Author: Joey Ciaramitaro

ANNISQUAM SEWNG CIRCLE – 176TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS FAIR ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2013

Dear Joey at Good Morning Gloucester,

I’m writing on behalf of the ANNISQUAM SEWING CIRCLE to ask if you would kindly help us promote our CHRISTMAS FAIR on Saturday, December 7, 2013.  Our members work very hard to produce an excellent event and raise money that goes directly to Gloucester schools and Gloucester non-profits, such as the Open Door.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7

Please shop us first!

The 176th Annual ANNISQUAM SEWING CIRCLE CHRISTMAS FAIR

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 ~ 8:30 am – Noon

At the ANNISQUAM VILLAGE HALL, LEONARD STREET, ANNISQUAM

A delicious LUNCHEON will be served at 12:30 pm!

The Christmas Fair features fresh holiday greens, centerpieces, wreaths and plants; exceptional handicrafts, and a glittering display of costume jewelry.  The Sewing Circle is proud of the lovely presentation and wrapping of home-baked, gourmet foods and preserves prepared by our members. Delightful hostess baskets are always popular items at the sale. The Circle of Recipes cookbook, filled with cherished family recipes and historical commentaries from Sewing Circle members, will be available as a perfect Christmas gift!

The festive and delicious three-course luncheon will be served at 12:30 and tickets are $15.00. Reservations are recommended.
Please call 978-283-2247.

Founded in 1837, the Annisquam Sewing Circle is one of the oldest, continuous, independent societies of women in the United States. The Sewing Circle contributes the proceeds of their Christmas Fair and other fundraisers to the needs of many of Cape Ann’s community programs.

The Village Hall in Annisquam, Gloucester, is located on Leonard Street off Rt. 127A. Watch for the signs at Gran Circle and the Annisquam Village Church!

Cape Ann Wildlife’s plight from Pam Mansfield

Hi Joey – I was wondering if I could ask to spread the word about Cape Ann Wildlife’s plight?  Here’s the story…if you can either use it or do a piece on Jodi Swenson’s situation! We could get pictures to you, or maybe you have already done a story on her in the past…..

Thanks.

Pam Mansfield

Where do the wild things go? Who comes to their aid when they are injured and helpless? I never knew the answer until I learned of Cape Ann Wildlife and Jodi Swenson, the North Shore’s state and federally licensed wildlife rehabilitator. When I first met her she had a room full of eager little baby birds brought to her by caring people who’d found them in need. There were nestlings without parents, like the 7 baby flickers (beautiful woodpecker-like birds), a mockingbird with a broken leg, a cardinal getting over an injury, a chipping sparrow, a robin with a taped broken wing, a crow (soon to be joined by another who a friend was bringing from Tufts University, who works with Jodi), a screech owl who’d been hit by a car, and a pigeon.  They were all cared for until they could be released back to the wild in good health and able to fend for themselves.

So when one busy weekend this summer I drove past a beautiful young hawk who was hopping around in the road dodging cars, I knew something was wrong, but I could try to help.  I gently picked him up when he flopped over in submission, and carried him to a box I had in my car. Jodi was waiting for me when I arrived. The Broad-wing Hawk didn’t seem to have anything wrong, but was unable to fly – perhaps he’d been hit by a car? She found he weighed only half of what he should have and needed medication for parasites, thanks to an examination by Dr. Ray Cahill of Seaport Vet.  Two weeks later he was at his fighting weight and ready to rejoin his flock.  Not long after I found the hawk, a friend became concerned about a crow that hadn’t left the same spot in her yard for a couple of days. Jodi knew right away the bird had West Nile Virus, and immediately administered treatment, but as is sometimes the case she was too late to save him.  She gives her rescue crows the vaccine to ensure they won’t get the virus once released.

By the end of the summer 2013, Cape Ann Wildlife had rescued over 300 birds – more than half of them babies –  and released most of them successfully, including seagulls and a large owl who had been found trapped and caught in a soccer net.

