Who knows where Piscitello Square is located?  This memorial square is in honor of Sgt. Salvatore J. Piscitello who was killed in action while a member of D Co, 4th Bn, 9th Infantry, in South Vietnam on November 27, 1968.  He is remembered on the Vietnam Wall at Panel 38W Line 079.

There is also a SALVATORE J. PISCITELLO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP given each year by the Friends of Sgt. Salvatore J. Piscitello in the amount of $200.00 to a Gloucester High School student exhibiting leadership, scholarship and character, with preference given to a student entering the technical field.

E.J. Lefavour

This was the coolest thing my sister gave my nephew for Christmas.  It is a remote control helium filled shark that cruised around the house all day looking for people to attack.  It was very lifelike and alot of fun for all ages.  I wish we’d had cool stuff like this when we were kids.  A major advancement in Christmas day fun from etch-a-sketches, playdough and slinkies.

E.J. Lefavour

While walking through the woods along Lobster Cove in Annisquam on the Washington Street side, I came across this memorial.  I don’t imagine most people have ever seen it, or know that these are memorial woods.  It is a memorial to 3 soldiers – John Gossom, Eric Lingard and Bertram Williams, “who gave their lives for their country in the World War”. 

E.J. Lefavour

If you haven’t recently stopped into Last Stop at 273 East Main Street, you should check out their warm and cozy new look and menu.  The Last Stop has been serving the Gloucester community for over one hundred years with a rich tradition of home baked goods, jumbo muffins, fresh brewed coffee and espresso, soups, sandwiches and desserts. The name has changed a few times but their commitment to friendly service and comfort food remains the same.  Make the Last Stop your first stop during your day and your last stop before you go home.  They are also now serving Chile Choice Southwestern foods and hot meals to go, do catering and have a great selection of locally crafted gift items, including paintings and prints by Rocky Neck artist, L.A. Dahlmer.  They are open 7 days a week from 7:00am to 6:00pm.

E.J. Lefavour

The Pomeranian (often known as a Pom, or more humorously, Pom Pom) is a breed of dog of the Spitz type, named for the Pomerania region in Central Europe (today part of eastern Germany and northern Poland). Classed as a toy dog breed because of its small size, the Pomeranian is descended from the larger German Spitz.

The breed has been made popular by a number of royal owners since the 17th century. Queen Victoria owned a particularly small Pomeranian and consequently the smaller variety became universally popular. During Queen Victoria’s lifetime alone, the size of the breed decreased by 50%. Overall, the Pomeranian is a sturdy, healthy dog and incredibly smart, cute and sweet. 

This pomeranian is named Paco.  He and his owner, Jen Nicol are my next door neighbors and regular visitors.  Jen is also known as the Fairy Dog Ma http://www.fairydogma.com/.  She is great with animals of all varieties and is a 100% reliable, full time pet care provider offering services customized to suit you and your pet’s needs. These include pet/house sitting, individual or group walks to park/woods/beaches for socialization and lots of exercise. Jen’s motto and belief is that a tired dog is a good dog!  If you need someone to look after your 4-legged family member while you are at work or away, call the Fairy Dog Ma.  You’ll love her and so will your best friend.

E.J. Lefavour

In 1943, Jacques-Yves Cousteau and Emile Gagnan invented a system that would revolutionize the world of deep-sea exploration and push diving into the mainstream, allowing people around the world to become exposed to the magical oceanic wilderness they had been unable to experience before. The system is known as the “Aqua-lung.”  Jacques-Yves Cousteau, invented and tested the “Aqua Lung” SCUBA regulator in Lanesville. 

E.J. Lefavour

After a surprise visit to Annisquam by artist group friends Alice Gardner (organizer), Carol McKenna and Alma McLaughlin, we all went to lunch at my favorite spot on this side of Gloucester, Willow Rest.  Melissa Donati has beautifully re-invigorated the Willow Rest, and provides locals and visitors alike a wonderfully expanded selection of foods and services:

• Home Style Breakfast & Lunch
• Fresh Baked Goods
• Artisanal Cheese and Meats
• Fresh Produce – Local when in Season
• Hot and Iced Coffee
• Prepared Foods
• Hot from the Brick Oven Focaccia
• Local Artisan’s Gifts & Crafts

I had the Dogtown sandwich – lemon herbed chicken with baby arugula, roasted peppers, goat cheese, tomato brushetta and extra virgin olive oil.  It was so fresh and delish. 

