My View of Life on the Dock
Hi Kids;
With many suggestions, have decided, especially since Veterans Day is coming. We will do the boulevard from WWII Memorial and all the way down both ways on the Blvd.
When: Saturday, November 5, 2016
Time: 8:00 – 9:00
Where: Stacey Blvd. near the World War II Memorial
Thanks all..
Take care kids
It was a lot of fun!
DRAWING: Finding the Marriage between Structure and Feeling
All Levels
In this ongoing weekly class, students will work from observation of a still life with occasional clothed models. Through instruction, students will learn how to see and draw relationships instead of drawing one thing at a time. They will learn to draw form from the inside out in a structured yet empathetic way. We refer to art history to learn how artists express these drawing concepts. Suggested media include medium/soft vine charcoal sticks (both thin and thick), an eraser, bulldog clips to hold paper to drawing boards and an 18” x 24” smooth surface drawing pad. Upright easels are helpful yet optional. Drawing boards are provided. This class offers a supportive environment where each student is assisted in deepening their skills and expressive voice.
Class size limited to 10.
“Drawing makes you see things clearer, and clearer, and clearer still. The image is passing through you in a physiological way, into your brain, into your memory – where it stays – it’s transmitted by your hands.”
― Martin Gayford, A Bigger Message: Conversations with David Hockney
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DRAWING: THURSDAYS 9:00am – 11:30am Ongoing
Starting dates: Nov. 3, Nov. 10, Nov. 17, Dec. 1, Dec. 8, Dec. 15, Dec. 22, Dec. 29
(No class Nov. 24)
@ Ten Pound Studio:1 Center Street 3rd Floor
$160/ every four classes
***These classes run continuously except on holidays and during inclement weather. Students pay ahead for a group of four sessions and may go to drawing and/or painting class. Although consecutive attendance and practice brings about the best results, weekly attendance is not required.
CONTACT:
978-879-6588
Last night I headed down to Sand to City Style in Magnolia and joined in on their “Zip Code” painting class. Lisa Rogers the owner of Sand to City Style in Magnolia was great and took us step by step through the process and answered any and all questions about chalk painting. She’s got some great classes coming up, Nov 16th is a “Bring your own Piece” night and Nov 19th is “Paint your own Family Name Sign” which would be a great wedding gift! She also has some adorable Christmas Buntings to paint. This is going to be great for those “over the winter” projects! Lisa does fundraisers for local schools so give her a call! Check her out on facebook!
Stephanie DelTorchio responds to yesterday’s Good Morning Gloucester post, a request from FOB Joey G seeking information about art by Rosario Piraino.
DelTorchio also provided a link to her inspiring post DECLARE YOUR DREAM about her father, Rosario Piraino. It includes a photograph of her father painting in his studio, aka ‘his happy place’.
DelTorchio’s most recent blog post, “Life is a battle of inches”, is about National Novel Writing Month. She took the NaNoWriMo writing challenge: “NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) is an annual novel writing project that brings together professional and amateur writers from all over the world. The CHALLENGE: Write a 50,000 word novel in a MONTH. The GOAL: Survive the challenge.
On November 1st I jumped into the writing “craze” known as #NaNoWriMo — National Novel Writing Month. This is the Olympics for writers from all over the world — beginners to accomplished — who accept the challenge to write a novel, roughly 50,000 words, in a month.
For the past ten years I’ve toyed with joining but each year withdrew at the last minute. This time I’m walking the walk. Wish me luck, okay?”
Good luck, Stephanie, and thank you for taking a break to reach out to GMG.
Any of you who happen to chance upon my Facebook page probably knew this was coming…but I’d be remiss to not throw out a post about our fantastic opportunities with the Boston Bruins lately.
We had a great time with a couple of other families at a preseason game a few weeks ago. After the game we waited for a bit outside of the players’ parking lot. While the boys were all hopeful for some autographs, we prepped them for the fact that the players were busy and may not be up for it. Imagine our surprise when car after car…and player after player…stopped to sign the boys’ hats. I mean…they weren’t just walking by…they actually had to put their cars in park, unfasten their seat belts, get out of the car, and walk to the sidewalk where the boys were standing…sharpies in hand.
First up was a great conversation with Ryan Daisy who had just finished refereeing his very first NHL game. He was incredibly gracious and spent about 10 minutes talking to us about the path his life took to lead him to his new gig. Pretty cool stuff. He was soon followed by David Pastrnak, Dominic Moore, Riley Nash, Rob O’Gara, Danton Heinen, Brandon Carlo, and Kevan Miller. Some were riding solo, three of the new skaters were riding together (which I found super cute as they all climbed out of various car doors to greet us), some were with wives/girlfriends…but they all stopped. Really, truly unbelievable.