Now, as Thanksgiving approaches, I’m learning that despite all that she does for our wild birds, she is going to find herself out in the cold. The very modest home she rents is for sale, she is unable to buy it, so when it’s sold she will have to leave and currently has no idea where she can go to continue her bird rescue and her business, which is restoration of fine antique china.  It’s one of those situations where networking might help – does anyone reading this know of a place for rent or have any ideas?  Or looking to buy the property and rent to her? Have a look at www. valentine-design.com/Birds/ or her Facebook page to learn more about her work, and to offer ideas. We are so fortunate to have a place to bring the helpless wildlife we might encounter, instead of watching them suffer or wondering if they ever made it.  She’s the only federally and state licensed wildlife rehabilitator in our area, and she’s been here in Gloucester since 2005.  There is one other in Hamilton who specializes in raptors and birds of prey.

Pamela Mansfield, Gloucester

Felicia Ciaramitaro Mohan to Speak at Pigeon Cove Circle on November 21

Felicia Ciaramitaro Mohan, known to her many followers as Sista Felicia, has written her first cookbook commemorates her family’s Sicilian traditions, lost recipes, and authentic dishes. Gifts of Gold: In a Sicilian Kitchen with Sista Felicia, begins with the end of summer and the harvesting of fruits and vegetables and celebrates all things autumn. On Thursday, November 21, Felicia will be the guest speaker at the Pigeon Cove Circle, providing an overview of how her cookbook was compiles from beginning to end.  

Felica’s cookbook contains delicious foods, easy-to-follow step-by -step directions, how-to photos, and beautiful photography, Sista Felicia’s cookbook has also been carefully crafted to highlight beautiful Cape Ann. Thirteen recipes are accompanied by QR codes, which directly link the reader to Sista Felicia’s online how-to videos on her website, www.sistafeliciaskitchen.com[sistafeliciaskitchen.com].

The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with a potluck buffet dinner and speaker at 7 p.m. Those attending the potluck dinner are welcome to bring an item for the buffet. There is no fee or pre-registration required.  All are welcome attend enjoyable evening.

The Pigeon Cove Circle is located at Six Breakwater Avenue in Rockport.  The Pigeon Cove Circle is made up of men and women throughout Cape Ann, a civic group who provide fund-raiser for community needs such a scholarships, and other needs on Cape Ann. Those who would like further information about the availability of the Pigeon Cove function hall are welcome to call Michelle at 978-546-1195.

Holiday Sale to benefit Haiti Projects at the Annisquam Village Library from 11 to 4 on Saturday Nov 16th. Decorative Holiday home good, night gowns, handmade toys and much more. 

Appleton Farms Offers a New Seasonal Dairy Share Program

13-Week Dairy Share Runs December 16, 2013 through March 16, 2014

The Trustees of Reservations is pleased to announce the launch of a new Dairy Share Program at Appleton Farms, located at 219 County Road, Ipswich, MA. For the first time since Appleton Farms began milking cows at the farm over ten years ago, the public will be able to purchase a Full or Half Dairy Share with Appleton Farms’ very own farmstead cheese, yogurt, and milk. 

The Dairy Share program starts the week of December 16 and last for 13 weeks (through March 16, 2014). Shares are available for purchase and pickup at the farm Monday – Friday, 11am – 6pm and Saturday and Sunday, 10am – 4pm.

“My family is hooked on the farm’s milk and cheese, and we love the yogurt too!” commented a dairy store patron.” We always look forward to driving down the dirt road for our farm experience. Some days it’s a quick in and out of the dairy store, other days we visit with cows, chat with a farmer, or enjoy our cheeses on the spot! We love the idea of supporting our local farmer and joining the dairy share program. We can’t wait to make Appleton Farms a regular part of our lives!”

Full Dairy Share includes two ½ gallons of milk (choice of skim, 1%, and whole), one ¼ lb. wedge of artisan cheese (your choice from seasonal selections) and one quart whole milk yogurt. The cost for 13 weeks is $210.00 for Trustees of Reservations members, $230.00 for nonmembers.

Half Dairy Share includes one ½ gallon of milk (choice of skim, 1%, and whole), one ¼ lb. wedge of artisan cheese (choice from seasonal selections) and one pint whole milk yogurt. The cost for 13 weeks is $135.00 for Trustees of Reservations members, $150.00 for nonmembers.

5 Good Reasons to Buy a Dairy Share

1. It’s Local Just off Route 1A in Ipswich, Appleton Farms is one of only a handful of local direct market dairies in Massachusetts. The dairy products are made in the farm’s creamery, just steps from the dairy barn where the Jersey cows are milked.

2. It’s Healthy Appleton Farms’ dairy products are made by good people with good milk from good cows raised and grazed on good land. All of Appleton Farms’ fields and pastures are managed organically, and their cows’ diet is more than 80% grass-based.

