
Very cool early morning sea smoke

My View of Life on the Dock


Central Street Gallery (CSG) will be holding an inventory clearance until Christmas Eve featuring 20% off selected works. On December 31st, the Central Street Gallery (CSG) will be leaving its gallery space and transitioning to an online presence and future satellite shows. CSG has spent a wonderful eight and a half years at its present location at 11 Central Street in Manchester-by-the-Sea.
CSG will continue on with an online presence via its website www.centralstreetgallery.com, its electronic newsletter, Facebook and will retain its phone number – 978-526-7650. It will also be an active participant in the annual Festival by the Sea and other art-related events in town, e.g. paint-outs, quick draw competitions.
Central Street Gallery would like to thank the community for its support and patronage over these years. The Gallery opened in 2008 just two months before the economy took a significant downturn. Despite these challenges,the gallery not only survived but thrived. The fourteen artist members are very grateful for the opportunity they have had to display and sell their work in a community that has a deep appreciation for the arts. The decision to close CSG’s doors has not been an easy one, however, the sale of the building earlier this year moved the decision forward.
Please stop by to say good-by and to make sure that you are on our mailing list. In addition to the work displayed in the current show, the artists will have additional pieces of work at very attractive prices. For more information, please go to: www.centralstreetgallery.com or call: 978-526-7650.
The first one I saw in 2012 was amazing and it gets better every year! From the days of stacked traps and colored lights we now have a wider base with doorways opening the inside with cantilevered traps opening up the center of the tree for a great view from inside, a look at the dome and viewing a light show of Christmas Colors on the floor. (The lightshow with its colored moving dots of light brought back memories of college…but that’s another story!) The stack is tighter and now the traps are color coordinated Yellow and Green by level and the colored lights have given way to energy efficient white LEDs. The yearly engineering advances allow for more and more hand painted buoys from the kids at Art Haven. Hard to imagine anything more spirit lifting than just walking past the tree, not to mention spending some time in it and around! I met two photographers who were waiting for the light to go down and then were going from Gloucester to Rockport, ME and Portland to capture some other trap trees. Their take? Others might be a little taller but none are better than Gloucester’s tree!
This Mathews Family Christmas card was from 2011 when the Greasypole fell down…our dog Gracey almost got the flag lol!
Previous cards in case you missed them…
Last week a co-worker arrived in the office with an amazing assortment of gorgeous treats from Pure Pastry in Beverly to share with the faculty and staff.
While delicious almost doesn’t do them justice, let’s back up a bit for a second to the presentation. I’m all about packaging….all about nice little touches…all about made with care. Kim Gregory goes over the top, in a very sustainable, green, and organic way, to make receiving her pastries feel like opening a gift. And, a gift they are! While almost impossible to choose….the two selections that I made were to die for. Truly, perfectly, delicious.
I look forward to finding a reason to order…or maybe even ordering for no real reason at all.
Here’s a bit about what Pure Pastry Stands for…
WHO ARE WE?
We are a unique wholesale and retail kitchen that is naturally organic, locally sourced and home grown. From our warm kitchen, we offer exquisite pastry that can cater to many special dietary needs. We are a small business purely dedicated to the integrity of our clients, to the pastry we make, and the foot print we leave on this earth. Through our beautiful handcrafted confections, let us help you enjoy the simple act of eating sweets together.
Pure Pastry celebrates our pure love for the bounty in the current seasonal treasures.Our Current Confections Menu brings together the mouthwatering flavors of season fruits and vegetables into a wonderful marriage in our naturally organic pastries.
There is much to be learned about Pure Pastry. Please visit their website to read their story and learn about their ingredients, their current confections, their team, their “Forever Menu”, their “Tiny Sweet Market” that is open on Fridays and Saturdays, and much, much more.
LEARN MORE AT THEIR WEBSITE HERE: Kim Gregory and Pure Pastry