Melissa is also great about carrying local artists’ creations, including my 2012 Dogtown and Babson Boulder Calendar – not as edible as her Dogtown sandwich, but it will last alot longer.  If you’re traveling along Washington Street, say on the art studio open house tour this weekend, stop in at Willow Rest at 1 Holly Street for a great breakfast or lunch, and check out the wonderful selection of locally crafted gift offerings.  She also has Godiva chocolates and many other delectible treats for special stocking stuffers, or to take over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house.  For more info, visit http://www.willowrest.com/index.php. 

E.J. Lefavour

So you’re all invited to the Good Morning Gloucester Christmas Party on Saturday, 12/17 at 7:00 pm at Bodin Historic Photo, 82 Main Street.  Joey’s supplying the pizza – BYOB.  It will be the Christmas Party of the year.

Had to add my creepy Christmas elf into the mix.

E.J. Lefavour

How quickly the weather and pastimes can change.

That Schroo Cookin’ at 185 Washington Street is under new ownership and is now called What’s Cookin’.  Pictured are new owner/cook, Brian Rice, and cook Mari Martin.  Brian was most recently cooking for Common Crow, but jumped at the opportunity to schroo working for someone else and open his own establishment.  (Actually he really enjoyed cooking at Common Crow, but this was just too good an opportunity to pass up).  What’s Cookin’ opened Thursday, December 8 and will be open Monday-Friday 8:00-5:00 and Saturday 9:00-3:00, serving made from scratch soups, sandwiches, salads, baked goods and prepared meals.  Stop in and try some of Brian and Mari’s lovingly prepared food.

E.J. Lefavour

Rocky Neck Mug Ups were always a great time, but I think the quaintness of Annisquam and close proximity to Christmas made this holiday Mug Up extra special.  The turnout was great, and people brought some amazing contributions to the fare.  Paul Morrison’s bluefish pate was the best he’s made yet; Kim Smith’s truffles were to die for (well not really die, but they were incredible), Donna Ardizzoni made this cream cheese and chocolate chip ball with ginger snaps to spread it on, which didn’t sound immediately appealing to me, but was so delicious; Wendie Demuth baked Christmas cookies, as did others, but I didn’t see who brought them; Jenn Cullen brought some great Sugar Magnolias muffins, Fred Bodin brought some great treats from Plum Cove Grind and Marit from Bayview made an incredible tomato pie (see picture); Pete and Joyce Chamberlain brought a delicious cheese pie; Schooner Adventure’s Joanne Souza came in with something, but I didn’t see what.  There were many other things that appeared on the table, but I don’t know who brought them, so don’t know who to acknowledge and thank.  Henry Allen was in the house, as was Alicia and Mike, Father Green, of course, Ed Collard, Marty & Barbara Luster, Greg Bover, Sue Lovett, Val, Judith, and our beloved Joey made the long trek over from the dock.  Some visitors from Annisquam included Cynthia Kennedy Sam, Martha Bentley, Sarah Hackett, Tom O’Keefe (who was the last to leave, staying to help me clean up – thanks Tom), Kris Bengston.  There were more people, but I’ve already lost track.  It was a great time and a wonderful way to share the holiday season with a bunch of really great people.

I want to send a special thank you to those of you who made purchases while you were here.  I greatly appreciate your support.

Don’t forget about the GMG Christmas Party this Saturday, December 17th at 7:00 pm at Bodin Historic Photo, 82 Main Street.  Joey is providing the pizza – BYO beverage of choice and anything you might like to contribute to the party fare.

