Gloucester Beach Parking For A 4 Week Renter

Merle Taylor writes-

 

Hi Joey
My husband and I vacation in Gloucester in the summer.  We’ve been renting a cottage in Lanesville for weeks at a time and loving it.  Your blog keeps us connected and we enjoy it daily. 
I want to complain about beach parking to someone.  Last summer I was denied beach parking because I’m not a resident nor was I renting for a long period of time.  I recently had double knee replacement and walking to the beach is an issue.  It seems that City Hall does not offer a weekly parking permit.  Is that something that should be offered?  I think it would bring in some revenue for the smaller beaches especially at Plum Cove. 
I’m interested in finding out if I can obtain one for summer 2014 as we will be in Lanesville for four weeks.  Would appreciate any help you can give me on this.
Thanks
Merle Taylor
West Chester, PA

 

From the City of Gloucester Website- which you can find here

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http://gloucester-ma.gov/index.aspx?NID=653

You need to rent for 60 days to qualify for a seasonal renter parking sticker. They only charge $50 for a two month sticker so I’m not sure how they could charge a whole lot for a weekly sticker.   In the heat of the summer the beach parking gets filled up as it is and I’m pretty sure that full time residents feel that they should get first crack at parking at their home town beach.

The City does offer very reasonable beach shuttle service and it drops you off right at the beach so you wouldn’t have to worry about walking.

Here’s the information on the FREE parking offered if you take the Beach trolley-

Plan Your Day at the Beach in Gloucester, MA

Save money and be sure to get a parking space. On weekends, June 15 through Labor Day, you can park at Stage Fort Park and take the Trolley Shuttle (see Trolley Schedule here). Parking is FREE if you take the Trolley Shuttle.

Gloucester beaches offer relaxation and enjoyment well into autumn, when you’ll often see surfers riding the waves at Good Harbor Beach in the warm September waters.

Swimming and sunbathing, surfing and shelling, Gloucester beaches fill every desire – nestled in secluded coves, white sand stretching for miles or family favorites with playgrounds and tidal pools.

In addition there is such limited parking at Plum Cove Beach it would suck for residents to get bumped out for weekly renters but if you are willing to pay for a weekly parking pass then you should be willing to pay for a taxi.  Gloucester does have taxi services

Savour Wine and Cheese “Become a Wine Expert” ~ Week 5

Thank you Kathleen, Joey, and Toby for providing me the opportunity to take “Become a Wine Expert” series of classes to bring Kathleen’s wonderful expertise to our GMG readers. I loved every minute of the class and especially enjoyed meeting Kathleen and my fellow classmates!

Savour Wine and Cheese Class ©Kim Smith 2013

Our last class was wonderful fun, with a lovely dinner of sweetly crisp and delicious Pear and Arugula Salad along with a hearty and tasty Brunswick Stew, paired with an array of red and white wines. See recipes below, which Kathleen has so graciously provided for our GMG readers. 

Savour Wine and Cheese John Lamirande ©Kim Smith 2013For starters, John Lamarinde made popcorn, infused with a touch of truffle oil!

Pear Arugala Sald ©Kim Smith 2013Pear Arugula Salad

The theme of class five is food and wine pairings and preferences. Kathleen served a fabulous selection of reds and whites to pair with our meal. For thousand of years food and wine have gone hand in hand although the strict rules of yesteryear, in that white wine is the only acceptable choice for fish and red wine for red meats, are adhered to no longer.

Kathleen encourages experimenting and stresses that wine and food pairings are a matter of personal preference. There are however several concepts worth noting that will make choosing a wine to accompany your meal simpler. The basic idea is to pair wines with foods that are either alike, in other words mirror the other’s flavors; the opposite is also a helpful guideline, which is to contrast the flavors.

Brunswick Stew ©Kim Smith 20132Brunswick Stew

Michelle Ukraine ©Kim Smith 2013Michelle Ukraine

For our food pairing class, Kathleen presented a selection of wines, both red and white, and sparkling, for us to experiment to discover our individual preference for each course. The following is the list of wines served for our class–all grand and delicious and much enjoyed by everyone!

