Temple Ahavat Achim will build a menorah out of lobster traps

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Lobster traps aren’t just for Christmas trees and lobsters this holiday season. Temple Ahavat Achim will build a menorah out of lobster traps at its 86 Middle Street location on Dec. 14.

 The menorah will be ready for Hanukkah, the Jewish holiday that begins on the evening of Dec. 16 and runs through the evening of Dec. 23.

 Phoebe Potts, director of the Sylvia Cohen Religious School at Temple Ahavat Achim, said this menorah will be the first of its kind.

 “I love the idea because it highlights the uniqueness of our community, and it fits in with the local culture,” she said.

 The idea came from a temple member who saw the Cape Ann Art Haven lobster trap Christmas tree on Main Street in Gloucester and said that the temple could use lobster traps for a large menorah. Potts said David Brooks of The Hive and Art Haven supports the idea.

 Paul Erhard, a structural engineer and temple member, designed the structure. Forty lobster traps, piping, zip ties, and LED lights will be used in menorah’s construction.

 On the first night of Hanukkah, Dec. 16 at 5:30 p.m., the temple will hold a community lighting and celebration that will include the participation of Hebrew school students, a brief service, singing, and delicious potato pancakes known as latkes. Marilyn Kramer, Temple Ahavat Achim president, has invited Senator Bruce Tarr, State Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante, Gloucester Mayor Carolyn Kirk, and Gloucester’s city council to the event.

 Kramer said, “We will also pause to remember that this is the anniversary of the fire that destroyed our former building in 2007 and how the Gloucester community supported us as we rebuilt our new home on Middle Street.”

 Temple Ahavat Achim is the only Jewish congregation on Cape Ann. Located in Gloucester, a city celebrated for its coastal beauty and its artistic and maritime heritage, temple members participate in prayer, learning, holiday celebrations, and charitable work.

 

The Joys of Artificial “Pre-Lit” Christmas Trees!

Posted on by Sista Felicia

 

 

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St. Barry checking all 900 lights to find the problem

A few years ago we had this very same problem, but only in one section of the Pre-Lit tree. After buying and using 2 different “Bulb tester” devices, that both didn’t work, after wasting several hours trying to find the “bad fuses and bulbs, we promptly return the failed “Bulb Testers and purchased a few sets of string lights, to fix the unlit section of the tree. This year St. Barry and BJ checked the fuses assembled the tree, and plugged it in to find more then half the tree lights OUT.  Ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh….NOT AGAIN!!!!!!! and so the Pre-Lit Christmas Tree frustration set in! Out the door I went to purchase 12 boxes of lights. So much for “Pre-Lit”.  Someone in town with an electrical background could make big bucks during the holidays season, making house visits trouble shooting Pre-Lit Trees, Garlands, and Holiday Decorations. We will joyfully be your first customer next year!

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Last night my mother Pat, AKA “Best Mother In The World” stayed late into the evening knowing my decorating partner, daughter Amanda, wouldn’t be assisting in decking out our home this year. Decorating our family room tree is not and easy task, and usually takes 2 days to complete with help. Mom and I banged up the ornaments, flowers, crystals and sheer organza swags in a few hours. We were thrilled to be making great progress in a short amount of time, until we turned around and noticed  something terrible had gone wrong with the Christmas Tree in our foyer…

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My first thought was “Really St. Nick…Really?” Lets just say this moment really completed the day I was having. The wise women I’m blessed to call MOM, said “Felicia you have to laugh,” and that we did. We laughed a lot while St. Barry strung lights onto that tree. My girlfriends and I often bring humor to bad situations with this fraise…”Seriously can’t make this “stuff” (SH_T) up!”

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Mom and I found an old Peace Symbol Christmas Tree Topper as we unpacked the foyer tree decorations last night. It once topped my daughter’s pink Christmas Tree she had in her room when she was a little girl. I haven’t seen or used in several years.  I think St. Nicholas placed in in that box, as sign, knowing, how concerned we are for the ear problems our daughter is having. This year more then ever I pray for Peace. Peace in the world, and Peace of mind.  

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All I want for Christmas this year is peace of mine that my Family & Friends will be Healthy and Happy in the New Year!

AGH Lights of Love

Posted on by Fredrik Bodin

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This is Dr. MacIntyre, my oncologist (cancer doctor). He has helped me through hormone and chemo therapy. He spoke at the Lights of Love event at AGH. His talk impressed me with all the Leahy and other connections they have. I'm glad I went for treatment in the Oncology clinic at AGH, and even more so now.
This is Dr. MacIntyre, my oncologist (cancer doctor). He has helped me through hormone and chemo therapy. He spoke at the Lights of Love event at AGH. His talk impressed me with all the Leahy and other connections they have. I’m glad I went for treatment in the Oncology clinic at AGH, and even more so now.

The first person I recognized at the Light of Love event at Addison Gilbert Hospital Wednesday was Joanne Gibbs. She put her reassuring hands on my shoulders. From the start of my cancer journey, she was on my side, offering care and information when I was still in a wheelchair. She still is there for me. When you enter the health care world, there are key front line people that help save your life; She is one of them, as is Dr. MacIntyre.

