Author: todtheopendoor

The Open Door Summer Meals for Kids Starts Today!

~ todtheopendoor
The Open Door Summer Meals for Kids interns, from left: Magdalena Smyth, AJ Porcello, Jenna Church, and Wei Wang.

With the school year at its close, The Open Door FREE Summer Meals for Kids program is BACK starting TODAY, Monday June 17 at select locations.

Children and teens age 18 and under are welcome to visit any of the participating sites during scheduled hours to receive free, nutritious meals through late August while school is out.   

Last year, The Open Door Summer Meals for Kids program distributed more than 15,300 meals to children on the North Shore, prepared entirely in-house.  

Participating sites include: 

Gloucester Walk-Up Locations: 

The Open Door at 28 Emerson Avenue 
Breakfast and Lunch from June 17- Aug. 23 
Mondays from 9:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
Tuesday and Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
Thursday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 

Riverdale Park at 69 Veterans’ Way 
Breakfast and Lunch from June 17- Aug. 23 

Monday through Friday from 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. 

Willowood Gardens at 40 Willowood Road 
Breakfast and Lunch from June 17- Aug. 23 

Monday through Friday from 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. 

Pond View Village at 23 Lepage Lane 
Breakfast and Lunch from June 17 – Aug. 23 

Mondays through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. 

Gloucester High at 32 Leslie O. Johnson Road 
Lunch from July 9 – Aug. 8  

Monday through Friday from 9:45 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. 

Field Days at Burnham’s Field with East Gloucester Community Church 
7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/1, 8/8, 8/15, 8/22, 8/29  

Lunch select Thursdays from 10:30 a.m.to 11:30 a.m. 
 

Story Hour at Sawyer Free Library with Backyard Growers 
7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/1, 8/8, 8/15, 8/22, 8/29  

Lunch select Thursdays from 10:45 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 
 

Gloucester Enrolled Locations: 

  • O’Maley Academy at 32 Cherry Street (Breakfast and Lunch) 
  • Camp Spindrift at 27 Atlantic Street (Lunch) 
  • East Veterans School (Multiple Programs) at 11 Webster Street (Breakfast and Lunch) 
  • GPS Extended School Year 
  • Summer Learning 
  • Gordon STEAM Camp 

Ipswich Walk-Up Location: 
Ipswich Community Food Pantry at 00 Southern Heights in Ipswich 
Breakfast and Lunch from June 18 – Aug. 22  

Wednesday and Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
Open Tuesday June 18 and Tuesday July 2 due to holidays 

Ipswich Enrolled Location: 
Doyon Elementary School at 216 Linebrook Road in Ipswich  

Breakfast and Lunch 

The Open Door is proud to sponsor one federal Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) site this year at O’Maley Academy (more information on this below). The Open Door will privately fund at least 13 additional free Summer Meals for Kids sites where meals will be offered to children with flexibility and choice.  

The Open Door Summer Meals for Kids program strives to accommodate all allergies and special diets, and to learn more about the program or inform staff of a dietary need, please call 978-283-6776 or email summermeals@foodpantry.org. 

Meals may contain choking hazards for children under the age of four. 

The Open Door Sumer Meals for Kids schedule will be updated as needed throughout the summer at FOODPANTRY.org/summermeals. 

For more information about The Open Door, visit FOODPANTRY.org. 

About the Summer Food Service Program 

The Open Door is participating in the Summer Food Service Program. Meals will be provided to all eligible children free of charge. To be eligible to receive free meals at a residential or non-residential camp or at a conditional rural non-congregate site, children must meet income guidelines for free or reduced price meals in the National School Lunch Program. To view the USDA’s income eligibility guidelines for the 2024-2025 school year, click here. 

Please note these guidelines ONLY apply to the O’Maley Academy site of The Open Door’s Summer Meals for Kids program this year, as that is the only site receiving SFSP funding this season.  

Foster children or children who are part of households that receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits or benefits under the Food Distribution Program or Indian Reservations (FDPIR), or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) are automatically eligible to receive free meals.   

Acceptance and participation requirements for the Program and all activities are the same for all children regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability, and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service. Meals will be provided, at a first come, first serve basis, at the sites and times listed below: 

  • O’Maley Academy at 32 Cherry Street from June 17-August 1 on Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. 