So I asked our awesome readers what their favorite coffee makers were because I just can’t live my life drinking shitty Keurig coffee.
I’ve compiled the reader suggestions and will put them out here for you to read. if you click on the link to each coffee maker you can read their reviews and then vote in the poll for your favorite. Each model has links to its product reviews.
I’m leaning toward
Check out the Bonavita and read the reviews here
We have a Cuisinart with a stainless steel carafe. Highly recommend the stainless steel carafe as it keeps the coffee warm without burning it.
Brenda D
I have a Keurig out of convenience, before that, I had a Bunn for years that I loved.
Been using my Chemex since the 70’s- works great!!!!
Karen Pischke BSN, RN
Maybe you could have a ‘coffee contest’ on a pod cast and compare. My vote – French Press. First time we had French pressed coffee was on a beach in Tonga. I told my mother about how good it was and she bought my husband a French press 20 years ago. He didn’t think he’d use it. Now, not a day goes by that he doesn’t use it 1 – 2 x a day. 30 seconds to ground the beans, pour hot water and let it steep while you dress. Fresh ground beans of your choice, freshly pressed with great flavor, aroma and a head on it like a fine craft beer. Even though it’s glass, it’s lasted all these years. Now we have 2 French Press – one for his full caf, one for my decaf/half caf. We even have another ‘single cup’ French press that doubles as a ‘to-go’ cup. French pressed much quicker than you might imagine, and the flavor is totally worth it. ‘French Pressed’ all the way.
gregbover
My honey got me a stainless steel Thermos French press, the two cup model. Changed the way I make and enjoy coffee.
the bonvita 1900 with stainless carafe is awesome. 10 cup for me….best way to make a bunch of coffee, and to have more for later.
using a single cup pour over (Manual #1) taught me a lot about making better coffee…this was the choice for lots of coffee that will taste great and be available an hour later too. The only way it could be improved would be to build in a burr grinder into the bonavita itself.
Then get a Wacao Minipress for espresso on the go too…
I’d second the french press suggestion–seems like a little extra work, but totally worth it. I will never go back to a standard coffee maker, and k-cups are an environmental disaster. Our french press came from Ikea–stainless steel, double walled so it stays warm. I do wish it was a little bigger (it’s pretty big, but we drink a lot of coffee). Oh yeah, ALWAYS grind your beans just before brewing. With our stainless steel french press I believe I make one of the best cups of coffee available on Cape Ann.
UPPHETTA Coffee/tea maker, glass, stainless steel
Chuck.Cook
I second the Chemex. Takes a little more effort but the result is great. Looks really cool as well.
ellie
Chemex. Period. No better way.
The key to drip coffee (besides buying quality coffee) is a Gold Filter
Jerry
technivorm
5 years in, going strong. Hottest cup of coffee and fast brew… I use a burr grinder on the side, but any grounds work well–
Don’t look back.
by Technivorm Moccamaster

More From Joey’s BBQ Blog-
http://www.northeastbbq.com
The 1978 Vintage Red Metal Bowl Handle Weber Kettle Just Like The One I Drove Two Hours To Buy Last Week In An old School Commercial.
Here’s mine. I still haven’t had a chance to clean her up but with a little elbow grease she’ll be looking close to looking new.