Electricity Update #6 Energy Saving Ideas

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Energy Saving Ideas

From Next Step:

What’s the tip that gets the most “wow” response from homeowners?
There’s one that always gets people. Throwing a dry towel in with your wet clothes to reduce drying time. People will seriously gawk at that. I hear a lot of “What? No way!” It really does help your clothes dry faster. When you run a dryer you spend about 50 cents for every hour, so if you cut that down the savings add up.

Seven Ways to Curb Winter Utility Costs While You’re Away

Ready for a winter vacation? If you’re spending your holidays abroad, take 15 minutes before you head out the door to complete these easy energy-saving to-do’s. You might save enough to buy yourself a massage après-ski. Plus, you’ll be more relaxed knowing your home is hibernating safely while you’re away.

  1. Turn down your thermostat. Depending on your home’s insulation, you can set your thermostats lower than usual. We recommend keeping it at a steady 55 degrees while you’re away, cutting your heating bill significantly. (Do keep in mind the hazards of frozen pipes.) Programmable thermostats, which may be installed at no cost during a home energy evaluation, will let you keep the heat low through your vacation but warm things up just in time for your return.If you’ll be away for an extended period, consider turning off the water, draining the pipes and setting the thermostat even lower — but talk to a plumber first.
  2. And your hot water heater (or put it in vacation mode). If your water heater is older than its warranty period, and especially if it’s showing signs of age such as leaks or rust, consider replacing it now to avoid the catastrophe of a ruptured tank while you’re away. Look for an Energy Star® model to save on the substantial cost of hot water, year-round.
  3. Lower and close all your window treatments such as blinds, curtains and drapes, to hold heat in the house. You should also make sure to lock your windows as that will help further eliminate drafts with a tight seal. While you’re considering windows, be sure that they can hold up to the winter chill – double- or triple-pane ones are best.
  4. Add insulation and air sealing. If your home has cracks or gaps that let in drafts, or if your insulation is lacking, there’s no better time to have the structure sealed and give it a warm blanket. You’ll reduce your heating (and cooling) bills year-round, and you’re more likely to avoid freezing pipes; this is especially important if you’ve turned down the thermostats.
  5. Use light timers. If you leave lights on to discourage burglars, put them on timers rather than having them consume electricity 24 hours a day. Save even more power by swapping out your bulbs to high-efficiency bulbs such as CFLs and LEDs, available at low- or no-cost during a home energy evaluation.
  6. Unplug everything you can or put your electronics on smart power strips. These power strips will both turn off your DVR when your TV is off and eliminate electricity leaks from equipment when it’s not in use.
  7. Close the damper on your fireplace, if you have one. When you return from vacation, get in the habit of doing this after each fire, as soon as the ashes are completely cold.

If you want to take advantage of awesome programs available to you right now for zero out of pocket then watch the video and sign up for your own energy efficiency assessment and get a ton of free lightbulbs, power strips, electronic thermostats that will turn down the heat at night or while you’re at work automatically, and efficient showerheads.

SIGN UP HERE-

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

My mom got-

Over thirty free lightbulbs that use 10 watts vs 65 watts, free energy efficient shower heads, power strips and a whole report detailing more steps she can take to save even more.  If you are planning to insulate your house and put in more efficient heating systems there’s even more free stuff  and zero percent financing for more intense things.

Easy Holiday Decorating ~ Shell Night Light

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Shell Night Light ©Kim Smith 2014What to do with that extra strand of lights? After draping the lights around our newly gilded mirror, the ten or so little white lights remaining on the strand were stuffed into a large shell. It looks so fun and glowy at night!

Shell Night Light -2 ©Kim Smith 2014 copy

Thank You Frankie Ciaramitaro for the Terrific Christmas Tree Disposal Bag Tip!

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Cosmos Black Cat ©Kim Smith 2014Thank you Frankie–our cat Cosmos loves it too! The tree skirt was removed for only a moment to shake off the pine needles and look who claimed it for his own. Of all the least luxurious and uncomfy spots in which to take a cat nap!

When setting up the tree, open wide the ginormous tree-sized bag and place it under the tree stand. When it’s time to bring the tree to curbside, lift the tree off the stand and simply pull up the sides of the bag, preventing the usual pine needle mess.

Christmas tree disposal bags are available locally at Wolf Hill Home and Garden Center.

Rockport is Open Tonight 4-9PM!!!!

Posted on by paultmorrison

Joey already posted but here are four ladies you can meet tonight if you get yourself down to the east end of this island. Where? Rockport! At night! They will not roll up the sidewalks until 9PM!

Free Stuff! Discounts! Hot women in bikinis!

Window shop these fine bikinis and think of warm days on the beach.
Window shop these fine bikinis and think of warm days on the beach.
Or maybe run into these two ladies window shopping on Dock Square.
Or maybe run into these two ladies window shopping on Dock Square.

Eastern Point Lit House Authors Night

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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Thanks to everyone who came out last night to our first Author’s Night! It was nice to meet so many new folks and to chat with some long-time friends.

If you couldn’t make it, don’t worry. We’ll be offering many events at The Lit House in the new year for you to enjoy.