Ferrari Brut (100% Chardonnay), Trento, Italy – $24.99

Hirsch Heiligenstein Vineyard, Kammern, Kamptal Gruner Veltliner, Austria, $29.99

Le Grand Bouqueteau Chinon (Cabernet Franc), Loire Valley, France – $14.99

Panizzi Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Italy – $15.99

Arnad Montjovet La Kiuva (Nebbiolo, Pinot Noir) – $18.99

Mas de Libian Côtes-du-Rhône, France – $19.99

L’Ecuyer de Couronneau Bordeaux (Merlot), France – $13.99

Cossart-Gordon 15-year-aged Bual Madeira, Portugal – $43.99

Cossart-Gordon Madeira ©Kim Smith 2013 copy

I know where I’ll be shopping for Christmas gifts this season, for both cheese and wine, as well as that special hostess gift.

Kathleen typically teaches “Become a Wine Expert” series of classes annually in October, but there has been a great deal of interest expressed in taking the class sooner. If enough people are interested, she will teach the class again as early as this coming winter or spring.  Go to Savour’s website for details about the “Become a Wine Expert” series of classes.

Kathleen Erickson ©Kim Smith 2013

“Become a Wine Expert” Series Taught by Kathleen Morgan

Become a Wine Expert: White Wine

Savour Wine and Cheese “Become a Wine Expert” ~ Class 4

Brunswick Stew

1 3 – 4 lb. fryer chicken, cut up

1/3 c. flour

1 T. olive oil

2 or 3 medium onions, chopped

2 bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), chopped (or Pablano Peppers)

5 c. water or chicken stock (you may need more)

2 28 oz. cans of chopped tomato (or Muir organic fire-roasted diced tomatoes)

1 6 oz. can tomato paste

2 c. edamame soy beans (already shelled) (or you can use lima beans, but they are starchier)

2 c. whole kernel corn (a 10 oz. bag or corn cut from 4 ears)

1 t. salt (to taste – usually needs more)

1/2 t. black pepper

½ t. white pepper

1/2 t. cayenne pepper (Typically, Brunswick Stew has as much a 1 T., but I use 1/2 teaspoon)

1/2 t. hot sauce (You can pass this with the stew for those who like it hotter)

2 t. Worcestershire sauce

1 c. red wine

Continue Reading Recipe Here

Continue reading “Savour Wine and Cheese “Become a Wine Expert” ~ Week 5″

How Many Do You See?

big flock of birds

big flock of birds2

This was a large flock of unidentified birds flying out to sea past Eastern Point.  I counted 400, until I lost my place and didn’t want to go back and start over again.  Anyone with nothing better to do want to try counting them?  And does anyone have any idea what they might be?

E.J. Lefavour

Sunset By The Sea – In Manchester

While Singing Beach showed an almost pastel, soft set of colors with a little fog blowing in, the Harbor was sharp and bright! Always interesting how different things can look within a half mile!

Still not sure whom to vote for on Tues? Watch debates on online!

You might remember my mentioning Cape Ann TV’s wicked cool new feature that streams shows on-line.  It’s great for people who miss shows, or for all you FOBs who don’t live here but still want to stay in touch.

Well, they’ve taken it one step farther and posted all the 2013 election debates online here!  Just click on the link that says Gloucester Election 2013 and you can see all the debates listed.  Now you have no excuse for not voting.  Make your voice heard on Tuesday!

CATV-Videos

Huge Indoor Yard Sale Friday Night, Nov. 8th. 5-9pm No early-birds (seriously) 1 Lexington Ave. Magnolia MA

Charles Jones Hall in the Magnolia Library)

Yard Sale color(1)

Tons-o-stuff! Antiques, collectibles, Christmas & household items, junk & more

Set up your own table/ $20 – Includes advertising, table space & table

Space is limited – Call Walt at 978-395-7077

The gymnasium at the Library is very roomy but we hope to fill it up with lots of antiques, collectibles, Christmas items, household merchandise and more. If you’ve been to any yard sales held by Cape Ann Auction, you know they are very well attended and heavy on bargains. Our night time yard sales are unique and we hope to make these a regular event!

