What a wonderful time Rick and I had at Disney last week. We did everything from taking a photo safari, in Africa at Animal Kingdom to riding on a Small World at the Magic Kingdom. We stayed at The Jambo Lodge on the Savannah. Right from our balcony giraffes, wildebeests, Zebra, Kudus, Ankole-Watusi Cows, Eastern Africa Cranes and many more animals were free to roam. We also saw amazing, beautiful Elephants, Rhinos, Hippos, Cheetahs, Tigers, Lions and beautiful birds.
Seeing these beautiful animals roaming free was incredible and I think I became attached.
I probably took thousands of photos. This trip was our best time.
One of my favorite faces, no long lens needed. In the morning these beautiful animals seemed to enjoy where are room was.
Tree of Life
This cutie just took a mud bath
Kudu
Magic Kingdom
Silverback Gorillas
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We have a wonderful tasting for this Saturday, featuring the impressive wines of Cape Classics from South Africa, featuring my favorite white and red varietals, Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc. While glorious in their place of origin, these wines obtain a purity and depth in South Africa unique to their own terroir. Come join us and Tori as we celebrate and enjoy these treasures.
Cape Classics
Behind every farm, winemaker, bottle and grape lies an untold story. Collectively, we discover these tales and share them with our customers. Demanding authenticity, Cape Classics operates the “old-fashioned” way, with relationships and social responsibility at the forefront of our business. The wineries we represent embrace sustainable eco and social practices, doing their part to help preserve lands for future generations while improving the human condition now. Our wines are expressive, crafted with passion and perspective, and delivered with the same hallmark levels of service and professionalism since 1992.
WINES
Bayten Sauvignon Blanc, Cape Town, South Africa
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon Alc. 13%
The Bayten estate is situated on east-facing slopes of the Constantia berg mountain, just south of Cape Town
and a few short miles from False Bay. This cool-climate coastal area is renowned for elegant white wines that possess an intense minerality. Bayten was established in 1769, when Arend Brink purchased the farm, built a manor house and began planting vines. The property changed hand many times over
the years. In 1981, the Mueller family purchased the estate and began to replant the vineyards and restore the estate to its former glory. Current proprietor Lars Maack constructed a modern wine cellar featuring state-of-the-art winemaking equipment and a temperature controlled barrel maturation area with a capacity of 3,000 barrels. Today Bayten has earned a reputation as the source of some of South Africa’s most exquisite, mineral-tinged white wines. The Bayten Sauvignon Blanc is crisp and zesty with textbook aromas and flavors of green fig, gooseberry, and lime. Grassy herbal notes are supported by elegant underpinnings of mineral and chalk. Pairs well with oyster, fresh crab, simply grilled fish. $14.99
Raats Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Varietal: Chenin Blanc Alc.13%
Founded in 2001, Raats Family Wines is focused solely on crafting world class Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc, best known as the premier grapes of France’s Loire Valley. The boutique winery has quickly established itself as a New World leader in the production
of these two varietals, garnering tremendous critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. Proprietor and winemaker Bruwer Raats firmly believes that South Africa’s proliferation of older Chenin Blanc vineyards provides a unique opportunity to craft terroir-driven wines that serve as international benchmarks for the varietal. The Raats Old Vine Chenin is rich and intense and strikes a perfect balance between elegance and power. It exhibits luscious flavors of honeyed pear, fig, and citrus, with concentrated, mouthwatering minerality. Appealing hints of ginger and spice carry through on the lengthy finish. Pairs well with roasted vegetables, charcuterie, seafood. $27 .99
Kanonkop Kadette, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon Alc. 14%
The Kanonkop Estate is often referred to as a South African “First Growth.” The fourth-generation family farm, presently run by brothers Johann and Paul Krige, has been owned and operated by the Sauer-Krige family since the early 1930s.The name Kanonkop is derived from a “kopje” (small hill) on the property, from which a cannon was fired in the 17th century to announce the arrival of the Dutch East India Company’s trading ships at Table Bay. Upon hearing this signal, local farmers would load their wagons and set off for the harbor to barter their produce. Situated on the lower slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain in Stellenbosch, Kanonkop encompasses just over 247 acres of vineyards at altitudes of 195–395 feet above sea level. Cooling breezes from False Bay provide natural “air conditioning” for the vineyards, which are planted predominantly on decomposed granite soils of Clovelly and Hutton. The Kanonkop Kadette shows opulent aromas of blueberries, plums, and red currants. Underlying hints of dried herbs and subtle oak spice add further complexity. The tannins are finely textured and add a sturdy framework to support the plush fruit core. Concentrated flavors of blue and blackberries, combined with delicate acidity, creates a classic Stellenbosch red blend with a lengthy, dry finish. Pairs well with steak, lamb, grilled burgers. $17.99