We’d also like to congratulate our give-away winners:

Lit House Book Club Tickets: Ed Mowrey

Book Bundle: Christine Silverstein

Writer Bundle: Stephen Williams

Happiest of holidays to you and yours. Watch for emails announcing upcoming workshops, readings, and other events, or stop by the website (or the shop) to find out what’s new.

Marshall Tucker Band at Larcom

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

A few single seats left for tonight’s concert. Get them here.  More seats may open up soon. A few standing room only tickets will also be available. Call 978-525-9093 and leave your number if you want them.

-pvn, sent from my phone

Ladies’ Night at Bodin Gallery

Posted on by Fredrik Bodin

LadiesNight5299wmLadies’ Night on Main Street was less busy, but successful. As usual, the ladies were doing recon, and will come back later to buy. With a major push on my part, and help from Donna Ardizonni and Allen Sloane, we got the gallery presentable and decorated for the holidays. My helper Tiffany was key in provisioning the event. During the night,, my former PT from DenMar, Shelley came in. When I tried to thank her for all she and her colleagues had done for me, I choked up and teared up. Shortly thereafter, my OT from VNA came in, and the same thing happened. These people had a huge affect on my life, and I can’t thank them enough.

Two Days Left To Subscribe To the Podcast and Enter For A Chance At A Paulie Walnuts Framed Sketch

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Podcast Subscriber Contest #3 Prize- Framed Sketch (your scene choice) by Paulie Walnuts to one of the first ten new subscribers to the GloucesterCast- Subscribe here for your chance to win

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GloucesterCast 106 With Guests Donna Ardizzoni, Kim Smith, Toby Pett, Paulie Walnuts and Host Joey Ciaramitaro Taped 11/30/14

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Everyone Poops

Posted on by Nichole S.

Hmmm.  See now, I always thought the concern was too much excess during the holidays.  Maybe the saying is, too much excretion during the holidays.

After all, Everyone Poops, right?

Even the snowmen and the reindeer, I suppose.

I’ve been known to go a bit overboard during the holidays.  Jingle our Elf  on the Shelf has gotten into a fair share of late night mayhem, carrot peels have been scattered by reindeer with poor at best eating etiquette, Santa’s cookies have been crumbled and dipped into his mug of milk for that “eaten on the run” kind of effect, letters to Santa have been “mailed”, videos from the Portable North Pole have been delivered, and reindeer food has been sprinkled on the lawn. Special reindeer bells have even been wrapped in boxes just like those that appear in the Polar Express and placed far back under the tree for the boys to find last.

Lies, deception, and holiday fun at its best.  All of that having been said, however, you won’t find me throwing around snowman or reindeer poop anytime soon….or feeding it to the kids.

“Ho! Ho! Ho!  Sorry the reindeer just had to go ”

I’ll be singing this all week now.

“Dumpity, Dump, Dump,

Dumpity, Dump, Dump,

Look at Frosty go”

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Peter Fortune- Annisquam

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Hello Again Joey:  I have been scouring the internet for more relevant articles and photographs
for the listing on the Annisquam Village wooden bridge over Lobster Cove I wrote about previously :
http://bridgehunter.com/ma/essex/bh63113/http://bridgehunter.com/ma/essex/bh63113/ .
I did just come across and added to that site the wonderful 2013 article on Cape Ann, Gloucester and
The Village of Annisquam by Peter Fortune. I highly recommend checking it out for Cape Ann history
buffs and anyone who wants to understand SQUAM (starting on page 15). It is very enjoyable reading.
Download and read it at this link directly- http://www.fortunearchive.com/Boating/Top%20Cruising%20Spots/Cape%20Ann.pdf
Regards Bob Lindberg

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Poll: Sclafaini’s Pizza- Corner Slice vs Side Slice vs Middle Slice

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

In the office at the dock and Jimmy Jaws shows up (jimmy Jaws got his name Jaws because he never shuts up).  He comes out with the statement- “$5 for 4 slices, best deal in town.”

I ask where he was talking about and he says Sclafanis.   Hard to argue with but what surprised me was the statement from Frank who says “Gotta go corner slices.”

To my thinking I’ve always gone with a side slice so you have a little crust edge to hold on to. When you go corner it’s like you get less cheese and sauce, no?  I never even contemplated going corner unless it was the last slice on the tray.

What’s your play when you go to Sclafani’s for a 9AM slice?

Middle

Side

Note: no image of corner slice, just because, well IMO the star of the pizza is the sauce and cheese, to take away that critical pizza mass in exchange for crust just doesn’t make sense IMO.  You gotta be an all out crust fanatic to go corner.

 

Friday December 5th , 2014 Cape Ann Weather …

Posted on by Peter J Lovasco

Marine Forecast :
Today E winds 5 to 10 kt. Seas 2 to 3 ft.
Tonight SE winds 10 to 15 kt with gusts up to 25 kt. Seas 2 to 4 ft. Patchy fog. A chance of rain. Vsby 1 to 3 nm.

Pod Cast Weather :
http://www.spreaker.com:80/episode/5311299

Hourly Forecast :

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