Month: December 2013

Cape Ann Forum Hosts Omar Dahi at City Hall

Posted on by God's Morning
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On Sunday, December 8 the Forum hosts Middle East scholar and author Omar Dahi speaking on the Syrian civil war, an increasingly regional catastrophe and humanitarian crisis affecting neighboring nations as well as Syria.  This is nowhere more evident than in Lebanon, where some villages now have more Syrians than Lebanese.  Just back from Lebanon, Dahi reports a lack of hospital beds and growing fear of a cholera outbreak and ensuing public health disaster in the Bekaa Valley.  Dahi will discuss the war, the complex welter of competing groups and outside interests, and the urgent need for a political solution and massive aid in the region.
Omar Dahi is an associate professor of economics at Hampshire College and visiting fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace MIddle East Center.
Born and raised in Damascus, Syria, Dahi received a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Notre Dame, serves on the editorial committee of the Middle East Report, is co-editor of the  Syria web page at Jadaliyya, and is widely published in various academic journals.
The  forum will be held at Gloucester City Hall and is free and open to the public.

Christmas by the Sea – Schedule, December 5th through 8th

Posted on by Lowell Peabody

Thursday December 5th the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce will hold a Christmas Part at Seaside Cycles, 23 Elm Street, Manchester. Raffles, door prizes and more! All are welcome!

Friday December 6 – Shop Manchester will take place from 4:00 until 9:00 pm. Collect stamps in your holiday passbook as you visit any of the merchants and win a valuable gift pack from local businesses. Plus you will have a chance to win a new Apple iPad or new BMX bicycle. Details at the merchant shops.

Christmas by the Sea Childcare Service So the parents can shop with ease and without young ones seeing anything too early, Childcare Services will be available between 5:30 and 8:30 pm at the Manchester Public Library. A minimum donation of $10.00 with a family maximum of $30.00 for the evening. Green Team will entertain the children with arts & crafts/games/movie and light refreshments. Proceeds to support the programming offered by the Manchester Community Center and to support the efforts of the Manchester Essex Green Team. Manchester Public Library 15 Union Street, Manchester.

Saturday December 7th Shop Manchester continues all day with the chance to win the prizes already mentioned and see all the special ideas and gifts the Shops of Manchester have to offer this Christmas.

Manchester Sailing Association trims their tree for Festival of Lights
Surfari shows the Christmas Spirit

Santa Claus Comes to Manchester! The Annual Jingle Bell walk will start at 1:00 PM when Santa arrives by boat at Masconomo Park. Santa will lead the children on a walk to Singing Beach followed by an open house at the Community Center from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. See the petting zoo, a craft activity, face painting, entertainment with Mrs. Claus and refreshments. Santa will be available for the children to meet and have a their picture taken with Santa.

Holidays and Wintertide II: An Evening with Chelsea Berry & Friends ~ 7:00 PM Single Tree Music and the Historic Manchester Trust present a special Holiday concert performance featuring Chelsea Berry, Joe Cardoze, Renee Dupuis and John Rockwell. The Crowell Chapel, 4 Rosedale Avenue. Tickets at http://www.brownpapertickets.com

Sunday December 8th Santa’s tour of Manchester starts at 12;00 and will go until about 2:30 PM. Santa will be start at the Fire Station and be driven around on a fire truck throwing Animal Crackers to the children as he tours the Town. Families are also encouraged to visit Santa at the Fire Station at 11:45 AM prior to his leaving on the tour.

A Christmas Concert will be held at the First Parish Church from 3:30 to 4:30 PM. The concert will feature the Manchester-Essex School Band, Soundwaves, the High School Chorus, Memorial School Chorus and La Petite Choral.

4:30 PM Lighting of the Friendship Tree and the Festival of Trees, the official start of the Christmas season following the concert at the First Parish Church on Town Hall Common

A busy weekend in Manchester!

 

Manchester Athletic Club Holiday Fair Expo December 6th 5PM-8PM and December 7th 9AM-1PM Open To The Entire Community!

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

You don’t have to be a member at The Manchester Athletic Club To Enjoy This Fair.

 

Holiday Fair 2013

It’s Holiday Delights time of year again. Check out this year’s show!