Raats Dolomite Cabernet Franc, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Varietal: Cabernet Franc Alc. 14%
While Raats is best known for their sublime Chenins, winemaker Bruwer Raats also crafts scant quantities of an exquisite Cabernet Franc that shows the heights this under-the-radar grape can achieve in the hands of a master. For Bruwer, crafting wines under his own label means that he doesn’t have to worry about shareholders or catering to a market, or to keeping within a cellar’s style. He values the freedom to craft something he believes in. The Raats Dolomite has an enticing nose with its perfume of Cape fynbos, rosemary, lavender, and thyme with spicy notes of nutmeg, cloves, and star anise. The palate is dominated by brambly dark berry fruit, black cherries, and spice, with a lovely savory character and a streak of graphite. The palate is complex and layered, with silky, fine-grained tannins, distinct minerality and mouthwatering acidity. Pairs well with steak, barbecue, spicy sausage. $24 .99
Taaibosch Crescendo Red Blend, Stellenbosch, South Africa
In the mid 1990s the property that would become Taaibosch began producing its own wines under the name Cordoba. These wines quickly gained fame, and by the late 1990s, Cordoba had become a cult brand and an icon of South Africa. At the time, it was the first Cabernet Franc-driven Bordeaux blend to be produced in South Africa. Unfortunately, in the early 2000s the cellar was made dormant and wine production under the Cordoba name stopped. In 2016, the Oddo family of France purchased the property, rejuvenated the vineyards, and built a new state-of-the-art cellar. (The Oddo family also owns Piton Sancerre and Vallon des Glauges domains in France).The Oddos named the property Taaibosch and quickly began the farm’s conversion to organic. Minimalistic intervention is applied throughout the winemaking process. The cellar system is gravitational to allow for gentle handling of the grapes and primary juice throughout the initial phase of vinification. This gives the wines a refined tannin structure characterized by balanced tension and longevity, not only in taste but also in terms of aging ability in bottle. Crescendo is a Bordeaux blend defined by Cabernet Franc. Crescendo is a reflection of the terroir from which its grapes originate and is characteristic of wine made in Stellenbosch. Notes of white pepper, clove, and red berries give this wine delightful aromatics. The tension in the wine lends itself to an elegant finish, bringing together the various elements in a gentle fashion resulting in an elegant, polished wine. Pairs well with roasted pork, beef stew, grilled lamb. $39 .99
And don’t forget to check out what’s new in our beer case, including two juicy NE IPAs and a clean, refreshing rice lager from East Regiment Brewing, a veteran-owned brewery in Salem and a crisp new lager and a smooth, refreshing kolsch from Rockport Brewing.
Find out about new wine arrivals and other events at Savour by following us n Facebook and Instagram.
Unique to SAVOUR our three price-value collections, with
each category ($9.99ers – $14.99ers -$19.99ers) offering hundreds of wines
at one price, personally curated by Kathleen, some have limited availability
9.99ers…the quality is taste delivering above-price enjoyment …Value!
14.99ers…exhibiting qualities of complexity…Elevating the Experience!
19.99ers…value laden wines by innovative vintners…Expect Exceptional!
Adding to this Saturday’s wine tasting with Tori Jackson is Savour’s Everyday Tech Tastings at the North Shore’s Only Digital Wine Machine. Fun to use and enjoy! Taste up to 20 wines with new selections regularly added…& yes, complimentary. Kathleen welcomes your questions for food pairings. (We have just changed 18 of the wines on the machine, so come in and try something new)!
Welcome Your Donation in any amount for Pathways for Children.
Thank You! …Kathleen
For Your Mobile Calendar – July
Savour Wine Tastings!
October 21 – Tori Jackson – MS Walker
October 28- Mike Cannon – HogsheadWines
Nov. 4 – Semi-Grand Tasting
Nov. 11 – Gordon Alexander – Terroir Wines
Nov. 18 – Harry Zarkades – owner Main St. Wines
Nov. 25 – Morgan Downs – Savour
December 2 – Marc Bergeron – Masciarelli Wines
Dec. 9 – Semi-Grand Tasting
Continuing to offer case discount 0f 10% on wines and all items purchased with the case to all customers. Wine Club members get 5% off on 6 bottles and all items purchased with the 6 bottles. Thanks again for your support!
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 are pleased to continue curbside pickup service
Savour Wine & Cheese l 76 Prospect St. l Gloucester l 978. 282 .1455
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Marshalls Farmstand is having a fun event on Saturday, October 21, 2023 from 10 – 2. When shopping for great veggies, fruit and food, visiting the alpacas, please come over to say hello. Thank you.
Hope to see you all coming to shop for great veggies and fruits with some fun vendors. 20% of the farm sales goes to Cape Ann Animal Aid. Come and see the cute puppies from the Cape Ann Animal Aid.