They are great because the time is convenient to most people and dealers don’t have to use up a valuable weekend day shopping for merchandise! Please note that the sale starts at 5pm sharp and there won’t be any sales prior that time. However, dealers will be allowed plenty of time to set up beforehand. If you’re interested in reserving a spot, call Walt at 978-395-7077 Please help us spread the word by hitting one of the share buttons below. And if you’re inclined, feel free to print and post the flier shown below. Thanks, we’ll see you at the sale!

Yard_sale_flier

Selfie’s. Bigger than Ever! Really?

A few weeks a go I put a call out to readers of GMG to send in their Selfies. I only got two responses. I was very disappointed in the readers. How dare you not answer my call to you to be a GMG star for a few minutes. 🙂

So here’s your Last chance to get your Mugs out there. Make it fun and family friendly. Go to a favorite spot on Cape Ann, your Business, home, Yard or wherever.

2014 is expected to be a Banner year for all the Selfie Yahoos.

Hi Paul-- I like this selfie because you can see my camera so clearly in the reflection of the sunglasses. My daughter asked to see a photo of my new haircut last winter. I ran out the front door and took this in about thirty seconds. xKim
Hi Paul– I like this selfie because you can see my camera so clearly in the reflection of the sunglasses. My daughter asked to see a photo of my new haircut last winter. I ran out the front door and took this in about thirty seconds. xKim
Bing McGilvray
Bing McGilvray

 

“The selfie won’t die — in fact, it just got its own social network”

Lou Dubois         NBC News
Selfie.im

Selfie.im
A new social network only lets you upload self-portraits. Its name? Selfie, of course.

“Look at me, at a Beyoncé concert! Look at me, with the Pope! Look at me, at a funeral! Look at me, in class while my teacher is going into labor! Yes, 2013 is the year of the selfie — but that doesn’t mean this global #me craze won’t be even bigger in 2014.”

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

Where are all the Chestnuts?

chest 8

Every year I anxiously await Chestnuts season. This year through Facebook I realized I was not alone. The hunt for chestnuts on Facebook the past few weeks has become a popular post in the daily news feed, and I too had been secretly on the hunt. Last week after combing the aisle on my third trip to the grocery store, I asked the produce manager, when they would be receiving a shipment of chestnuts. He chuckled, and said, “I wish I knew, that has been the question of the week around here,  and everyone has been asking for them.” After apologizing for not having them, he kindly shared a little inside information with me about this years chestnut crop and the rumors swirling around the produce world about this years chestnut crops not yeilding a plentiful harvest this year. I not sure why that is, and maybe someone can share why, but I though I pass the info along to all those who are also wondering why they are so hard to find this season. I was lucky to find some locally grown Chestnuts at Applenton Farms the other day. I felt like I had hit the jackpot! They were petti in size and absolutely scrumptious ! I plan to keep a stash on hand in my “spezza” room for my family to enjoy this holiday season and I encourage you to do the same. I know my family would go nuts without their roasted chestnuts on the holiday table! My Grandmother Felicia’s recipe for Roasted Chestnuts,  “Castagni Arrustui,”  is in my cookbook “Gifts of Gold In A Sicilian Kitchen with Sista Felicia Harvest” on page 202.

chest 7

chest 4

cooked chestnut

chest 6

Roasted Chestnuts make a delicious fall snack!

Final Touches

An HBO contractor on the Olive Kitteridge mini-series lays the Rx letters on the mortar and pestle. I'll bet they'll be doing a few more adjustments tomorrow, Sunday. Filming is scheduled for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
An HBO contractor on the Olive Kitteridge mini-series lays the Rx letters on the mortar and pestle. I’ll bet they’ll be doing a few more adjustments tomorrow, Sunday. Filming is scheduled for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
A sign painted on the wall of Gabriel's Antiques, on Center Street. Made to look old and weathered. "From Nuts to Bolts." HBO production.
A sign painted on the wall of Gabriel’s Antiques, on Center Street. Made to look old and weathered. “From Nuts to Bolts.” HBO production.

