Education Foundation, Erin Canniff of the Rockport Public School System and the Reverend Tom Bentley of the Trinity Congregational Church. We can’t wait to see who gets nominated and selected this year.”
Visit the Cape Ann Y and pick up a form at the front desk
Please submit all nominations by 5:00pm on February 28th for consideration by the Y’s selection committee. For more information, please contact Brian Flynn at flynnb@northshoreymca.org
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Seeing double? Yes, you’re supposed to. The Sawyer Free Library addition was designed to mirror Cape Ann Museum as a balanced and nuanced architectural symmetry in deference to City Hall, and catalyst for a graceful city civic center.
Cape Ann Museum, December 2017
Sawyer Free Library has announced a public meeting January 11th for discussions of a new building. (See the flyer at the end of this post.)
City Hall may have some upcoming construction on the Dale Avenue side as well.
Both projects are largely in the name of accessibility of a physical nature. Can they be cost effective, worthy of our history and culture, protect our significant buildings, and address current and future needs? The following are some of the issues, local coverage, links to resources, and archival material for your interest.
NEW LIBRARY 2016. And 1973.
Before the current 2015-16 library outreach, the library hosted extensive visioning sessions throughout 2013. I went to a couple, and I was invited to take part in a focus group (on schools and the library.) A completely new library and jettisoning of the historic Saunders library building was not an expressed community value. What were some common discussion points? A strategy for digitization of historic archives and newspapers, more staff, more hours of operation (Sundays), better bathrooms, parking issues, air conditioning, electrical work, maintenance, security, maximizing technology/ content access with schools, ditto Cape Ann TV, and attendance (see this great video from Lisa Smith by kids for kids ) were some goals that were mentioned.
So it was a surprise to see the unveiling of new architectural renderings that did not showcase the Saunders house. It’s like the White House not featuring the White House. I think the Saunders house should be key and central to any building overhaul, not tossed aside. Providing universal access should preserve the intended awe factors if there are any, FOR EVERYBODY–such as the architectural details, proportion, welcoming entrance and unique heritage of a historic building. In this proposal, with Saunders severed there is zero physical access to the main event. What a missed opportunity. And for a library. What do you think?
Today’s paper mentioned that the Saunders house could be used for other purposes instead of the library. Why can’t that be the case and the library maintain its #1 asset? The downtown cultural district (which is not going forward in the same capacity) and other organizations could use the library meeting spaces. Do we really need to conjure up another stand alone endeavor?
Back in 1973, the Trustees of the Library began a fund drive for the new library addition; the city of Gloucester paid 2/3. As the Library’s General Chairman, Joe Garland led that campaign. Not surprising, the text of the brochure is a good read! The architect was Donald F. Monnell. (In 1971 Monnell was quoted in the papers speaking about the attributes of Central Grammar. One likes him more and more.) The population served was 27,000–nearly what it is today.
Awesome design on this 1973 brochure for the fundraising campaign for the Sawyer Free library– led by the Joe Garland (cover). See photos of complete pamphlet
See “Preserving our Civic Center,” great letter to the editor by Prudence Fish, Gloucester Daily Times, December 23, 2016
Working together
2016 Planning term and movement- “Scaling Up”
A quip about the concept of Scaling UP that I remember from a conference this past September at Peabody Essex Museum and hosted by Essex National Heritage was to “think about the farm not just a barn”; in this case a downtown, or an entire city and region. I like thinking this way in general–architecture and planning, art, and schools. But this conference pushed me to add overlays beyond my areas of expertise or focus like wildlife and waterways. Gloucester, Cape Ann, Massachusetts–there’s so much! Mayor Romeo Theken is committed to working together and feels that planning is important and broad. One example, see Gloucester Daily Times Dec 19, 2016 Officials: City to Prioritize Its (competing) Needs
There are several looming questions, evaluations, and decisions.
Every era has choices. The prior library expansion plans began well before 1972. Possibilities swirled as they do now. (Back then, Central Grammar was also in the news, may or may not have been razed, and possible uses favored senior housing, commercial development, an annex to City Hall, and a courthouse police station.) Today there are competing building needs and uses floated for properties as diverse as: the Cape Ann YMCA on Middle Street, the post office on Dale, the Gloucester Fire Department, police headquarters, St. Ann’s, and the elementary schools–and that’s just to name a few. Let’s celebrate enviable architectural strengths, and not fuss with buildings that should be venerated, unless it’s to help them be accessible and healthy. Let’s get the balance right.