Flash forward a few weeks and my boys had the opportunity to skate in the 3 Minutes of Fame in between periods of another Bruins game. Finn’s team was skating and, because they needed a goalie, they invited Thatcher to help out (no brainer for him or us). To be fair, last year Thatcher’s team had the same opportunity and Finn was called up to join them. Good times. So, here we were, walking from the Charlestown parking lot, across the locks, under the Zakim Bridge, and through the same parking lot. This time the boys were proudly packing their hockey bags and reporting to duty. As the nerves of skating in front of so many fans started to creep in, two cars passed us. One was a funny little red car with Rhode Island plates and three men inside… soon emerged Malcolm Subban (due to be in goal just before Thatcher) and a couple of his Providence Bruins buddies. All three came right up, signed the boys (now crowded) hats, and wished them good luck on the ice. As they were chatting with us, a small black Mercedes backed in right next to us…..and 6′ 9″ Zdeno Chara unfolded himself from inside. He too, Whole Foods bag in hand, stopped shook the boys’ hands, signed their hats, and gave them pointers.
Chara’s advice you may ask? “Look up…..Enjoy the view.” Come on! With Thatcher in goal and sporting the GoPro on his helmet, I could tell he took the words to heart. A couple of times he panned the crowd and enjoyed the moment. Watching the video back, it was so fun for me to hear the boys’ names announced in the Garden, watch one Schrafft shooting on another Schrafft, and see Thatch makes some nice saves (in an very unfamiliar position). The best part though was for sure listening to the crowd cheer and respond to each play….cheering for these young boys as they were living the dream.
I’ve included a video of their experiences…it is probably far too long…but maybe take a peek at a bit of it.
A huge thanks to The Boston Bruins and Cape Ann Youth Hockey!
The technique I used was to steady the wood on a chopping block with a chicken stick.
I highly recommend the highly rated Fiskars X7. $24 on Amazon- check out the reviews here
It’s a really nice hatchet. Works like a charm.
Here’s a video demonstrating the technique I used.
Hi Joey,
Robert and Virginia McKinnon were awarded First Prize for best costumes at the Senior Center Halloween Party. Robert’s 92nd Birthday was celebrated at the party. Robert still tries to lift weights, never giving up on his passion of being a body builder.
More Cape Ann Community News-
http://www.capeanncommunity.com
This Election Day, November 8th, at the Gloucester High School polling site, you can also receive your annual flu shot. Clinic times are 7 AM to 10 AM and 4 PM to 8 PM.
This clinic is open to the public. Please bring your health insurance cards.
For more information, contact Public Health Nurse, Kelley Ries, at 978-325-5266.
Ahhhh, such a lovely pungent aroma. the kind that stings your nostrils.
Love it…
Last winter Liv and Matt showed me a place on the outskirts of Dogtown where they go rock climbing. I filed it away under places to visit during warmer weather. With all things Piping Plovers and filming shorebirds I didn’t have a chance to revisit until this fall. The pond is somewhat difficult to explore, with no trails, lots of viney runners to trip you up, rocky uneven surfaces for falling flat on your face, and loaded with ticks but nonetheless, is exquisitely beautiful. Until its name is learned and for the time being, I’m calling it Beaver Pond because so far, I’ve counted FIVE beavers there!
The beavers appear to have one large lodge with multiple mini-dens strategically built around the perimeter of the pond.
Evidence of an active beaver pond with gnawed log
The Beaver Family is nocturnal and conducting most of its business on the far side of the pond. I have only been able to shoot a photo outside my camera’s range of quality photo.
There’s the beaver, on the far side of the pond, blending with the lily pads and fallen leaves
I did manage to take some fun footage, which I will be hopefully uploading in the next few days. One early evening, I sat as still as a stone, for at least half an hour, when one swam nearly right up to my feet!! I am usually filming and photographing simultaneously, but was afraid to make a move to switch to my still camera for fear that the slightest bit of motion would send the creature diving. Also on the furthest side of the pond were a family of the unbelievably beautiful Wood Ducks. That photo is also too far outside my camera’s quality photo range, but at least you can get an idea of their striking feather patterning. More information from Beaver Central to come!
Male and female Wood Ducks – notice the female’s large white eye patch and the way she blends perfectly with her surroundings.
The above drawing was created by local artist Jeff Cluett. We purchased it from him several years ago. Jeff works at Surfari on Main Street if you’d like to get in touch with him.