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.  

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:  

1. mail:  

U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or  

2. fax:  

(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or  

3. email: 

Program.Intake@usda.gov  

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. 

Second Glance Now Open for Shopping on TUESDAYS!

~ todtheopendoor

Second Glance, Thrift Store of The Open Door, has added an extra day of shopping! Starting on TUESDAY MAY 21 Second Glance will now be open for shopping Tuesday – Saturday from 9AM – 5PM at 2 Pond Road, Gloucester MA 01930.

Donation appointments can be made at FOODPANTRY.org/booknow and are available Monday – Saturday. Same-day appointments often available.

Revenue at Second Glance helps support hunger-relief programs of The Open Door. Learn more at FOODPANTRY.org

THIS SATURDAY: HELP STAMP OUT HUNGER!

~ todtheopendoor

Support the National Association of Letter Carriers’ (NALC) annual, nationwide Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive this Saturday!

Locally, NALC Branch 25 post offices participating in the food drive include the Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Ipswich post offices. People in those communities can leave non-perishable food donations by their mailbox on the morning of Saturday, May 11. Letter carriers will deliver the donations to The Open Door to help feed local people.

 The Open Door asks participants to please NOT  donate anything in a glass jar. 

The Open Door is specifically requesting donations of the following: coffee, condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and salad dressings), peanut butter, tuna, and cooking oil.  

Those who live outside the above four communities are encouraged to contact their post office to learn if they are participating in the Stamp Out Hunger food drive. 

Step Right Up: The Open Door to Hold Showstopper Empty Bowl Circus, Auction 

~ todtheopendoor
Mussels, a welded-bronze sculpture by Chris Williams available for bid through The Open Door Empty Bowl Artists’ Bowls Online auction.  
(Photo Courtesy of The Open Door) 

Tickets are available NOW for The Open Door’s annual Empty Bowl fundraiser! This year’s Empty Bowl Circus brings a one-of-a-kind circus-themed marvel to Cruiseport next week, all in the name of raising funds to connect local people to good, healthy food this summer. 

WHEN: Wednesday, April 24 from 4-8 p.m.  

WHERE: Cruiseport Gloucester 

6 Rowe Square, Gloucester MA 01930 

CLICK HERE for tickets. Proceeds support summer hunger-relief programs of The Open Door!

WHAT: A circus-themed fundraiser to remember, proceeds from The Open Door Empty Bowl Circus will support the nonprofit’s summer food resource programs including Summer Meals for Kids and Mobile Market.  

The Open Door has partnered with Seaside Circus Cape Ann to feature circus performers at the event. Attendees will walk through the doors at Cruiseport and be transported to a colorful spectacle featuring skilled performers, and vibrant displays of bowls hand-painted by community members.  

Last year, The Open Door met a 30% increase in requests for food assistance. In 2023, The Open Door helped stabilize the lives and health of 9,836 people from 4,952 households through the distribution of 1.98 million pounds of food. 

Participants on Wednesday, April 24 will choose a hand-painted bowl, and take home soup and bread to-go from a local restaurant, caterer, or The Open Door kitchen. Cookies, fruit, and water will also be available to-go. 

Online Artists’ Bowls Auction 

An online auction featuring bowls painted by local artists is also live at 32auctions.com/EmptyBowl2024 through Sunday, May 5 at midnight. The auction is held in conjunction with the Empty Bowl event each year to raise funds for The Open Door’s summer hunger-relief programs.  

Local artists who donated bowls to the auction this year include Chris Williams, David Montgomery, Captain Sam Nigro, Betty Lou Schlemm, Jeff Weaver, Ted Bidwell, Mary Salerno, James Watson, Kevin Ellis, Nina Testaverde Goodick, Barbe Ennis, Anni Melançon, David Archibald, Gina Russo, Marty Morgan, Miranda Thomas, Tom Howlett, Pat Baker, Leon Doucette and Melissa Cooper, Danette English, Suze Collinson, Susan J. Schrader, Sandy Shaw, John Early, Marilyn Swift, Mari Bergeron, Scott Tubby, Deb Schradieck, Bill Stevens, Sara Collins, Ronald Pouliot, Karen Ellis, Natalie Daley, Pauline Bresnahan, Hannah Morris, Ann Ziergiebel, Mi Robertson, Sinikka Nogelo, Jayn Gardner, Peter Sinard, Mary Lee, Miranda Aisling, Evelyn Stewart, Britta Magnuson, Mayor Greg Verga, and State Sen. Bruce Tarr. 

