Tag: The Open Door

Calling all grandparent caregivers! Sawyer Free library hosting a fascinating program with community partners just for you

Posted on by Catherine

Gloucester Lyceum & Sawyer Free Libary Childrens Services Tuesday April 24, 2018 5:30-7pm 

“Opening Doors, Opening Hearts: Grandparents raising Grandchildren Cape Ann: Guest speakers Deborah Doucette author of Raising our Children’s Children: Room in the Heart and Colleen Pritoni, Director of Commission on the Status of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren.”

This original & innovative event is hosted by Sawyer Free Library Childrens Services in collaboration with community partners like: Cape Ann Museum,  Cape Ann YMCA, Senior Care, The Open Door, Healthy Gloucester Collaborative, WIC, Pathways, NS MVP, and Backyard Growers.

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Annual Annisquam Sewing Circle Christmas Fair December 2nd

Posted on by Catherine

Save the Date! Press Release From The Annisquam Sewing Circle:

Each autumn the members of the Annisquam Sewing Circle gather to prepare for the Annual Christmas Fair, well known for its fabulous one-of-a-kind wreaths and center pieces as well as decorated boxwood trees. Also one will find beautiful bulbs and potted plants ready to give or take home, delicious homemade gourmet food items and handcrafted gift items. 

Annual Annisquam Sewing Circle Christmas Fair
December 2, 2017 – 8:00am – 12:00 pm
Annisquam Village Hall
34 Leonard Street, Gloucester MA 01930-1322

The Annual Christmas Fair & Luncheon and the Annual Plant and Gourmet Food Sale raise funds to support scholarships for graduating seniors who are going on to college, training for a trade or other educational opportunities and community projects on Cape Ann, for example: The Open Door Food Pantry, Backyard Growers, Cape Ann Animal Aid, Pathways for Children.

The Annisquam Sewing Circle was begun in 1837 as the Annisquam Female Benevolent Society. It is thought to be the oldest continuous independent society of women on Cape Ann.

The Society’s purpose as stated in its Preamble, was “for the performance of acts of benevolence.” Through the years, the Society, and now the Circle, has contributed generously to community programs and to individuals.

Web site: AnnisquamSewingCircle.org
Blog: http://www.annisquamsewingcircle.net
FaceBook: www.facebook.com/AnnisquamSewingCircle

 

Another perfect night for a FREE Movie at I4-C2 – Finding Nemo Tonight – Bring Food Donations for The Open Door

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

Last week over 700 people (including plenty of “Pink Ladies”) flocked to I4-C2 to enjoy “Grease” under the stars. Tonight will be just as beautiful, if a tad cooler. Perfect viewing weather for “Finding Nemo.” Bring non-perishable food to donate to The Open Door Food Pantry and do some good while having fun with the family!

Thanksgiving Food Drive with North Shore 104.9 Saturday, November 21st

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

12234845_10153145630601771_3034007594913679439_nNorth Shore 104.9 and State Senator Bruce Tarr and Representatives Ann-Margaret Ferrante and Brad Hill will join The Open Door in a one-day Food Drive Extravaganza! Drop by with food donations at these locations:

In Gloucester:
Market Basket at Gloucester Crossing
Shaw’s on Eastern Avenue
Stop & Shop on Thatcher Road

In Ipswich:
Shaw’s on High Street in Ipswich (for Ipswich Food Pantry)
Market Basket in Rowley (with the help of the YMCA and will help benefit Acord Food Pantry)

Items most needed: Cereal, 100% juice, tuna, peanut butter.

If you would like to volunteer, hit us up at info@foodpantry.org

Let’s Make The Open Door make the list of Top-Rated Nonprofits

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

opendoorThe Open Door has a chance to make the 2014 Top-Rated List at GreatNonprofits (greatnonprofits.org) and be eligible for some great prizes, but we need your help!

What is GreatNonprofits?
GreatNonprofits–a review site like TripAdvisor–honors highly reviewed nonprofits with this Top Rating. Being added to the Top-Rated List helps us tell our story to a broader audience and get the support we need to alleviate the impact of hunger right here in our community.

How can I help?
You can help us get that rating by posting a review of your experience with us or how you see us making an impact on the community.