Last evening, All Hallow’s Eve, marked the beginning of the three day celebration of Dia de los Muertos. Today, November 1st, is Dia de los Angelitos, the day when deceased children are honored (All Saints Day). Tomorrow, November 2nd, is referred to as Dia de los Muertos or Dia de los Difuntos, the day when deceased adults are honored (All Souls Day). We’ve created an ofrenda on our front porch and neighbors are welcome to place a photo of a loved one who has passed on the altar.
Fun times on Main Street, Halloween 2016
More Cape Ann Dining News-
http://www.capeanneats.com
Let us make your Thanksgiving easy, elegant and delicious. Join us for our Seaside Thanksgiving Celebration where we will offer two distinct dining options: Our Ballroom Buffet or a special three course dinner inside our 1606 Restaurant. Each dining option requires a reservation. Call 978.491.5090. Please join us for our very first Thanksgiving!
We’ve presented over 100 shows — and a few festivals — since we produced Celebrate Gloucester in 2007 (almost 10 years ago). Most of our shows feature original music performed by the artists who first recorded and released it. Next Friday, November 11, we are presenting something a bit different — The Man In Black Show, a Tribute to Johnny Cash. This is no ordinary tribute show. Shawn Barker is hailed by people who knew Johnny Cash very well as the pre-eminent Johnny Cash tribute artists. His 8 piece band puts on a tremendous show. Most importantly, the music is authentic Johnny Cash. Shawn has a deep love and respect for the Man in Black who inspired him as a young musician — and you can feel it. Check out the video below and you’ll see what we mean. There are still some good seats in the orchestra (get them here) and great seats in the Balcony (get them here) — but they won’t last long — this show is selling fast.
Tonight’s lineup for the kickoff of our $1,000 Singer-Songwriter Challenge. Call to reserve a table:(978)515-7817
7:30pm: Mike Foley (solo) – Michael Foley
7:45pm: Greg Guba (solo) – Greg Guba
8:00pm: Annabelle Lord-Patey (solo) – Kevin Patey
8:15pm: The Lucky Ones Duo – Tony Frontiero
8:30pm: Sasquatch (solo) – Paul Cohan
8:45pm: Banda de Goma (duo) – Lynne Taylor
9:00pm: Amy Spillert (solo) – Amy Spillert
9:15pm: Renee & Joe – Renee Dupuis & Joe Cardoza
9:30pm: Charlie Russell (solo)
9:45pm: Will Hunt (solo) – Will Hunt
IMPORTANT NOTES FOR PERFORMERS:
– These set times are approximate. Please arrive 45 minutes prior to your set.
– Each act will have roughly 15 minutes, including the 2 to 3 minutes needed for judges’ feedback. Please plan your 2 to 3 songs accordingly.
– Participants are not required to sing any original material, however, a points bonus will be given in the scoring if one original is performed.
– The stage will be set with 1 monitor, 2 microphones (Shure Beta58) on boom stands. Please bring guitar and/or keyboard cables.
– This week’s judges: Chelsea Berry (singer-songwriter), Brian Alex (singer-songwriter, ENTRAIN), and Aurelia Nelson (North Shore 104.9)
This weekly event, hosted by Chris Langathianos, will showcase musicians – solo performers, duos, trios & bands (no drums as setups must take less than 5 minutes) – allowing them to perform up to 4 songs. Songs may be covers or originals and the number of songs will be dependent on number of sign ups – at least 2 and up to 4 songs. Performers will play before a panel of judges. The judges panels will change from week to week and will be made up of local musicians, business owners, etc. After each performance, judges will provide their live feedback to the performer and audience. A confidential score card will be kept, and a weekly winner will be announced at the end of the evening.
After the 7 weeks of preliminaries, all 7 finalist and 1 wild card will return for week 8 to perform 3 songs – 1 MUST BE AN ORIGINAL – before a panel of celebrity judges. 3 winners will be selected and will go home with a piece of the $1,000 cash prize. 1st place / $700, 2nd / $200, and 3rd / $100.
Other details:
1. Performers may participate on a weekly basis but may only win one week.
2. In the event of high demand for performance spots, the event host reserves the right to move previous performers further down the list.
3. All audio equipment is provided – PA, microphones, stands, and monitors.
Sign Ups:
Performers may register for a performance slot 1 week prior to the weekly event – starting on Wednesday. Performers may register through by leaving a request/comment on this event page https://www.facebook.com/events/232570887157735/or by emailing Chris Langathianos at clangathianos@me.com
If you have any questions, they may be directed to Chris at the email above.