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

This just in from Heidi Dallin:

Gloucester Stage Youth Acting Workshops

Presents

HOLIDAY DELIGHTS

From Egypt to England to Gloucester: A New Journey for 2013

A Holiday Season Event for All Ages Featuring Students from Gloucester Stage Youth Acting Workshops

Christmas in Gloucester photo by Gary Ng
Christmas in Gloucester – photo by Gary Ng
Mrs. Claus and the elves in Santa's Workshop Photo by Gary Ng
Mrs. Claus and the elves in Santa’s Workshop – photo by Gary Ng
The Carolers photo by Gary Ng
The Carolers – photo by Gary Ng
Fezziwig Ball Photo by Gary Ng
Fezziwig Ball – photo by Gary Ng
Mrs. Claus' favorite elves Photos by Gary Ng
Mrs. Claus’ favorite elves – photos by Gary Ng
Dancing Dreidels Photo by Gary Ng
Dancing Dreidels – photo by Gary Ng

The Gloucester Stage Youth Acting Workshops proudly presents Holiday Delights  from December 13 through December 15 at Gloucester Stage Company, 267 East Main Street, Gloucester, MA. Holiday Delights features a cast of 40 young people ranging in age from 6 to 17, all students in Gloucester Stage Youth Acting Workshops. Conceived and directed by Heidi Dallin, this festive evening of stories, songs, magic and dance recounts the special traditions that other cultures and families experience as seen during one young girl’s magical journey on Christmas Eve to discover what is really important during the the holiday season.

The 2013 edition of Holiday Delights features the new journey of a young girl who discovers the spirit and the joys of the holiday season as she faces the prospect of leaving her beloved hometown of Gloucester and moving with her family to a new home in Michigan. During her Christmas Eve travels with Mrs. Claus and the elves, she joins an Egyptian Christmas celebration, celebrates Hanukkah, travels back in time to turn of the century Gloucester to see her Italian-Irish ancestors celebrate the holidays and meets famous literary characters including The Cratchit Family and the Fezziwig Family from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and the March Sisters from Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women. During her Christmas Eve journey she learns about the special traditions of other families and comes to realize the importance of her own family traditions.

The 2013 edition of Holiday Delights features the new story of a contemporary family in Egypt celebrating Christmas inspired by YAW student Farah Moussa, an exchange student from Egypt studying at Gloucester High School. Cast members learned traditional Egyptian dance. The 2013 production includes elements of Sign Language learned in YAW classes this year, magic performed by cast members, new songs, new twists on classic holiday stories and the return of the original story set in turn of the century Gloucester featuring the young girl’s grandmother as a young girl herself growing up on the Fort in an Irish-Italian fishing family. According to director and writer Heidi Dallin, “I wanted to explore the main character’s background so she could see first hand her own family traditions and thus gain a new appreciation for them. I also wanted to offer the entire cast a glimpse of Gloucester’s past and enrich their experience in the production. We had an enthusiastic audience response to the 2012 premiere of the story so we brought the story back this year with some new twists and a new song.” In addition to Dallin, the artistic staff includes music direction by Gloucester Public Schools’ Helen Greene, choreography by Windhover’s Carol Burnham, set design by Gloucester Joe Mustone and property design by Danver’s Jamie Wilkinson, costume design by Lara Jardullo, and lighting design by Brendan Marr.

The 40 young actors bring the original and classic stories to life on stage with a fresh perspective. Many actors play multiple roles in the production to bring all the stories to life. The show has over 100 costume changes. Holiday Delights features classic holiday music including Deck The Halls; O, Christmas Tree, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, and Santa Claus Is Coming To Town and the show ends with a audience sing a long and a visit from Santa Claus. Gloucester High School Junior 17 year old Jaqi McCarthy returns to the role of Mrs. Claus. McCarthy has been a student of Gloucester Stage Youth Acting Workshops since age six and has appeared in Holiday Delights for 4 years. Waring School student 12 year old Sara Wheeler plays the young girl who wants to skip Christmas rather than move away from Gloucester. Wheeler first appeared in Holiday Delights in 2007 and was the youngest member of that year’s cast. She has performed in all 5 productions of Holiday Delights, originating over a dozen different roles since 2007.