For more information visit FOODPANTRY.org.  

The Incoming Tide by David Montgomery. (Photo Courtesy of The Open Door)
Jonah Crab by Jeff Weaver. (Photo Courtesy of The Open Door) 
Fish by Miranda Thomas. (Photo Courtesy of The Open Door)
 
Schooners by James Watson. (Photo Courtesy of The Open Door) 

What’s it Worth Night at Second Glance

~ todtheopendoor
From left: Appraisers Colleene Fesko, Bryan McMullin, and James Callahan.

Tickets are available NOW for a special event this April at Second Glance, Thrift Store of The Open Door!

Second Glance is holding a “What’s it Worth” night this April featuring acclaimed appraisers who will assess the value of items brought in by attendees. 

WHEN: Thursday, April 4 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. 

WHERE: SG Home at Second Glance, 2 Pond Road, Gloucester MA 01930 

TICKETS: $10 each at whatsitworth.eventbrite.com 

Each ticket holder may bring one item to be appraised. Second Glance will also be open for shopping during the event.  

WHAT: Anyone curious to learn the value of an antique or vintage good can purchase a ticket to Second Glance’s What’s it Worth night. Proceeds will support hunger-relief programs of The Open Door. 

Appraisers for the event will include: 

  • James Callahan, Asian Art and General Antique Appraiser of Antiques Roadshow 
  • Colleene Fesko, Art (Painting, Watercolor, Sculpture, and Print) Appraiser of Antiques Roadshow 
  • Bryan McMullin, local Gemologist & Jewelry Appraiser 

“This is a rare opportunity for antiques lovers and novices alike to come together, bring in their special items, and revel in the historic and cultural stories of their objects,” President and CEO Julie LaFontaine said. “It’s a collision of history and art, all in the name of raising funds to connect local people to good food. We’re so very thankful to our appraisers for donating their time for this special event!” 

“Gloucester never disappoints — and has always been full of interesting people, places and things,” Fesko said. “My colleagues and I are so happy to be supporting the mission of The Open Door and their hunger-relief programs.  You never know what you’ll see (or hear!) at an appraisal event, and I encourage the community and beyond to support this event.” 

“Second Glance has created such a unique opportunity with this event to revel in the unique histories of local antiques all while raising funds for The Open Door. It’s a  community-centric event, and we’re looking forward to seeing what folks bring in for appraisal!” Callahan said.  

Light refreshments will also be available, and the main store at Second Glance will also be open for shopping for ticket-holders only during the event. 

~ todtheopendoor

THIS SATURDAY:

Free Bowl Painting at the Gloucester Elks!

Paint a bowl this weekend for The Open Door Empty Bowl fundraiser this spring!

WHEN: Saturday February 17 at 10 am to 12 pm

WHERE: Gloucester Elks Lodge |101 Atlantic Rd Gloucester MA

Please register today to reserve a bowl to paint with us– there are limited spots available! CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT!

A bowl will be provided AT NO COST for each person to paint, along with all the materials needed! Your bowl will be fired and distributed through The Open Door Empty Bowl flagship fundraiser on April 24, which supports summer programs of The Open Door including Summer Meals for Kids and Mobile Market programs.

THIS SATURDAY: Holiday Market at Second Glance!

~ todtheopendoor

Shop for clothing, jewelry, handbags, artwork, vintage Christmas, holiday décor and gifts this weekend at Second Glance, Thrift Store of The Open Door.

WHEN: Saturday, December 2 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WHERE: Second Glance at 2 Pond Road, Gloucester MA

WHAT: Shop at Second Glance this weekend for a curated selection of one-of-a-kind finds. Sustainable shopping and unique goods make meaningful gifts for the holidays!