Joe G writes:
“Hello Joey: I’ve been trying for many years to find out some information about a painting by Rosario Piraino that I have. In image of that painting is embedded below.
I did mail a letter to an address in Gloucester back in about 2003, to whom I thought was a relative (I think the name was Carmella Rosario), but my letter was returned and marked “Not at this address.” I’d sent some emails to a woman who’d shown on her Facebook page that she was indeed related to Mr. Piraino, but I never got any response.
In any case, I’m trying to find out if there is a gallery or other place where some of his paintings may be on view. His work is quite good.
If you might have any information about the subject I would be very appreciative if you would be so kind as to share any of it with me.
Thank you.”
Rediscovering art and artists can be slow detective work. I don’t know the approximate year of the painting. The rocks could be identified. GMG readers may know more: is there a fellow artist that showed together in a group show with Rosie, traded art, stories? Did he hang his paintings in his house? Did he have a studio? Do you own a similar work? I did not find his name in some local artist member directories. The obituary describes seascapes and schooner as motifs. Let’s see!
For GMG readers like me who did not know him (I know many did), here is some information about Rosario Piraino that may jog some memories. Joe G thanks for the note and intriguing request.
Rosario A “Rosie” Piraino (1927- 1989)
Rosario was born in Gloucester on November 23, 1927. He was a life long Gloucester resident and graduate of the Class of 1945. He was a member of the ROTC. His interest in the GHS yearbook, Flicker? Drawing. He was a WWII army Veteran and member of the Capt. Lester S. Wass Post #3, American Legion and the Gloucester Lodge of Elks No. 892. He was a professionally trained artist with a fine arts degree from the Art Institute of Boston. In 1971 his family resided at 14 Orchard Street. For nearly 3 decades, he worked as an artist and Art Director at MIT before retiring in 1991*. There is a comment about carpooling with him to Lincoln Labs.
*From the printed matter for his obituary:
“Rosario was dedicated to his family and his beloved city. He was happiest strolling the boulevard meeting and greeting his friends. He spent his younger years working as a fish cutter along the waterfront. Along with his friend, the late Charlie Favalora, he owned and operated the Pioneer Fish Company.
He was an accomplished fine artist, having painted many seascape images of the Cape Ann waterfront. One of his favorite subjects was the schooner “Gertrude L. Thebaud”. Rosario was an avid golfer, who was affectionately known as the “King of Candlewood”, a nod to the three “holes-in-one” he made in his retirement. He will be missed by the many friends who enjoyed his sense of humor, stories and positive attitude.
In addition to his wife of six years, he is survived by three daughters and sons-in-law, Stephanie and Steve DelTorchio, Kathryn and Douglas Goodick and Paula and John Reilly all of Gloucester, three sons and two daughters-in-law, Stephen and Gayle (Frary) Piraino of Rockport, Dominic Piraino of Phoenix, AZ and James and Donna (Durland) Piraino of Gloucester, six grandchildren, Jeffrey Piraino of Rockport, Stephen and his wife, Kimberly DelTorchio of Satellite Beach, FL, Lindsay and Amy DelTorchio and Lauren and Adam Goodick all of Gloucester, three brothers, Frank Piraino of Gloucester, James and his wife, Marie Piraino of Waltham and Walter and his wife, Susan Piraino of Peachtree City, GA, a sister, Phyllis and her husband, Ernest Morin of Gloucester, a brother-in-law, Paul Ventimiglia of Gloucester, two sisters-in-law, Eileen Trupiano and Francesca Piraino both of Gloucester, Josephine’s grandson, Jonathan Moore of Essex and many nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by his first wife, Grace M. (Ventimiglia) Piraino, a brother, Anthony Piraino and a brother-in-law, Salvatore Ventimiglia.”
Their daughter, writer Stephanie DelTorchio, responds.
Their daughter, Kathryn Goodick, ran for Ward 4 City Council in 2015. That link is from GMG which ran any candidate press release that was sent in.
Piraino’s 2008 quote in the Boston Globe Saints and Sinners Collide (Fiesta and Brewery):
“In the onetime fishing capital of the world, the St. Peter’s Fiesta – a five-day festival where faith, family, and celebration are emphasized – brings thousands of people into Gloucester’s downtown. But over the last decade, as the fishing industry has nearly collapsed and the fiesta has taken on commercial sponsors – such as liquor companies – some wonder if more people see the event as a reason to party than to pray. “They took God out of it,” says Rosario Piraino, a retired fisherman and fish plant owner.”
Good Morning Gloucester 