Write your review here: http://greatnonprofits.org/reviews/write/the-open-door-cape-ann-food-pantry-inc

All reviews will be visible to potential donors and volunteers. It’s easy and only takes 3 minutes! If you can help us out, we need your review to be completed by October 29! (Deadline is 10/31, but we want to be on the safe side and get it done.) Thank you in advance for your consideration!

With much appreciation,
Julie

BREAKING NEWS & VIDEO: Whitney Doucet, who sang with Keith Urban, to join James Montgomery at the Celebrate Gloucester Kick-off on Friday

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

James Montgomery just added young, rising Country star, Whitney Doucet to his lineup for the Celebrate Gloucester Benefit for The Open Door this Friday at Cape Ann Marina’s Waterfront Pavilion in Gloucester.  Whitney is fresh off a duet with Country Star and American Idol judge Keith Urban that blew Keith away.

Whitney’s addition to the stellar lineup will add a Country flavor to the already unique benefit concert that showcases two beautiful and talented young women namely Jazz phenom Marissa Licata, and rising Blues star Danielle Miraglia, and also one of the Founders of the Boston Rock scene Willie Loco Alexander. Backing the Montgomery Band that night will be the Sax Attack horns, one of Boston’s premiere horn sections, who add a lot of power on the songs they perform.

The very best in Blues, Rock, Jazz, and Country will all be represented in one unique electrifying performance. This is a very special James Montgomery benefit concert that can only be seen on This Friday, August 22!  VIP is already sold out, but good seats are still available.  Get them NOW (right here)!

 

VIP SOLD OUT – But good seats still left for James Montgomery Open Door Benefit on Friday

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

Every ticket gets you a seat in the giant tent at Cape Ann Marina’s Waterfront Pavilion. It will be a long time before you can see blues legend James Montgomery with his full band PLUS a horn section.  And don’t forget about his special guests Danielle Miraglia, Marissa Licata (who recently toured with Jethro Tull) and Gloucester’s favorite music icon, Willie Loco Alexander.  Plus you’ll be supporting The Open Door — having fun & doing good.  You can’t get better than that!  Get your seats today before they sell out!

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ALERT: Only a few VIP Tickets left for James Montgomery’s Celebrate Gloucester Benefit Concert FRI AUG 22

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

20140811_132207As promised, we always tell FOBs before good stuff sells out and we’re almost out of VIP seats for James Montgomery’s Celebrate Gloucester Benefit for The Open Door on Friday, August 22nd at Cape Ann Marina’s Waterfront Pavilion (the BIG tent).  VIP seats are right up front, plus you get Exclusive Early Entry and the Celebrate Gloucester Commemorative VIP Laminate in the picture.  Tickets available here.

Even if you miss VIP (which you probably will if you don’t get them by tomorrow morning), you can still get a great seat inside the tent.  We’re setting up the stage and seating so everyone gets a great view — and if the weather is good you can even sit at a table under the stars.

Waterfront Pavilion at Cape Ann’s Marina Resort

Win James Montgomery concert tickets at the Sidewalk Bazaar

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

CG_Montgomery_LegalYou’ve probably heard about our Celebrate Gloucester Benefit Concert Series that starts Aug 22 at Cape Ann Marina’s Waterfront Pavilion (the BIG tent).

And unless you’re just visiting, you probably also know that Gloucester’s Sidewalk Bazaar starts tomorrow and features all sorts of artists, artisans and bargains on Main Street through Saturday.

Starting tomorrow, you can enter to win 2 tickets to the James Montgomery Band with special guests, who are coming to Gloucester to help raise money for The Open Door.

Just find The Open Door’s booth at the Sidewalk Bazaar and get a raffle ticket for their 3 minute shopping spree (see Craig Kimberley’s video of last year’s winner here.)

Every raffle ticket purchased at the Sidewalk Bazaar is automatically entered to win 2 free tickets to the concert.

One winner will be announced on the Open Door’s Facebook Page after being drawn at the end of each day.

Your raffle ticket helps support the Open Door AND you just might win tickets to one of this summer’s hottest shows!