HISTORY MAKING PLEA- Archives for all
The prohibitive costs of best practice historic preservation (ADA compliant, temperature and humidity controls, security, sustainability, in house scanning/OCR/audio transcription, etc) is impossible for all the worthy collections in town, and pits them as foes when vying for funds. Let’s flip that impediment on its head and make Gloucester a model for the state. Its treasures would be available worldwide if they were trulyaccessible –digitized.Two words may help accomplish this goal and free up cash for individual operations: shared overhead. It’s one hope I continue to stress–the need to share necessary resources for a state-of-the-art research and warehouse repository. This universal hub should be large enough to encompass any holdings not on view. There could be a smaller downtown central site combined with a larger off site location, such as at Blackburn. The list of sharing institutions could include and is by no means exhaustive: our municipal archives that date back to 1642; Cape Ann Museum; Sawyer Free Library; North Shore Art Association; Beauport; Hammond Castle; the Legion; Amvets and other social clubs; Sargent House; several places of worship; Gloucester Daily Times; Annisquam historical building collections; Lanesville; Magnolia’s historic collections; artists/writers estates; Veterans office; our schools; Isabel Babson Memorial Library, and perhaps businesses such as Cape Pond Ice and Gortons. The library plans don’t appear to retrofit their site(s) for this goal.
If incentives and policy supported neighborhood character over less generic construction
that would be wonderful. It’s not just Gloucester.
Winslow Homer, Sailing out of Gloucester Harbor, 1880, Yale
SAIL GHS
Sign up for $100 per week blocks of morning lessons. Sail GHS leaves from Maritime Gloucester, Monday – Friday, from 8AM-11-11:30ish AM. The program targets middle schoolers through high school age. Participants should be able to swim, wear closed toe footwear, sunscreen, and bring a water.
Rob Bent provided the distinctive t-shirts. They’re ‘foresail’ $15 to help fund the Sail GHS program. Does anyone have a photograph of the sail club from the Horribles parade for them to replace this one?
ART SAIL GHS
Artists interested in live sketching from these sail times can email me. Sail GHS is on Facebook.
Thanks to Sail GHS board member Hilary Frye and congratulations on her new book of poetry!
Scenic spots for Gloucester’s beach swim lessons, part 1.
11:00am
From Jeremy Nestor at the YMCA:
“Beach Swim lessons are offered at Niles Beach on Tuesdays and Plum Cove on Thursdays starting July 5th. The free to member classes give children the tools they need to be safe at the beaches this summer! If you are not a member do not worry. You can still register for the Beach Swim Lessons for $50. Ages 3-5 at 11:00 am and 6-10 at 11:45 am.”
Weekly sailing camp options for kids and adults are available from the City of Gloucester through the Cape Ann YMCA. I will add additional sailing options in a separate post.
From Jeremy Nestor:
“YMCA Sailing Camp is a great way to experience all the scenic views Gloucester has to offer from a boat. Kids will learn the essential to sailing and build skills to last them a lifetime. The Cape Ann YMCA partnered with the City of Gloucester to run this recreational sailing program. We also offer adult sailing lessons on Tuesday and Thursday evenings because you don’t have to be a kid to learn the fun of sailing!”
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And hula hoops?! Thank you Garrett Coler, Sports and Recreation Director at the Cape Ann YMCA, for giving Good Morning Gloucester the scoop on the details. Sounds like something will be going on for all ages! From Garrett:
“This Saturday at Newell Stadium at Gloucester High the YMCA will be hosting a Family Activity Day where kids of all ages can come by and play pick up sports games with our staff as well as participate in parachute games, face painting, water balloon baseball and more. The event is free for all and will be followed up by a hula hoop show!
Come on down to Newell Stadium from 9:30-12 and join us! Parents welcome!”
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I had a great time at O’Maley this week, presenting to 6th graders for “Gloucester Day”. For the past couple of years, I’ve spoken with classes about the HarborWalk because they study it at some point during the academic year. 6th graders are great and all (they were fantastic), but these O’Maley teachers make it seem effortless. Me? I bought cookies from Cafe Sicilia and Virgilios to hand out! This year I ran into Tom Balf for Maritime Gloucester on the way in, heard the teachers delight in seeing their former student, David Brooks for the Hive, back as a mentor, coach and leader. I caught some of Rick Doucette’s presentation because I heard the exclamations over YMCA summer camp and the 24 sleepless hours in a rocking chair fundraiser. Allison Cousins was heading into a class with Little Charlie Goes To Gloucester, a children’s picture book about poet Charles Olson by filmmaker Henri Ferrini and illustrated by Stefan Mallette. (It was also mentioned as it’s one of the links on the Olson marker for the HarborWalk and you can see it with other Cape Ann Reads published books.) This year, Gloucester day fell on National Teacher Appreciation Day. Every day could be National Teacher Appreciation Day. Here’s the report from 6th grade social studies teacher, Jessica Haskell and her O’Maley colleagues:
On Tuesday, May 3rd, 6th grade students at O’Maley Innovation Middle School participated in “Gloucester Day” as part of an introduction to their end-of-the-year service projects. Citizens who are active members of the Gloucester community volunteered their time and expertise to come in and teach students about organizations that work to make our community a better place. Students were also introduced to ways in which they can personally get involved in these efforts through exploring and discovering their hometown, volunteering, participating in summer camps, and coming up with their own ideas. Community mentors who attended were Catherine Ryan (HarborWalk), Rick Doucette (YMCA, Awesome Gloucester), Meghan Stratton (Backyard Growers), David Brooks (The HIVE), Tom Balf (Maritime Gloucester), Beth Klinefelter (The Open Door), and Allison Cousins (O’Maley Guidance).
