Day: December 11, 2024

Totally unrelated – Testosterone levels are rising in the Hooded Merganser population. And Anne-Lise and I had a great evening out in Rockport at “A Tribute to a Charlie Brown Christmas.”

Splish Splash…

Saturday, December 14, 12 PM – 5 PM
Rocky Neck Cultural District, Gloucester, MA

The Rocky Neck Art Colony and the Rocky Neck Cultural District are thrilled to invite you to the 2024 Rocky Neck Holiday Art Trek on Saturday, December 14, from 12 PM – 5 PM. Celebrate the festive season by exploring an enchanting variety of locally crafted gifts, set in the vibrant and creative atmosphere of Rocky Neck.

Twenty participating galleries, shops, studios, and eateries will welcome visitors with warm holiday cheer, spanning the district from Cripple Cove Studios to Mad Fish Wharf on Rocky Neck Avenue. From colorful paintings and sculptures to intricate ceramics and handcrafted jewelry, you’re sure to find unique treasures for everyone on your holiday list!

Download the Holiday Art Trek Passport [HERE] to plan your day. Visit eight or more participating locations, collect stamps on your passport, and earn complimentary Rocky Neck swag! (pick up at Salted Cod)

Event Highlights

• Cove Gallery presents:  Holiday Art Pop-Up Sale: On Saturday and Sunday (11 AM – 5 PM), enjoy a wide selection of artworks, paintings, drawings, ceramic sculptures, glass creations, and fiber art, all beautifully infused with the holiday spirit.
• Salted Cod Café: From 2 PM – 4 PM, warm up with complimentary bites, including soups, grilled sandwiches, and nachos.
• Salted Cod Arthouse: Experience the festive glow as Rocky Neck artists transform the space with holiday decorations, gifts, and ornaments. The Salted Cod Arthouse and Wine Bar also offer Gift Cards – a perfect option if you don’t find the exact gift you’re looking for!
• The Cultural Center: Saturday and Sunday (12PM-5PM) Last show of the year – “YES!” features work by 80+ RNAC Artist Members showcasing all manner of subjects, styles, sizes, and prices.
• Don’t Miss:  PRESENT, Pop-Up at Last Stop and Gloucester Stage’s Craft Market Pop-Up featuring local makers sharing wares that make perfect gifts for loved ones.

·       Be sure to pick up your Passport/Brochure at participating locations or download it (HERE] to start planning your Holiday Art Trek today!

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About the Rocky Neck Art Colony (RNAC):
The Rocky Neck Art Colony, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is dedicated to fostering excellence in the arts through exhibitions, workshops, artist residencies, historical tours, and dynamic cultural events for both members and the public. Located on scenic Rocky Neck in Gloucester, Massachusetts, RNAC operates three free-to-visit exhibition spaces:

• The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck (6 Wonson Street)
• Salted Cod Arthouse (53 Rocky Neck Ave.) gallery and café partnership
• Cove Gallery (37 Rocky Neck Ave.), Holiday Pop Up Dec. 14-15

For more information, visit www.rockyneckartcolony.org for photos of the swag and a Google map.

The Cape Ann Transportation Authority (CATA) is thrilled to announce a new initiative that will provide FREE rides on all regular bus services (including the Mall Bus, Beverly Shuttle, and Seasonal Summer Services) and all paratransit services from November 29, 2024, through December 31, 2025. This initiative is made possible by funding through the Massachusetts State Legislature administered as grants by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. 

For 50 years, CATA has been committed to providing high-quality public transportation to the greater Cape Ann communities of Gloucester, Rockport, Ipswich, Essex, and Hamilton. This new program aims to increase ridership and reduce congestion, making it easier for residents and visitors to explore the beautiful Cape Ann region without the worry of transportation costs. 

Key Details of the Free Rides Initiative: 

• Free Rides: All routes and paratransit services will be available at no cost during the initiative period. 
• Included Services: The initiative covers all regular fixed route bus services including the Mall Bus, ADA paratransit services, senior dial-a-ride services, the Ipswich Medical Bus, the Dialysis Bus, the Beverly Shuttle, and even our Seasonal Summer Routes! 
• CATA On Demand: Please note that CATA On Demand services will continue to collect fares and are not included in this initiative. 

CATA encourages everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to experience reliable public transportation while helping to protect the environment and ease traffic congestion.

For more information, please visit our website at canntran.com or contact our Administrative Assistant, Jackie LaFlam, at 978-283-1886, ext. 102 or laflamj@canntran.com.  

About CATA: 
The Cape Ann Transportation Authority has been serving the Cape Ann and North Shore communities for over five decades. CATA is dedicated to providing safe, courteous, and efficient transportation services to residents and visitors alike. 

returns for a…
3 Week Holiday POP-UP

December 10 through Christmas Eve
OPEN DAILY

M & N Contemporary Art Gallery
20 Pleasant St. Gloucester

Featuring artwork by Loren Doucette & Matthew Billey and select pieces by Rebecca Anne Nagle & Vanessa Michalack

Link to purchase- https://gloucesterapparel.square.site/

Open Sunday 11-3PM

We’re open at 11AM if you want to purchase in store.
For Men’s Day/Night On Thursday I’m also offering half off on men’s puffer jackets. Sale price of $30. Any three caps including our fleece lined beanie and Pom hats for $60.

Pat Dalpiaz and I are giving away a choice of free Christmas Coozie or Christmas Socks with any purchase.

We will also have refreshments!

I think most of us really hate that it gets dark so early these days, but at least it gives me a chance to catch the sun setting before I prepare dinner! Eastern Point on a recent December afternoon:

Also: You don’t have to be a man to enjoy the crazy deals we will be offering on Men’s night starting at 11AM on Thursday