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I was recently invited to attend the dedication of the Essex Shipbuilding Museum Schoolhouse Archives in honor of Jim Witham and took the opportunity to take a look around the Schoolhouse Archives at 28 Main St in Essex. If you love schooners, you really need to check it out. It’s small but packed with TONS of interesting artifacts and information about Essex Shipbuilding. I had not been there in quite a while and much has changed. I recommend you check it out when you can.
I was included in the event as a member of the organization, which has several fun events coming up including a Speakeasy fundraiser! See the image here for info.
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Rockport Middle/High School Performing Arts Performances Open to the Public
Enjoy live music and theater performances put on by passionate and talented students
ROCKPORT, MA – The Rockport Middle/High School Performing Arts Department would like to invite interested community members to attend their upcoming student concerts and theater productions.
RHS Drama Department presents their fall musical: Xanadu
Performances will be held in the John Lane Auditorium at Rockport Middle/High School on Friday, November 3rd & Saturday, November 4th @ 7:00 p.m.; with a matinee on Sunday, November 5th @ 2:00 p.m. There is a suggested donation of $10.00 per person.
RMHS Music Department presents the following Fall and Winter performances:
All Shows begin at 6:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
Thursday, November 16, 2023: RPS Orchestra Summit (Grades 4-12) – John Lane Auditorium, RMHS
Tuesday, November 28, 2023: MS/HS Jazz Performance – Shalin Liu Performance Center
Wednesday, November 29, 2023: MS/HS Small Ensemble & Acapella Choir – Shalin Liu Performance Center
Tuesday, December 19, 2023: RMS Band, Chorus & Orchestra Winter Concert – John Lane Auditorium, RMHS
Wednesday, December 20, 2023: RHS Band, Chorus & Orchestra Winter Concert – John Lane Auditorium, RMHS
All shows are open to the public. The Rockport Public Schools is appreciative of the incredible community support of the fine and performing arts programs and is proud to provide their students with a variety of high quality programs.
Rockport Middle School Recognized by DESE as a School of Recognition
Rockport Middle School Recognized by DESE as a School of Recognition
Districtwide results show positive growth at all grade levels
ROCKPORT, MA – Rockport Middle School is one of only 66 schools statewide to be recognized by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) as a School of Recognition for demonstrating high achievement and strong growth under the state’s MCAS accountability system. Districtwide results show that all grade levels demonstrated strong growth, particularly in mathematics at the elementary, middle and high school levels, and in English language arts at the middle school.
“Over the past few years, we have been focused on curriculum implementation, strengthening instructional practices, and providing targeted supports for students. This recognition is extremely appreciated by all of us at Rockport Public Schools. Our students’ success is a result of the determination and commitment of our talented educators who, in partnership with our families and community members, make RPS a fantastic place to learn” said Superintendent Mark Branco.
The District’s 2023 MCAS Results Summary and Results Overview Community Presentation are both available on the RPS website.
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I did ours in the airfryer this weekend and they came out great. A couple of keys to the success-
Tip from Kate: Layer of tortillas/layer of cheese/layer of tortillas/layer of shredded cheese. 375 for 4 minutes. Melts the cheese perfectly and then add the toppings after they come out of the air fryer so the tortillas stay crispy.
Also when scooping out the pico de gallo squeezing out any excess moisture by pressing the spoon up against the side of the container.
I devoured these bad boys.
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Over the last few years, I’ve noticed some beautifully carved pumpkins on the property near the Homeless Shelter in downtown Gloucester. I would love to know who carves them since they are very unique. Here’s a couple of photos I took of them today …..
Thanks “The Churchmouse” aka Karen
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It was one month Thursday October 12, 2023 since our 25 year old son Greer Viau received the GIFT OF LIFE from an amazing altruistic living donor who made it possible for Greer to receive a kidney transplant. Right now the donor is anonymous but it is our dream to meet them soon.
Back in 2021at his annual physical when we learned Greer had Chronic Kidney Disease from lab results his diligent and thorough primary care doctor discovered, we were shocked. After referral to a nephrologist followed by a biopsy we were told it was something that could very possibly be controlled, perhaps even for life with medication and continual monitoring so life went on. That monitoring was indicating he was stable, almost as if it was in remission if you will. Greer was thriving, working, doing things he enjoyed. In the fall of 2022 he had very random intermittent bouts of nausea. In January of 2023 he faced a massive layoff at work at which time I encouraged “strongly” as mother’s do to get a physical. He did only to find out his labs indicated his kidney function had plummeted and he was approaching end stage renal disease. We were terrified. He didn’t feel anything to indicate it. Another biopsy and further labs were not good and the rapid decline was devastating with news of needing a transplant, an emergency five day hospital stay, meetings with transplant doctors & surgeons to having an emergency Hemo port in his chest, grueling dialysis, another port put in for home Peritoneal Dialysis 13 hours nightly seven days a week, more emergency visits, an ENTIRE upheaval of life for our son first and foremost but our entire family.