Gloucester, MA – Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken, with the City’s Health Department, Sawyer Free Library and the Rose Baker Senior Center, in cooperation with community partners Action, Inc., The Open Doorand the Grace Center, are providing warming centers for vulnerable residents during extreme-cold weather events.
After last winter’s February 14th cold-snap, Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken formed a taskforce with City department directors and community leaders to establish a comprehensive cold-weather response to help ensure the health and safety of residents without permanent housing. The result is a plan, presented in March, that assures those who need shelter from the extreme cold will have a place in the community where they can stay warm.
“When temperatures drop this low, our city has an obligation to help those in need to stay warm,” said Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken. “We don’t want anyone out in the cold which is…
View original post 243 more words
A nice sized crowd gathered at Dorothy Talbot Rink last night to cheer on the Girls JV Fishermen as they took to the ice for their first home game of the season. It was, in fact, the first home game in many seasons as Gloucester/Rockport has been without a girls’ team for years. And, while the final scored showed them down by one, the team did not disappoint.
I watch a lot of hockey and I have to say that I couldn’t stop smiling. These girls worked hard, showed amazing spirit, and demonstrated great sportsmanship and teamwork. They should be incredibly proud of the team they’ve become and I, for one, am excited to see what the rest of the season has in store.
This year’s team:
Rachel Alexander, Grade 12 Captain
Nicole Tocco, Grade 12 Captain
Brianna Fernandes, Grade 12 Captain
Sophia Pata, Grade 12
Noelle Perry, Grade 12
Jenna Taormina, Grade 12 Goalie
Cara Burley, Grade 12
Samantha Cominelli, Grade 12
Elizabeth Luster, Grade 11
Isabella Ciluffo, Grade 11
Zoe, Venetsanakos, Grade 11
Jesse Alexander, Grade 10
Rose Degrange, Grade 10
Jemina Grow, Grade 10
Maisie Grow, Grade 10
Bailey Marshall, Grade 10
Alaina Noble, Grade 10
Eliza Nugent, Grade 10
Caroline O’Leary, Grade 10
Anna Zerilli, Grade 10
Marisa Orlando, Grade 10
Kaylee Burgess, Grade 9
We all love stopping into Alexandra’s Bread (not just because Alexandra and Jon are always so welcoming) for their yummy cranberry scone’s, breads, cobbles, and cookies. The smells of fresh baked breads emanating from the bake shop are inviting and inviting too are Alexandra’s wonderful selection of fun and practical home and kitchen gifts. Amidst the shelves brimming with aprons, tea towels, vintage dishes, prints, and handmade ornaments, you’ll find one-of-kind gifts as well.
This very unusual sterling silver spoon is etched with schooners and the words Gloucester Mass. The handle has both a lobster and starfish.
A favorite of the favorites, I love the neat way to contain clothes pins with this clothes pin bag that you hang on your laundry line.
Alexandra’s Bread, located at 265 Main Street, Gloucester, is open Tuesday through Saturday. For more information phone 281-3064.
Last of the 2016 super moon trifecta, the December Frost Moon (also called Full Cold Moon and Long Night’s Moon by Native Americans) was the brightest moon of the year according to the Farmer’s Almanac. Whatever called, it was stunning to watch as it went down over Gloucester’s skyline on Tuesday morning.
One Republic makes some beautiful music
And here is there new song, “Let’s Hurt Tonight,” written for the much anticipated forthcoming film Collateral Beauty.
Every time I go over to Pauline’s Gifts it always turns out to be fun with lots of conversation and great friends. Again, please shop locally.

Musicians of the Old Post Road is one of the best-loved chamber ensembles in the Boston area. Founded by Artistic Directors Suzanne Stumpf (flute) and Daniel Ryan (cello), the ensemble takes its name from its acclaimed concert series, originally entitled Old Post Road Historic Concerts, begun in 1989. They are joined by Sarah Darling (violin & viola), Marcia Cassidy (viola) and Michael Bahmann, (harpsichord).
This is a rare opportunity to celebrate the holiday season with a unique program abounding with festive music exported to 18th-century Central and South America! Selections include lively Spanish villancicos, ornate Italian cantatas, and rhythmically-playful works with indigenous influences. Castellanos, Durán, Jerusalem, Pacheco, and Torres are among the featured composers.
Special guests: Jessica Petrus, soprano, and Catherine Hedberg, mezzo-soprano, and special guest Eloy Cruz (Mexico), Baroque guitar
Friday, December 16, 2016 at 7:30pm (doors open at 7:00pm)
The historic 1806 Gloucester Meetinghouse (home of the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church), corner of Church & Middle Street, with accessible side entrance at 10 Church Street.
$35 Preferred Seating (reserved front rows & rear gallery), $25 General, $20 College Students & Seniors (65+), under 17 free. Tickets may be purchased online at www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org or at the door with cash, check or major credit card.
Meetinghouse Preservation Fund



The Cultural Center Gallery at Rocky Neck
6 Wonson Street, Gloucester MA 01930
Open Weekends November 26 to December 18
Gallery Hours: Saturday-Sunday, 10 AM – 5 PM
The Rocky Neck Art Colony will hold its annual Holiday Festival at the Cultural Center at Rocky Neck, 6 Wonson St., Gloucester, the final weekend is Saturday and Sunday, December 17 and 18, hours are 10am – 5pm.
Come to the Cultural Center at Rocky Neck for the last weekend of the beautiful Holiday Festival. There are many reasonably priced and more expensive items to choose from; fine craft ceramics, jewelry, wall art of various sizes, designer one of a kind handbags, scarves and much more.
Join us for the last Saturday demonstration drop-in “do-it-yourself” art workstations, where visitors can make their own collage holiday cards for a small materials charge. Saturday from 1 to 3pm.
Take your own holiday selfies in our photo booth and you can insert the photos into handmade cards or ornaments.
Solstice Party and ‘Leven performance: Welcome back the sun with our solstice party and the warm sounds of a-caplla group ‘Leven. Light refreshments served.