CELEBRATE GLOUCESTER 2014 ANNOUNCED – STARTING AUG 15th – THE 45th ANNIVERSARY OF WOODSTOCK

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

BREAKING NEWS: We just announced the Celebrate Gloucester Benefit Concert Series — three great concerts for three great causes, beginning with Rock n Roll Hall Of Fame Inductee John Sebastian on August 15th, the 45th anniversary of his performance at Woodstock.  Get tickets here.

The Open Door’s Empty Bowls Were Full Last Night!

Posted on by Sista Felicia

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The Godmother of Gloucester, Sefatia Giambanco Romeo Theken shares her photos from last nights Open Door Empty Bowl event at Cruisport Gloucester! 

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Massachusetts State Senator Bruce Tarr and City Counselor/ “The Godmother” Sefatia Giambanco Romeo Theken

The Godmother writes~“Having a nice espresso after a rewarding evening.  I volunteered tonight for Open Door Empty Bowl it actually is a selfish volunteering because I always get more than I give and I meet the most amazing people have fun and do it for a good cause. I do it cuz I’m selfish. You should try it u will never regret the time you give I never have”

Last nights “Empty Bowl” fundraiser event was one of many held nationally to generate awareness concerning hunger and to raise money for local hunger relief programs.  Proceeds from last nights event will benefit open-door summer meal and mobile market programs.

If you would like to support the Open Door please contact them through their website at info@foodpantry.org or call 978-283-6776

 

 

 

A great 2012 New Year’s resolution DELIVERED to Open Door!

Posted on by DIY SKI GUY

Day to day you see a lot of useless stuff come across social media feeds. If you Like the Open Door Facebook page, you saw this uplifting post come across your screen. This is the  power of one at its best. Setting a goal and accomplishing it for the greater good of the local community! Pure awesomeness!

Roger Corbin set a goal to donate 20 pounds a week to The Open Door and used bottle returns and extreme couponing to hit his goal. Congrats to everyone around who benefits from this truly amazing act of kindness.

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Our Joey Receives Community Builder Award!!!

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Joey Ciaramitaro Receives Outstanding Community Builder Award

Highlights from this morning’s The Open Door Autumn Breakfast ~

Joey received the “Outstanding Community Builder Award”–so well-deserved, as anyone who is involved with GMG knows. His love for the people of Gloucester and for our community is evidenced a hundred times a day through his commitment to Good Morning Gloucester. We who are GMG contributors are blessed to share in his passion.

The Open Door Award Recipients

Nicole Duckworth and Family

Amanda Donovan

Joey and Mom ~ She’s so Proud!

Felicia, Joey, Pat, Sefatia,

Sista Felicia, Joey, Pat

Julia LaFontaine, The Open Door Executive Director and Senator Bruce Tarr

Ed Collard, Joey, and Pat

Discounted Shopping, Holiday Treats & Hot Chocolate This Friday in Rockport!

Posted on by S.D. Kelly

Big stuff in Rockport tomorrow night, December 9th, from 4 to 8pm! Over 30 (thirty!) stores throughout downtown Rockport will be offering discounts and promotions for holiday shoppers. The Old Firehouse Trust in Dock Square will be open serving hot chocolate, coffee and homemade holiday treats. And so that you can do two good deeds at once by shopping local and donating to the food pantry, donations of canned goods can be dropped off at The Old Firehouse Trust building as well.  All donations of food benefit The Open Door, Cape Ann’s food pantry. Come enjoy the festivities and a fun night in downtown Rockport during this holiday season! Feel free to print out this handy shopping map to bring along with you so that you know what’s available tomorrow night – and don’t forget to stop in at The Old Firehouse to make your donation and enjoy something warm to drink!

Just download and print for your Rockport Shopping Guide!
Food Drive for The Open Door!

 

The Open Door Empty Bowl Dinner May 12 at Cruiseport Gloucester

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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Julie LaFontaine writes-

Hi Joey,
We would really appreciate it if you would let GMG readers know they can mark their calendars for The Open Door’s annual Empty Bowl Dinner on Thursday, May 12, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Cruiseport Gloucester.

The meal is simple—soup, bread and a cookie. Guests can choose and keep a soup bowl handcrafted for this community event. The bowl goes home as an unspoken reminder that somewhere someone’s bowl is empty.  We have some really great soups this year, and the bowls are some of the best I have ever seen.

As usual, parking is available at Cruiseport or people can park at Good Harbor Beach and take the trolley service provided by CATA to and from the event site.