Shoppers and donors at Second Glance help raise revenue for The Open Door hunger-relief programs. Learn more at FOODPANTRY.org

This Saturday: Support The Open Door Thanksgiving Food Drive

~ todtheopendoor

The Open Door Thanksgiving Food Drive is this Saturday, Nov. 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Donate and help stock the shelves at The Open Door to feed local people through the holidays and beyond. Participating locations include:   

  • Market Basket at 101 Gloucester Crossing Road, Gloucester MA 
  • Stop & Shop at 6 Thatcher Road, Gloucester MA 
  • Shaw’s at 127 Eastern Avenue, Gloucester MA 
  • Shaw’s at 146 High Street, Ipswich MA 
  • Crosby’s Marketplace at 3 Summer Street, Manchester-by-the-Sea MA 
  • Market Basket at 231 Newburyport Turnpike, Rowley MA 
  • NEW THIS YEAR: Clothing Donation Drive at Second Glance at 2 Pond Road, Gloucester MA. No appointment needed, November 18 only.  Clothing donations at Second Glance, Thrift Store of The Open Door, help raise revenue for local hunger-relief programs 

“The Thanksgiving Food Drive is more than just a collection of food. It’s an act of kindness given by a community that cares,” President and CEO Julie LaFontaine said. “Donating an extra couple boxes of your favorite breakfast cereal, pancake mix, or a can of coffee is one tangible way to establish traditions of gratitude and show support for our neighbors not only at the holidays but in the tough winter months ahead.” 

Instead of holiday fixings which have already been secured for the Thanksgiving Baskets, The Open Door is encouraging items of shelf-stable breakfast foods this year, including cereal, oatmeal, coffee, tea, maple syrup, pancake mix, waffle mix, 100% fruit juice, and granola bars. Donors are asked to please avoid donating anything in a glass container.  

Already in 2023, The Open Door has seen more than a 28% increase in visits to its food pantries over 2022. The nonprofit’s kitchen also prepares approximately 3,000 meals each week.  

The Open Door will also be accepting clothing donations only at its thrift store, Second Glance, with no appointment needed on Saturday, Nov. 18. Donations at Second Glance help raise revenue for hunger-relief programs of The Open Door.  

Turkey for Every Table 

Also on Saturday, Nov. 18, The Open Door kicks off its Holiday Basket program. Hundreds of local people will pick-up everything they need to make a special Thanksgiving meal at home, at no cost, at a drive-thru on Emerson Avenue. Holiday Baskets will continue to be distributed by The Open Door right up until the day before Thanksgiving. Holiday Baskets are also available for the December holidays.  

Plenty of Holiday Baskets are available, with a turkey and all the fixings, and can be picked-up by appointment. Many pick-up slots are also available. Sign up today for a Holiday Basket for Thanksgiving and December at FOODPANTRY.org.  

Members of the community who wish to make a monetary donation to help feed local people through the holidays and beyond can do so at FOODPANTRY.org/donate.  

NEW Folly Coves Added to Second Glance Online Auction

"Head of the Cove" Placemat by Louise Kenyon (1945)
~ todtheopendoor
"Head of the Cove" Placemat by Louise Kenyon (1945)
“Head of the Cove” Placemat by Louise Kenyon (1945) is one of two new designs added to the auction thanks to a generous donor.

Two NEW Folly Cove designs have been added to an online auction by Second Glance to benefit hunger-relief programs of The Open Door.

The new designs include Peggy Norton’s “Deciduous” wall hanging and Louise Kenyon’s “Head of the Cove” placemat. VIEW the designs and BID at bit.ly/follycoveatsg

The online auction, scheduled to close on Thursday, November 16, is being held in conjunction with a special Folly Cove event at Second Glance THIS THURSDAY, November 9.

Elena M. Sarni, author of “Trailblazing Women Printmakers: Virginia Lee Burton Demetrios and The Folly Cove Designers” will share a presentation at the event, followed by a short Q & A and book signing.

Tickets for the event, at $10 each, are also available at bit.ly/follycoveticket.

Additional framed Folly Cove designs, on loan from a collector and not for sale, will also be on display for the event. Second Glance Thrift Store will remain open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 9 only in conjunction with the event.  

Light refreshments will also be available. 

“Deciduous” Wall Hanging by Peggy Norton (1957)
“Deciduous” Wall Hanging by Peggy Norton (1957) is one of two new designs added to the auction thanks to a generous donor.