Tag: Kathie Gilson

For Stage Fort Park Volunteers: 2017 Thank You Luncheon at Captain Carlo’s

Posted on by Catherine

The traditional end of season Stage Fort Park Volunteers Thank you Lunch was held on Wednesday October 11 at Captain Carlo’s, and was hosted by the City of Gloucester, Mayor Romeo Theken, the Tourism Commission, and Captain Carlo’s. It was a lovely day and a great meal at a beautiful waterfront restaurant!

20171011_121725

The Stage Fort Park Welcome Center would not be open if not for a big group of dedicated volunteers: BERNICE B, ALFREDA O, CINDY H, CAROL M, DAVE & MARY F, DIANE U, DONNA C, ED H, ESTHER Y, GINNY C, JAN B, JOE M, KAREN B, DATHERINE P, LAURA D, ANN T, MARY C, MARYELLEN C, MAUREEN M, MIKE & LORETTA M, PEGGY M, RACHEL G, ROSIE S, STEVE D, SUSAN G, WINNIFRED D, BOB & EVELYN G, SOPHIE R, DONNA A, LINDA D, LIANNE A, and STEVE D.

Thank them! If you’re interested in joining this fun group, ask them about volunteering and why they do it. They have great stories to share. Kathie Gilson manages the volunteers. Gilson said that many volunteers return year after year, and for the 2017 season, volunteers took on extra shifts because the Stage Fort Park Welcome Center was short on coverage. The visitor center is open to the public from May through Columbus Day weekend. It’s a busy stop for visitors to Gloucester and the region. Over the summer of 2017, volunteers helped 15,000 visitors. Some said coming to Gloucester was “on their bucketlist”, others return each and every year. Visitors came from every state. Guests from North Dakota were the last state to make the tally. The Stage Fort Park Volunteers keep a guest book. Not everyone coming through signs in or leaves a note though the ones that do write in comments about Gloucester’s beauty and its friendly residents and businesses. The park is a jewell.

Captain Carlo’s owner, Carla O’Connor, is a member of the Tourism Commission for the City of Gloucester and she organzied the event. Gloucester businesses worked together with the City to offer scrumptious local favorites: baked haddock and chowder from Captain Carlos: chicken broccoli and  ziti from Causeway; and braised beef from Azorean. Desserts were from Pauline’s Gifts, Caffe Sicillia and Captain Carlo’s.  Castle Manor Inn made a contribution.

20171011_121508
Kathie Gilson (L), Carla O’Connor (R) welcome the volunteers

carla and mayor.jpg

The baked haddock–ALL the food was yummy!

20171011_120500

 

 

Gloucester photos from Zuiderdam cruise guest Larry Stock!

Posted on by Catherine

Thank you for sharing your perspective, Larry! The collage of 8 photos is followed by the ‘read more’ link for closer inspection of each of his terrific shots. His photographs document highlights from his visit including City Hall, climbing the tower, the murals, and a Cape Pond Ice tour. The September 24th visit was a full day into night port of call, and coincided with Essex National Heritage Trails & Sails. The welcome volunteers had prepared a list of things to do on that fun and busy Saturday. By 1:30PM, over 1200 Holland America passengers and crew had come through Cruiseport on this second September visit. (That clicker count does not include the package tours booked in advance.)

Holland America Zuiderdam port of call: Gloucester, MA View of Bay & Zuiderdam from bell level of City Hall tower © Larry Stock, September 24, 2016
Holland America Zuiderdam port of call: Gloucester, MA Singers greeting cruise guests at Cruiseport dock © Larry Stock, September 24, 2016
Holland America Zuiderdam port of call: Gloucester, MA Singers greeting cruise guests at Cruiseport dock © Larry Stock, September 24, 2016

20160924_140612

20160924_131629

Continue reading “Gloucester photos from Zuiderdam cruise guest Larry Stock!” →

Super special offers September 24 Holland America Cruise Ship and Trails&Sails

Posted on by Catherine

How exciting that  Holland America  and Trails and Sails are coming to Gloucester and Cape Ann this weekend! There are many special offers and events to help welcome visitors. This will be the second of three big cruise ships coming into port this month to Cruiseport Gloucester. It won’t leave Gloucester harbor till 11PM.  Last time I expected sight seeing, museum visits and shopping as reasons passengers disembarked. They did that. If you go by the clicker counter, 844 (give or take another hundred), plus 650 who pre-booked excursions, came ashore.

img_0759
photo caption: Elizabeth Carey Discover Gloucester greeted and clicked. Peter Webber Cape Ann Chamber photograph.

I was surprised by how many passengers from a seemingly all inclusive cruise opted to take a whale watch trip and dine out. They did that, too. I’ll report back fun facts, but today I wanted to post about the special offers and events.

Working TOGETHER to welcome everyone is a beautiful thing. Thanks to the organizers (with a big shout out to Jeanne Hennessey, Joe Ciolino, Kathie Gilson, Peter Webber, Lorre Anderson, Bob Ryan and Elizabeth Carey):

 

screenshot_092316_033534_pm

 

20160922_170019

photo caption: Bob Ryan/CATA, Jeanne Hennessey, Paul Talbot at Cruiseport planning out logistics for Saturday September 24, 2016

CATA created a special map for continuous downtown trolley loops (“frequency is key”) and to Rocky Neck and Rockport. The special pass covers their bus routes. What an incredible deal! They are extending operations until 10PM.  A new addition: Beauport Ambulance Services will be offering a shuttle bus for an Essex/Manchester/Cruiseport route. Kathie Gilson prepared and made hundreds of copies of a lobster roll list (a big common request), special events, and the Gimme Sound music schedule. Kudos to the volunteers, organizations and businesses for their hard work and creativity.

And now for Gloucester downtown Special events and offers. You can click logos to follow links.

Continue reading “Super special offers September 24 Holland America Cruise Ship and Trails&Sails” →