Thanks for sending these photos and looking forward to hearing about the students’ projects!
Get better soon, Mr. Davis.
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March….finally. Maybe, just maybe, the worst of it is over.
Pick #1
Mentioned just yesterday on GMG….and sounding like a lot of fun….is the Harlem Superstars Basketball Game!
Proceeds go to benefit the Cape Ann YMCA’s Annual Campaign!
The game starts at 7pm at Gloucester High School. Tickets are $7 per person ($8 at the door) and all proceeds support the YMCA’s Annual Campaign to provide scholarships for local kids and families.
Be sure to scan all the way down when checking out the link above. If you do you’ll find some great suggestions for where to eat some dim sum and more!
Note: In case you remember that this this parade takes place in February, you’re right. However, Chinese New Year is based on the lunar calendar, and it takes place later than usual this year.
Where: Beach Street and other nearby streets in Chinatown, Boston Closest T station: Orange Line/Chinatown (or walk over from any Downtown Boston T station Cost: Free
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GloucesterCast Podcast New Subscriber Contest #5 Will Win A Copy Of Sista Felicia’s Cookbook. A Copy Of Sista Felicia’s Cookbook Will Go To One Of The First Ten New Subscribers To The GloucesterCast. Subscribe For A Chance To Win Here
To Purchase A Copy Of Sista Felicia’s Cookbook Order Here Winner Needs To Pick Up Cookbook At The Dock
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Last Friday’s James Montgomery show jam packed Cape Ann Marina’s Waterfront Pavilion (the BIG tent next to Mile Marker One) and VIP was sold out. The photo on the right shows how close the VIP seats are to the stage.
This will be Henri’s first live CD and it features stellar guests, including Grammy-winners Charles Neville and Amadee Castenell along with young, rising stars — all brought together by Henri Smith, one of the country’s premier band leaders.
Recorded and mixed by Bill Winn (whose award-winning credits include Whitney Houston and Herbie Hancock among many others), this CD is destined to become a classic — and you can get yours signed at the concert.
Henri Smith concerts have been selling out, so you probably shouldn’t procrastinate.
Well, here in frosty New England, it used to be just another Tuesday in the dead of winter. But once Henri Smith moved to Gloucester (after Katrina blew is house down — see short bio here) we started celebrating Mardi Gras and now you have plenty of opportunities to celebrate on Cape Ann. Here are a few:
Eat and drink at Lat43 and Minglewood from 11:30 – close today and 10% of what you spend goes to help send YMCA Teens on their service learning trips to New Orleans and the Navajo Nation. Plus you can enter a raffle to win cool prizes (including 4 tickets to see Grammy-winner Charles Neville of the Neville Brothers with Henri Smith on Friday at The Larcom Theatre just down the road in Beverly).
Any time you like you can see Henri Smith and Charles Neville’s 2012 Mardi Gras concert at Minglewood Tavern on Cape Ann TV’s wicked cool streaming site here.
On Tuesday, December 3rd at Maritime Gloucester, the Gloucester Schooner Festival awarded four scholarships to Cape Ann organizations who foster greater knowledge and appreciation of Cape Ann’s coastal waters by providing opportunities for young people to sail, row or otherwise become immersed in our ocean environment. The 2013 Gloucester Schooner Festival Awards were given to adults and student representatives from GHS Sailing, Cape Ann YMCA, the Gloucester Museum School and Sea Scout Ship 5. Checks for $1,000 were presented to each organization. The grants are made available through the generosity of the corporate sponsors of the Schooner Festival, as well as raffle and merchandise sales.
The picture include the following individuals from left to right
JUST ANNOUNCED: YOU HEARD IT FIRST ON GMG
A rare opportunity to see Grammy-winning Charles Neville with Henri Smith and an 8 piece band at the historic Larcom Theatre. With its elegant horseshoe balcony, antique pressed tin ceilings and original silk wall coverings, the Larcom is a jewel practically in our own back yard. Don’t miss it, get tickets NOW!
You could get yourself in the mood by going to see Our Boy Ed get sworn in as the next Chamber President at Cruiseport this Saturday — Henri Smith & Runaround will provide music and Our Boy Joey will be the MC!
And there’s plenty of great live music all week long too — just to get you in the mood. See the week’s live music schedule here.
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Last Friday’s James Montgomery show jam packed Cape Ann Marina’s Waterfront Pavilion (the 
Good Morning Gloucester 