Holiday Delights performances are December 13 through December 15 at Gloucester Stage, 267 East Main Street, Gloucester, MA. Performance times are 7 pm on December 13, December 14 and 3 pm on December 14 and December 15 Ticket prices are $15 for Adults; $12 for Senior Citizens, $8 for Students and $6 for Children under 12. For tickets and further information, call 978-281-4433 or visit http://www.gloucesterstage.com

Wednesday’s with Fly Amero ~ Special guest: John Rockwell @ The Rhumb Line

Posted on by Joanne

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Wednesdays Only: Prime Rib, $12.95!

Hello everyone!
Wednesday, December 4th  8-11
Special Guest: JOHN ROCKWELL! 

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THE RHUMB LINE BAR & RESTAURANT

40 Railroad Ave.

Gloucester, MA 01930

phone: 978-283-9732

Breaking News…The Cave Cheese Shop Is Now Selling “Gifts Of Gold In A Sicilian Kitchen With Sista Felicia,Harvest”

Posted on by Sista Felicia

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 Sunday afternoon Laura Cramer owner of The Cave Cheese Shop on Main Street here in Gloucester, reached out to  me after a patron shopping in her store informed her that he had just heard on the GMG Sunday Morning Pod Cast with GMG Chief Joey Ciaramitaro, Toby Pett and Amandacakes, that I  was interested in participating in this upcoming Thursday’s Ladies Night on Main Street. I’m thrilled to announce that I will be teaming up with the Cave for this weeks event. Laura cordially invited me to her shop Ladies Night this Thursday Evening  December 5th beginning at 5 pm for a Cookbook/ Magazine signing.

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 Laura’s shelves are  currently stocked with copies of my newly released cookbook, “Gifts Of Gold In A Sicilian Kitchen With Sista Felicia, Harvest.” Copies will be on sale at The Cave throughout the holiday season, along with Cape Ann Magazine December 2013 December issue! 

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Laura has been very busy planning a special night. Last year her shop was a hot spot for shoppers and this year she is gearing up for an even bigger crowd. She will be serving several local products, including: wine spirit refreshments, Duck Foie Gras, Fudge Everything fudge sauce~ produced locally in Manchester By The Sea MA., Lark Cookies from Lark Fine Foods located in Essex Ma. , Gloucester Joe’s Coffee, and samples of Sista Felicia’s Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Dip, a recipe featured in “Gifts Of Gold”. The Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Dip will be specially made for this event using a delicious Laura Chenel’s Chevre ~ a mildly flavored soft creamy goat cheese sold regularly at “The Cave.”

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I look forward to meeting many GMG FOB, stop by “The Cave to celebrate “Shop local” and purchase you your copies of “Gifts of Gold”, Cape Ann Magazine, cheese, wine, coffee, cookies, and fudge sauce gifts for your family and friends, and  say hello!

Babson Reservoir, 1930

Posted on by Fredrik Bodin
Here is early construction of the Babson Reservoir 1930). It's still the main source of water for the City of Gloucester, along with Goose Cove (1963). The Babson family gave the reservoir to the City in return for keeping it a natural park.
Here is early construction of the Babson Reservoir (1930). It’s still the main source of water for the City of Gloucester, along with Goose Cove (1963). The Babson family gave the reservoir to the City in return for keeping it a natural park.

Community Photos 12/3/13

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro
Beauty in a gloomy Sunday afternoon – from Atlantic St., on the way to Wingaersheek

From Rick Isaacs

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TAKEN FROM ROCKY NECK SHIP YARD From Peter Digre

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Community Stuff 12/3/13

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Joey:  Can you help get the word out?  Thank you.

The Magnolia Library  & Community Center will light Magnolia’s 20 foot high Christmas Tree beginning at 5:30 pm this Saturday December 7th.  pm.  There will be a special visit from Santa Clause who will arrive at 6:30 pm.  The event is open to the public and children of all ages.  Hot chocolate and cookies will be served. 

