Author: Joey Ciaramitaro

The Rockport Christmas Tree Committee, now in it’s 115th year, is Rockport’s oldest ongoing tradition.

Started in the early 1890’s by Rockport grocer Tim Sheehan, the tradition of remembrance is carried on today. Members of the Rockport community 80 years of age and older, shut-ins, residents with illnesses and others are remembered on Christmas Day with the delivery of a fruit basket and cookies. Residents of area housing, nursing homes and local hospitals receive a visit in the days before Christmas. Santa Claus himself visits residents of the Den Mar Nursing Home and presents each resident with a small basket of fruit and other goodies.

On Christmas morning at 10:30AM Santa arrives in Dock Square and gives all the Town children a bag of candy, fruit and goodies in the same tradition of the 1890’s.

Santa’s helpers will be meeting at Spiran Hall on Broadway at 7PM on December 22 to pack the bags and baskets. On Christmas morning volunteers are welcome to meet at Spiran Hall at 9AM to deliver baskets. All you need to help is willingness and a smile.

The Committee needs your help to continue this tradition. We rely solely on volunteers and donations. Donations may be mailed to the Rockport Christmas Tree Committee, % Doreen Carter, 2 Mary Helen Way, Rockport, MA 01966 or dropped off at any Rockport National Bank location or Smith Lumber and Hardware. Online donations thru paypal can be made atwww.rockportchristmastree.org. Donations are tax deductible.

We are all saddened by the loss of our friend and longtime chairman, Ray Smith, but his work goes on through this committee.

If you have a neighbor or friend who you think would like to receive a basket, just let any committee member know. Committee members are Bud Woods, Jay Smith, Gary and Faye Anderson, Nikole Gale, Lisa Littlefield, Doreen Carter, Judy Harris, Mary Helen MacLeod, Linda Johnson, Janice Ramsden, April Beaton, Sally Frithsen, Ruth George, Andrea Ritchie, Wanda Visnick, Jeff and Mary-Kathryn Gray, Judy Bogage, Pat Brown, Chris Murch, Darlene Trumbour and John Thompson or leave a note with name and address at the Lumber desk at Smith Hardware and Lumber.

Holiday Present-Making Workshop at Maritime Gloucester 12/14/13

Work with Maritime Gloucester staff to create two fun crafts using recycled materials.  Ages pre-K through 12 years.  Parent or guardian attendance required (fee is per child only).  Event runs from 10:00 to noon. Register here: http://maritimegloucester.org/visit/event.php?s=2013-12-14-holiday-present-making-workshop

Rockport Senior Center

Senior Citizen Dance

This Saturday the Rockport High School, Class of 2016 will be sponsoring a dance for the local senior citizens at the Rockport High School Cafeteria  from 1-3PM. Swing dance with the Jazz band. This will be an afternoon of Dancing, Live Music and refreshments.

Healthy Eating for Successful Living in Older Adults

Making small changes in the types and amount of food we eat and the exercises we can do, can lead to big improvements in our health and well-being. Why not start the New Year off right and try this 6 week workshop where you will learn to make healthier food choices and identify behavior changes you can stick with. This program will include a food shopping expedition, course book and materials, incentives and more. Participants who complete the course will have the opportunity to dine with the group at a local restaurant. Cost is $6.00 for 6 classes including all materials and lunch. Classes begin Jan 28^th. There will be a information session on January 14^th at 1PM to hear more about the program. This program is sponsored by SeniorCare. Class is limited. Call to register 978-546-2573

Strength & Resistance Exercise Class Mondays & Fridays from 9-10AM $4.00

Traveling Chef Luncheon $3.00 call Freda for reservations 978-546-5027

Turkey, gravy, baked potato, green beans,

parker house rolls and pound cake with blueberry sauce.

Special Holiday Luncheon with entertainment $2.00

Thursday, December 19^th , call Freda for reservations 978-546-5027

Roast Lamb/Gravy, whipped potatoes, green beans, red velvet cake

Wednesday, January 8^th A representative from United Health Care will talk about their Senior Care Options Plan. This plan is free to people who already have Mass Health Standard Insurance and will cover 100% of medical & dental costs including rides to doctor appointments. Call 978-546-2573 to attend.