Halloween at City Hall From Beth Costanzo

Halloween Bash at City Hall Last Night!
The Adventures of Scuba Jack and Kids Unlimited hosted the Halloween Party last night at City Hall.
Hundreds of goblins and ghouls had an amazing time being entertained by the haunting tunes of Leo Francis!  Also, Charlie the Balloon Man created amazing balloon sculptures for all who attended!  Many prizes and treats were given out all evening!!
Thank You!
Beth Costanzo
The Adventures of Scuba Jack

City Hall Halloween Party 040City Hall Halloween Party 043City Hall Halloween Party 060City Hall Halloween Party 076

Tuesday, November 19, 2013 – Program: The Building of the Thomas E. Lannon, Presented by: Captain Tom Ellis

ESM-MuseumLogoB WLannonBuilding5T.E.Lannon(b)_9932TomCelticSail(a)9-21-13_0561

Visionary, Captain and now Documentarian Tom Ellis, presents his program, Building the Thomas E. Lannon (See above.)
Using historic footage meticulously captured by award winning videographer Al Viator, shot as The Will to Build, between Oct. 1, 1996 to June 30, 1997, Tom Ellis has crafted his personal story of the creation of the Schooner Thomas E. Lannon from dream to design , through the challenges of construction to the triumphant sail into Gloucester Harbor.

Admission: $8 members, $10 nonmembers

Light refreshments will be served.

For additional information, visit our website: www.essexshipbuildingmuseum.org

Office phone # 978-768-7541

Community Stuff 11/3/13

“Outsidah” ruins your lunch at Ipswich Museum

Just the Facts:
Columnist Doug Brendel, “The Outsidah,” speaks at Ipswich Museum
Brown Bag lunch program, Monday, November 4, at noon
Free to Ipswich Museum members — Others $5 at the door
A Little More:
If you thought the Ipswich Museum was a serious, solemn place, think again. “The Outsidah” is about to mess it all up.
Ipswich humorist Doug Brendel will speak at the museum’s Brown Bag lunch onMonday, November 4, beginning at noon.
The Ipswich Chronicle columnist and author of the cartoon-illustrated Only in Ipswichbook series will read from his funniest “Outsidah” columns. “Hearing them, you avoid the cartoons,” Doug says. “They’re even worse than the columns.”
He will also offer a sneak preview of his upcoming book Ipswich Unzipped, and offer his typically off-beat commentary on life in small-town New England from the standpoint of a newcomer. (Unzipped will be launched the day after Thanksgiving at a MiXtMedia Gallery event in Ipswich.)
Doug will have his first two Only in Ipswich books available for purchase and autographs at the Brown Bag lunch. “While supplies last,” he adds. “Don’t forget to say ‘while supplies last.’ We’re trying desperately to start a rush. We need to make room in the basement.”
What, you thought the Ipswich Museum was closed by November? “I did,” Doug says, “I confess.” Think again. Only their guided tours finish in October. The Museum’s regular schedule of lectures, lunches, school programs, and special events continue throughout the fall, winter, and spring.
For more information about this event, contact Museum Co-Director Stacey Fraser-deHaan via 978-356-2811 or director@ipswichmuseum.org. Or reach Doug Brendel personally via 978-810-1005 or Outsidah@DougBrendel.com. For news of other performances by “The Outsidah,” follow Doug’s blog at Outsidah.com.
Thank you!


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Last week for:

Rockport Art Association presents a solo photography exhibition by:

Judith Monteferrante

Garden’s Earthly Delights

October 27 – November 7, 2013

Greeting Cards also available.

Exploring Macro photography and the energetic impact of water as if frozen in time, all from the garden.

Monteferrante_J_RAA show_image008Dahlia 2


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