Hi Joey C & GMG Readers!
Stroll Rockport’s Christmas tree-lined streets during our Annual Shopping Stroll – THIS FRIDAY! More than 60 merchants will be offering promotions, discounts, raffles and refreshments to light-up the Holiday shopping season! 
We hope to see you in Downtown Rockport!
Happy Holidays,
Dawn Noble
Rockport’s Downtown Merchants Group

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Celebrate Middle Street Walk
at Sargent House
December 14, 2013

In addition to beautiful holiday decorations, seasonal gifts and treats from 11A – 4P, Sargent House will be hosting two benefit performances during Middle Street Walk:

  • 12:00-1:00PM – Listen to a chamber music concert provided by Rockport High School musicians, led by director Nathan Cohen*                                                    
PLEASE NOTE: Seating will be limited for both performances. Please RSVP for one, the other, or both events at office@sargenthouse.org.  Suggested donation for each performance is $10.00 per person. These are benefit performances: proceeds will be split, and will support the performers as well as the Sargent House Museum.

For more information, visit our website: www.sargenthouse.org.

Eastern Point Day School Open House

Monday, December 9th from 9:30 am –11:30 am

Interested parents, guardians and their children are invited to visit Eastern Point Day School on December 9, 2013 from 9:30-11:30 am. Come and meet the dedicated faculty and great students that make Eastern Point Day School a unique and enriching community. Eastern Point Day School is an independent school, Pre-K to 8th grade, focused on thematic teaching with an emphasis on curriculum integration and academic excellence, delivered in a nurturing, creative and dynamic environment.

We offer rolling admission, options to augment homeschool learning, scholarships and financial aid. For more information, please visit www.easternpointdayschool.org or email at info@easternpointdayschool.org.

A Christmas Celebration in Song North Shore Christian Men’s Choir

A Christmas Celebration in Song featuring the North Shore Christian Men’s Choir, a bell choir, trombone, and special guests will take place on Saturday, December 21st at 2:30 p.m.  The free concert will take place at First Baptist Church, (Harvey Park)

Four High Street, Rockport, MA.  A reception and refreshments will follow the concert. All are welcome and invited to attend.

 

Book Signing In Rockport-

BOOK SIGNING FOR ‘A ROCKPORT CHILDHOOD’ AND SLIDE SHOW OF 1930-1950s ROCKPORT
WEDNESDAY DEC. 11 AT ROCKPORT PUBLIC LIBRARY AT 7:30 P.M.     FREE ADMISSION
Sarah Clark presents her book A ROCKPORT CHILDHOOD; IDYLL AND REALITY with an accompanying slideshow. Some Gloucester folks may remember her father, Jimmy Clark, who was waterfront, city hall and general Gloucester news reporter on the Gloucester Daily Times for 34 years. The book tells the story of his romance with the Rockport girl, he managed to marry despite her mother’s objections to “the scruffy reporter from Gloucester.” Jimmy’s waterfront column Squibs was a feature of the GDT, and he was noted by the GDT staff as being the one reporter who knew all the spellings of Ciarmetaro.
Books will be available at the event or can be purchased beforehand at The Bookstore in Gloucester and Toad Hall and Tuck’s in Rockport. Price is $12.

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Warning!!!!! Less Than 12 GMG Caps Left And We Won’t be Ordering More Til Next Summer

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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Click here to order your GMG Stonewashed Cap Or Hoodie–

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HARDCORE LOBSTERMAN JOHN TODD GOT HIS!!!

2013-11-30 16.02.05

 

Click here to order your GMG Stonewashed Cap Or Hoodie

2013-11-30 16.03.09

Community Photos 12/2/13

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

View of Boston on Saturday afternoon from Eastern Point Yacht Club. Dog Bar in foreground.  Peter Koch-Weser

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Storm wave on the boulevard from Ramani Rangan

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Bird’s Eye View of Lobster Trap Tree Building From Lorna Bird-Hood

Santa Parade 2013 photos from Anthony Marks

Super Easy Make-it-Yourself Orange Infused Wine for Holiday Gift-Giving!

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Orange Wine ©Kim Smith 2012Orange infused wine is wonderfully uncomplicated to prepare and makes a very much appreciated holiday host/hostess gift!

Although orange infused wine, or vin d’orange, is a warm weather Provençal aperitif, I never remember to make it during the summer months; only during the holidays, and that is because my family likes it so much they won’t let me forget!