Travel to New Zealand

Come travel with Jim Wallius as he shares his computerized photo presentation of New Zealand on Wednesday, January 15^th at 12:30Pm. Give us a call to sign up, 978-546-2573

Jewelry Making Classes. There will be 4 classes at the Rockport Senior Center on Monday mornings beginning January 27^th to Feb. 24^th from 10:15-11:30Pm. Classes are $5.00 each class to cover materials. Must preregister, call 978-546-2573.

Blanket Drive

Help keep people warm this winter! The Rockport Senior Center, 58 Broadway along with SeniorCare is hosting a “Drop off day” on January 14^th from 1-3PM. Please bring clean items for donation. Needed: Blankets, sleeping bags, hats, gloves, socks, hand/feet warmers and coats.

Art Classes

Waking Up to Color-Part 1 with Carla Mattioli, M.A. on Tuesdays beginning January 7^th to Feb 25thth 8 weeks/$40.00. Payment is due at time of Registration.

Basic Painting & Drawing Class

This 6 week art class taught by Elizabeth Harty starts on Wednesday, January 22^nd to Feb 26^th from 1-3PM. 6 weeks/$30.00 Payment due at time of registration.

Hi Joey:

I am having an Holiday Pottery Sale at my in home studio/galleria this coming weekend,  Saturday, Dec 7th  and Sunday, Dec 8th, from 11-5,  and was hoping you would post this invite for me. This year my  wonderful husband Steve built a studio for me in our home,  where I make and fire pottery, and then he created a cozy gallery to showcase my pots. 

I  am mostly making functional pottery such as mugs, bowls, berry bowls, and more bowls, ornaments,  vases and of course more bowls …LOL, however, I have also started making wall art that includes local fish, such as cod, red fish, flounder and haddock,  and  religious wall crosses. Guess I have  no idea where this will all take me, but I am having a good time with it. I hope you stop by also…

Thanks

Nina (Testaverde) Goodick

Annisquam River Pottery

Amy Shapiro submits-

This Sunday Dec 8th at the Lanesville Community Ctr on Vulcan St from 3:30 – 4:30 PM, I’m hosting a free holiday book launch party for Before This Song Ends: A Timeless Romance. Sales will benefit the LCC. The story features a fishing trip out of Gloucester Harbor, where love is on the line, and a message by John H. Hammond Jr sets the tone for a mystical journey. This interview tells more about the book, (starting at 12:55). For those who can’t make the party, stop into The Bookstore for a copy. 
The flyer is attached — thanks!  Amy

Martin Del Vecchio submits-

I will again be doing Santa/Frosty portraits at the East Gloucester Elementary School Holiday Fair is this Saturday from 10:00a to 2:00p.

Photos are of very high quality, and are printed while you wait for $10/sheet.  High-resolution JPG files, perfect for Christmas cards, are also available for $25.

Bring your large groups, your babies, and even your pets; we can handle just about anything!  

The fair also features numerous craft tables for kids to make their own gifts, a huge bake sale, and the ever-popular cake walk!

Thanks!

Weather permitting, the Docksiders will be will be playing a concert  in front of Sovereign Bank from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm compliments of the Christmas Parade Committee.  Since the 

Docksides could not play in Sunday’s parade because of the weather this will serve as their rain date.  The street will be blocked off at Duncan Street for the duration of the concert an hour or less. Merry Christmas!

Dec 8th Contra Dance

Hi Joey,

Our next dance is this Sunday, December 8.
Everybody is welcome, and our local contra dance family just keeps on growing.

We had several folks who’d never done a contra dance before join us in November and they all promised they’d be back for more!

Some folks come just to hear the music and visit with friends.

The fun starts at 6:30 with a helpful Introduction to the Basics of Contra Dance.  The dancing starts in earnest at 7:00 and goes to 10:00.

It all happens at the First Baptist Church, 38 Gloucester Ave., Gloucester.

Check out the smiling faces on these photos by Mary Barker.

People can get more info at www.facebook.com/CapeAnnContraDance.

Thanks for helping to spread the word!

Angela Cook Is Crowdsourcing Her Book-

I wanted to share some news – I put together a book, full of scenic
images of Rockport through all the seasons of the year, along with some
anecdotes and stories. Toad Hall has already offered to throw me a book
release party, to be held in conjunction with Motif 1 Day in May.  I am
self-publishing the book, so funding is essential.  I decided to start a
Kickstarter campaign to see if I can crowd-fund the project. Any way you
can help me spread the word? The campaign is at the link below:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1914659363/rockport-through-the-seasons-photographic-coffee-t
Thank you 🙂

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

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 9^th 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.