Education was paramount…what do we do, what can we do, how do we do things…..Greer was nothing short of astounding in dealing and living with this horrific new necessary lifestyle.
During that first visit at the Brigham in February and learning they didn’t want his brother for donor evaluation due to their genetic connection and the unknown about why this was even happening to Greer, Bob was out due to diabetes so of course it must be me, I am the mother, this is automatic. I literally said let’s operate, take my kidney now. The doctors looked at us with a disappointing smile saying it doesn’t work that way…we were quickly learning about the extensive process that must happen for evaluation for Living Donorship. We learned that as a family it was up to us to find a living donor for Greer. Everyone talks about “a list”. The list for a deceased kidney is est. 7-10+ years. To find a living donor, families must outreach and search. Not every hospital is, but fortunately The Brigham & Women transplant program is connected to the National Kidney Registry NKR. They assist with outreach in coaching, counseling, helping launch an individual website for patients called a microsite page, cards with a QR Code link to the patients page to learn about the patient, their story, their life, to answer questions about Donorship and to link applicants to the initial questionnaire to see if applicants can progress to be medically qualified to donate. Then there is the amazing coordinating support team Greer and our family had at the Brigham that connects with applicants, handles medical questions and guides our family and of course our outstanding donor mentor from the NKR, in our case Lynn Henderson Bolduc who connected, guided, comforted with those coming forward for Greer. Who would know better as Lynn not only donated her kidney but in later years donated a quarter of her liver to someone else. I once asked her why she came forward in her case for someone she didn’t even know and she said “because I could”. She just wanted to help. What a beautiful soul. Now her husband recently donated his kidney as well. They are such stunning examples of humanity, kindness, actually….there are no words.
Back in February when he was released from that harrowing week at the Brigham, Greer sat on our couch staring out and said in this sad almost hopeless voice “who is going to give me an organ out of their body to save my life”. Inside I gasped with terror but blurted out SOMEONE WILL. Two months into my own evaluation I was eliminated and cried for hours. Greer was comforting ME.
So our entire task in life now was to outreach for Greer. Honestly my immediate reaction is that everyone will of course come forward for evaluation, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends. We’re talking saving someone’s life here, it’s Greer, he’s only 25, you love him, you know him, you’re related to him…..this is what has to be done. It doesn’t quite work that way. In life we need to learn and accept everyone can only do what they can do. I think perhaps we are all like that. Each one of us can only do what we can do during our life. That may not always make sense or be understood by us when events and circumstances come into our lives, especially life threatening ones.
During all of this we are never told by the NKR or the Brigham who comes forward for evaluation for Greer. We receive an email “dashboard” biweekly showing how many people viewed his microsite and how many completed the registration questionnaire to start evaluation. There were certainly those whom we knew personally whether a family member or friend who told us they were being evaluated, all of which gave us hope. There were also people we hadn’t seen in years yet always a part of our lives who connected to say they were being tested. Then admittedly there were people in our lives who we assumed or hoped would come forward who we rarely if ever heard from but may have clicked a heart or prayer hands on a Facebook post. Then people we’d never met who felt for Greer came forward. Through it all there has been incredible LOVE, OUTREACH and SUPPORT from so many….family, friends, friends of friends, community response, our workplaces. People online who heard Greer’s story who are going through their own searches and struggles with kidney disease who learned of our story and continue to reach out with concern and sharing love for us like our new friends Cole Pasqualucci, Andrea Crompton-Ruback, Michele Pearlstein Lingenfelter, Kathleen McHugh McAnulty, Jonathan Torres, Amanda Thomas, Paul S. Savuto all need our help.
Again, acceptance in the mantra, people can only do what they can do. Maybe someone just couldn’t physically or mentally handle the idea of Donorship, maybe they have their own personal circumstances that prevent coming forward for someone in need like Greer despite loving them, knowing them, being related to them.
To Greer’s miraculously, beautiful, loving donor…we will NEVER be able to fully express our gratitude. To the teams of Doctors and Nurses who gave and continue to give him exceptional care, thank you all.
We learned to accept and be eternally grateful for for EVERYONE who shared, outreached, supported, gifted, emailed, mailed cards, texted, commented on FB, put magnets on their cars, phoned us, the radio, the news, the newspapers, the local websites, stopped us in the store for a hug, cared, evaluated, held us up….Shared 💕 LOVE
Thank you
The Viau Family,
Donna, Bob, Greer, Dylan
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Good Morning Gloucester 