3. It’s easy Members purchase their share up front for below-retail value. You can leave your wallet at home while you enjoy one-stop dairy “shopping” any day of the week.

4. You’ll Save All shares are priced below retail value, and Trustees of Reservations members enjoy an additional 10% discount.

5. You’ll Learn Throughout the season, Appleton Farms will invite members to meet the cows, share dairy recipes, and more!

Dairy farming at Appleton Farms is a 375-days-a-year commitment. Eating local can also be a 375-days-a-year commitment. Make your local Farm to Fridge pledge by purchasing a Dairy Share today! To learn more about the Appleton Farms’ dairy and to purchase a share, visit online www.thetrustees.org/dairyshare, call the farm at 978.356.5728, or stop by the dairy store Monday – Friday, 11am – 6pm and Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 4pm.

Addison Gilbert Hospital – Lights of Love ~ in celebration of the life of co-founder Susan Kyle

The sixth Annual Lights of Love Benefit  and Tree Lighting Ceremony

will take place on

Wednesday, December 4 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the Washington Street entrance of

Addison Gilbert Hospital, 298 Washington Street, Gloucester.

The event will feature an art drawing by award-winning Cape Ann artist Ken Knowles benefitting cancer care services on

Cape Ann (www.kenknowlesfineart.com), caroling with Gloucester High School Chorus, children’s activities including train rides and a decorated ambulance, and holiday treats.

To participate in the art drawing, please visit www.addisongilbert.org/lightsoflove.  Tickets will be available at the event as well.

I am the president of the o’maley innovation middle school and we are doing a pto fundraising event at talbot skating rink on saturday, november 23 from 7 to 8.  this event promises to be a ton of fun and it is open to the entire gloucester community!  please consider attending.

On November 23rd. St. John’s Gloucester at 48 Middle Street will hold its Country Cupboard Fair from 9:00am-2;00pm in conjunction with the Middle Street Harvest Festival.  Many of the parishioners will be in Victorian dress to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the church and the Gettysburg Address.
There will be hand made crafts, bake goods, jewelry, a cookie walk, artisan cheese, seasonal decorations, a silent auction as well as their traditional fish chowder luncheon. Also the popular Thrift Shop will be open and there will be a 50/50 raffle where 50% goes for outreach programs and the other half to the winner.
This should offer a good time for all as the holiday season begins, and getting ready for the holidays takes a priority.

Hi Joey,

I’m attaching some pics and a poem with info about the upcoming Holy Family Christmas Fair on the November 23.  The ladies in the pic, from right to left, are Agnes Burnham, Bea Ciaramitaro, Fair Chairperson, and Rosie Verga.

CAT Collaborative’s Fall Play, Homestead Crossing Explores the Power of Reflection and Continuity of Self

If you were given a crystal ball at 20-something would you want to see you and your spouse at 50-something? At 50-something would you look back to see your 20-something self  and spouse? Would you have the courage to look at what you would become? Could you endure how you had changed from your youth?

Cape Ann Theatre Collaborative’s fall play, Homestead Crossing, by Sudbury, Mass. native William Donnelly creates a “crystal ball”  to view the 50-something married couple of Noel and Anne with the by-happenstance meeting of 20-something Claudia and Tobin. Both couples reflect each other across the spectrum of aging and remembrance of youth. Each couple transforms the other into deeper knowing and fuller remembrances. The quiet disconnect of comfortable middle age marriage and the youthful exuberance of setting out on a collective dream meet in a  delightful twist! Donnelly’s “jeweler’s eye” explores who we are at the start of relationships and who we are as we age into them. Homestead Crossing abounds with humor, poignance and the deep wisdom of life’s journey when lived fully and honestly. Our cast features Emma Cavaliere as Claudia, Pauline Miceli as Anne, Tom Rash as Tobin and Marc St. Pierre as Noel.

When: November 15, 16, 17, ( 21^st Benefit performance for the Lanesville Community Center, 8pm), 22, 23, 24   Fridays/Saturdays 8pm and Sundays 3pm

Where: Gorton Theatre (home of Gloucester Stage Company), 267 E. Main St., Gloucester, MA

General Admission: $15

Door Sales: Cash/Check Only

Reserve: CATcollab@gmail.com

Buy Tickets Online: www.catcollaborative.org