E.J. Lefavour

Also, don’t miss Open Houses at Marty Morgan Pottery (328 Washington Street), Wenniger Cottage Gallery (70 Holly St) and Plum Cove Pottery, 9 Woodbury Street.

That there is a Holiday Mug Up this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. in Annisquam.   Deviled eggs, fresh baked cinnamon rolls and orange sweet buns (Paul, your favorite Pillsbury doughboy), coffee, tea and whatever else people might bring along to share.  Location: EJ’s at 6 Union Court (Annisquam).  Please park on Leonard Street and walk up the Court (first house on the left).  If you need directions, email me at khanstudio@comcast.net or call 857-891-9054.  Hope to see you, and if you like, bring your cameras for a photographic walkabout after.

E.J. Lefavour

Although the stagecoach doesn’t run any more so you will have to drive, these 4 galleries situated along the stretch of Washington Street between Riverdale and Lanesville are having Holiday Open Houses and Sales that will give you a good reason to follow the old stagecoach route and do some exploring.  Please note, all the galleries and studios are not keeping the exact same hours and days, so doublecheck the flyers for open hours and days. 

Also, there will be a Mug Up at Khan Studio in Annisquam on Sunday, 12/11 at 10:00.  Hope to see you.

E.J. Lefavour

 Nyctalopia prevents me from doing many things at night because I can’t see to drive, but last night my awesome sister, Judy Wilburn and her husband, Ron drove up from Winthrop to take in some amazing things on Main Street with me. 

First there was the incredibly well attended reception for the Rocky Neck Art Colony’s Winter Show.  There was great art, lots of cool, fun people, amazing food, beverages and decorations most generously provided by sponsors: Topside Grille, Lat 43, Alchemy, Jalepenos, Cruiseport Gloucester, The Boston Beer Company, Stop & Shop and Corliss Bros.  If you missed it, you missed the event of the season; but you can still stop in daily to see the exhibit at 130 Main Street through December 29. 

Then we stopped at the The Annie and saw Henry Allen and some of the really great art at the “Gloucester Creates Art” exhibit.  If you missed last night, you have one last chance to see this dynamic exhibit on Men’s Night, Thursday, December 8 from 5:00-9:00pm.  In addition to some great art, there will be music and food in a really cool space that Henry has lovingly created for our community.

We ended up at Fred Bodin’s open house at Bodin Historic Photo & Fine Art.  I love Fred and its always great to stop in his gallery and visit.  He had some great refreshments, and as always, great photography, art, cards, prints, calendars, pottery and more.  BTW, in case you don’t know, GMG will be having its Christmas Party at Bodin Historic Photo on Saturday, December 17th, and Joey will be providing the pizza.  More details will be forthcoming.  While at his open house, I met Steve Ludwick.  While I don’t want to encourage duck envy on the blog, Steve is the proud owner of one humungus duck.  He is also the local Aflac agent, and lives in West Gloucester.  If you want to receive money if you are hurt and can’t work, contact Steve at 978-879-8453 or stephen_ludwick@us.aflac.com to find out how.  He’ll show up at your place with the big honkin duck in his back seat to tell you all about it. 

E.J. Lefavour

www.khanstudiointernational.com

Please be our guest at the Rocky Neck Art Colony’s Winter Show Reception

Saturday, December 3, 5-7pm, 130 Main St, downtown Gloucester

Meet the Artists and enjoy appetizers and libations from our generous sponsors.

RECEPTION : SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 5-8pm

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The 2012 Dogtown and Babson Boulders Complete Collection calendars are in and now available at Dogtown Book Shop and Willow Rest.  Those of you who purchased them online, thank you and they are on their way to you now.  Gloucester’s Finest Kind calendars are also available at Dogtown Book and Willow Rest.  Both calendars can still also be ordered online at http://www.khanstudiointernational.com/dogtown%20and%20babson%20boulders%20calendar%202012.htm and http://www.khanstudiointernational.com/gloucester%20fisherman%20calendar.htm.  Give the gift that will make them think of you every day of the year.

E.J. Lefavour

www.khanstudiointernational.com