Tickets this year are $15 ($10 for children under 10) and available at the door. Cash, check or charge accepted.

All proceeds from this event benefit The Open Door Summer Lunch and The Open Door Mobile Market.

For more information call, 978-283-6776, or visit www.foodpantry.org.

Onward!

GMG/THE OPEN DOOR HOLIDAY COOKIE CONTEST THIS SATURDAY AT CITY HALL!

Posted on by laurielufkin

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Ladies, gentlemen and kids of all ages–fire up those ovens and bring your holiday cookies to Gloucester City Hall on Saturday, December 11th at 1:00pm for the second annual Good Morning Gloucester Holiday Cookie Contest to benefit The Open Door Food Pantry.

Entry fee is $5.00 and two non-perishable food items for The Open Door.

And here are the rules:

You may enter more than one type of cookie but you must donate $5.00 and two non-perishable food items per entry.

Your entries will be judged on the following criteria by qualified food professionals and local notables, all with excellent taste buds:

Taste 40%

Appearance (of cookies and overall presentation) 20%

Texture 20%

Overall Appeal of cookies 20%

And now, the particulars:

You may decorate and garnish your entries with holiday flair as desired, 12 cookies per plate please–presentation is important!

No professional bakers/chefs or culinary arts students allowed to enter please.

No mixes allowed.  All entries must be from scratch.

Three legible copies of recipe must accompany all entries. Please include name, address and telephone number on the BACK of each sheet.  Recipes may be reproduced.  If your recipe is not original (your personal creation), please attribute its origin.

Judging will begin promptly at 1:30 and will conclude when all entries have been judged.  Announcement of the winners will follow the conclusion of judging.

You do not have to be present for announcement of the winners, but it will be more fun if you are.

The decisions of the judges are final.

All cookie entries will be packaged and donated to The Open Door the night of the event.

I am assembling prizes now so if you have something foodie/local/fun you would like to donate to the prize baskets, please let me know.    There will be adult first, second and third prizes and prizes for the kids too!

If you have any additional questions please feel free to email me at laurielufkin@yahoo.com and I will help you.

1st Annual Good Morning Gloucester Holiday Cookie Contest!

Posted on by laurielufkin

Do You Make The Best Holiday Cookies Around and Want To Prove It?

Here’s your chance!

1ST ANNUAL GOOD MORNING GLOUCESTER HOLIDAY COOKIE CONTEST

When:  Thursday, December 3rd (Ladies Shopping Night in Gloucester).  Entry turn in 4-5:30 pm, judging begins at 6:00.  No prior registration necessary

Where:  Brown’s Mall, 186 Main Street, Gloucester

Why:  Because we want to find the best cookies around, support the Open Door Food Pantry this holiday season and have fun with food at the same time in a contest that does not involve giant burgers or fiery foods for a change.

Entry fee: $5.00 and two non perishable food items to be donated to the Open Door.

Your entries will be judged on the following criteria by qualified food professionals and local notables, all with excellent taste buds:

Taste 40%

Appearance (of cookies and overall presentation) 20%

Texture 20%

Overall Appeal of cookies 20%

Prizes will be awarded as follows:

1st place, individual entry

2nd place, individual entry

3rd place, individual entry

One 1st place prize for a youth/family entry.

The prizes will be fabulous and available for viewing when you drop off your entry the night of the event–trust us on this one–and the bragging rights are just an extra!

And now, the particulars:

You may decorate and garnish your entries with holiday flair as desired, 12 cookies per plate please.

You may enter as many different cookie submissions as you wish but you must pay an additional $5.00 and two more non perishable food items for The Open Door per entry.

No professional bakers/chefs allowed to enter please.

No mixes allowed.  All entries must be from scratch.

Three legible copies of recipe must accompany all entries. Please include name, address and telephone number on the back of each sheet.  Recipes become the property of www.goodmorningloucester.com and may be reproduced.  If your recipe is not original (your personal creation), please attribute its origin.

Judging will begin promptly at 6:00 and will conclude when all entries have been judged

You do not have to be present for announcement of the winners, but it will be more fun if you are.

The decisions of the judges are final.

All cookie entries will be packaged and donated to The Open Door the night of the event.