This year I sought Kathleen Erickson’s advice (co-owner of Savour Wine and Cheese) on what wines she would suggest that would blend well with the flavor of the Clementines and cognac. She knew just what to recommend and steered me to the 10.00 a bottle bins. The Rayon Sauvignon Blanc from Chile sounded ideal, not only for the orange wine recipe, but also for the fondue I was making later that evening. As we found when preparing and eating the fondue, the Rayon Sauvignon was perfectly drinkable and delicious all on its own, too.

Rayon Sauvignon Blanc ©Kim Smith 2013 copyOver time I’ve experimented with the original recipe, which was, to my way of thinking, much too sweet—you can always add more sugar if you like a sweeter aperitif. I think you will find this concoction intoxicatingly fun, delicious, and aromatic. I hope your family and friends enjoy as much as do mine!

12-15 Clementines thoroughly washed and cut in half

3 bottles modestly priced dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc this year!)

1 Cup sugar

½ Cup Courvoisier

Long strips of orange zest

In a large glass or stainless steel bowl combine the wine and Clementines, gently squeezing each half to release some of the juice. Cover tightly and refrigerate for 5 days. Save the empty wine bottles and corks; wash and remove labels. You will need a fourth empty bottle.

Remove orange infused wine from the refrigerator and squeeze any liquid remaining in the orange halves into the large bowl. Discard oranges. Add the sugar and cognac, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Strain through a sieve lined with cheesecloth. Pour wine concoction into wine bottles. Insert a strip of the zest into each bottle and cork. Chill the wine for one week. Serve neat or over ice.

Orange wine will keep for 6 months when chilled. Makes approximately 4 bottles.

Savour Wine and Cheese ©Kim Smith 2013jpg copySavour’s handy carryall, with seperate compartments for each bottle–perfect for the bread and cheese on your shopping list, too!

Cape Ann Magazine Is On Sale Now!!!

Posted on by Sista Felicia

Harbor Loop Gift Shop Just unloaded their shipment of Cape Ann Magazine December 2013 issue! Congratulations to Editor in Chief Andrea Holbrook,Gail McCarthy,Allegra Boverman and the entire magazine staff on producing another beautiful piece of artwork. The December issue has captured the true essence of Cape Ann. It is packed with truly amazing content from cover to cover, and I know every household will want to have at least one copy on their coffee table for the holiday season!

Gloucester Writer’s Center Presents Alan H. Weisman at The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck

Posted on by God's Morning

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Manchester by the Shop – Nor’East Frameworks

Posted on by Lowell Peabody

Nor’East Frameworks was opened in October of 1995. Owner CF “Chuck” Haybeck offers ready made photo frames as well as custom made frames in all sizes and various shapes. He uses a variety of woods including such things as recycled wood from fishing boats in Thailand.

Of the unusual things he has framed there was a shadow box frame he made to contain the x-ray of a broken bone along with a custom bent titanium rod that was used to set the injury.

There are all sorts of stories with every custom frame. A man and his wife to be were in Italy where he proposed and they celebrated (she accepted…) the moment with a bottle of wine. The gentleman was able to buy another bottle and have it shipped home where he held it for their tenth anniversary. Chuck was asked to build a shadow box to hold the empty bottle. I think Chuck could write a book of such stories.

On the fine art side Chuck has framed a 1914 John Singer Sargent painting. In this category Chuck provides restoration or replacement of museum quality frames.

An artist as well, Chuck has a BA in Fine Arts from Boston University. As a result he looks at all projects with the eye of an artist, not just a framer.  He says that a new or increasing problem for preserving artwork for the long term is protection from ultra violet rays from the sun. Special glass is needed to provide such protection, but Chuck now recommends UV protecting glass in more situations as a result of the increased use in homes of compact fluorescent lights. An unintended consequence of going green.

Chuck displays artistic items that are for sale like 3-4 color silk screens on paper with images from around Cape Ann, suitable for framing! Artists often display their work for sale on the walls of Nor’East Frameworks so its worth checking out Nor’East Frameworks if you need a frame, or not. Nor’East Frameworks is located across from the train station in Manchester at 40E Beach Street.