Men’s Night 2013
The Best Christmas Decoration EVER! (Not to Overstate it)
This year I was lucky enough to acquire one of the limited-run wall hangings created in printer Julia Garrison’s studio & shop, The Sarah Elizabeth Shop, in Rockport. The piece hangs near our dinner table and I stare at it during every meal, surprised every time by the beauty and the level of detail in the design.
The wall hanging was printed from a block carved in 1950 by local artist Delores Rapp, who was trained by Virginia Lee Burton, the founding member of the Folly Cove Designers, so it is only fitting that over six decades later, prints are being made from the block using the same Acorn Press that was used by the Folly Cove Design Collective, which Julia uses in printing both archival and her own original designs.
This year, the current owner of the vintage block (Delores Rapp passed away a few years ago) came to Julia and they worked out an arrangement that allows Julia to print a limited run of wall hangings from the block. All the wall hangings are hand-printed and sewn locally, using archival ink on linen, which lasts forever, so your descendents will still be enjoying this pieces many Christmas moons from now.
You can purchase the hanging (and see other options for ink/background colors) directly from Julia online HERE. Or better yet, go see her in her studio/shop this weekend at 5 Whistlestop Mall in Rockport to see the wall hangings — and her other wares — in person.
This piece is bound to be an heirloom in our own family — I am already attached to it more than pretty much any other holiday item I have — and will no doubt be equally as meaningful in the homes of every one else who gets their hands on one. It is beautiful both for the amazing design (when you consider that every detail was hand carved!) and for its connection to our local and current artistic heritage.
I’m sorry my photos don’t do it justice. Check it out at Julia’s online shop or in person to get the full effect of these limited-run pieces.
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Community Photos 12/20/13
I think Rosie is dreaming of what she has on her Christmas list!
Hi Joey,
I took this out the window last night – snow on the evergreens and flakes coming down – magical!
Thanks,
Gail Byrnes
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Community Stuff 12/20/13
Dear Chief Smith, FF’s Dean, Josh, Wellington and Nick,
THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!!! You all are AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so sorry to have missed the toy delivery on Friday but Mary Z kindly stepped in to take photos of the delivery via the ladder truck!! The Landmark students help us out each year and there wasn’t a better crew to assist you then these young people!
As Dean said, all of you see the hardships that many Gloucester families are facing on a daily basis. With your help this year there will be over 530 smiling children opening gifts on Christmas morning all over Cape Ann.
Merry Christmas to all of you!
Mary Hardwick
Joey,
The North Shore United Way has a new resource for residents and an event to promote it. We want to invite you to share this great new site, write about it, link to it….. While the Open Houses are currently scheduled for Beverly, the site exists to connect people from across the North Shore and Cape Ann with local opportunities, including many in Gloucester. I am available to provide more information. See attached and a summarized version is below.
More than a quarter of all Americans Volunteer. Whether you want to meet new people, bulk up your resume, or simply give back to your community, volunteering is as rewarding as it is important. Local organizations need your help to mentor youth, stock food pantries, collect books, design websites, and many other kinds of activities. To help more people get involved, the North Shore United Way has launched the North Shore Volunteer Hub, a new website that helps you find and easily connect with local organizations and meaningful volunteer opportunities.
You can find it at nsuw.org or by attending an Open House for this exciting new resource.
Resolved to Care! Open House Series for the North Shore Volunteer Hub
EVERY Friday afternoon in January from 12:00 to 5:00
North Shore United Way office, 248 Cabot Street in Beverly
Short demonstrations of the website will be done on the half hour; guests can meet the people behind the site and get some help connecting with meaningful local opportunities to volunteer.
A Christmas Celebration in Song North Shore Christian Men’s Choir
A Christmas Celebration in Song featuring the North Shore Christian Men’s Choir, a bell choir, trombone, and special guests will take place on Saturday, December 21st at 2:30 p.m. The free concert will take place at First Baptist Church, (Harvey Park)
Four High Street, Rockport, MA. A reception and refreshments will follow the concert. All are welcome and invited to attend.
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pics from tonight
Sent from Xfinity Mobile App
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live from pop gallery: free proctology exams
Gretchen just redefining the Proctology Game here going “All In” in the name of a thorough examination.
See Gretchen at http://saltwatermassage.com/
161 MAIN ST. 2ND FLOORGLOUCESTER, MA
(978)390-7600
Face Down-Ass Up
#Kablammie!
Craig holding onto that beer for dear life.
Needless to say Craig booked monthly exams through 2015
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Live from Sista Felicia’s Kitchen
Were well on our way…
Sent from Xfinity Mobile App
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Community Photos 12/19/13
Polar Bear On Bearskin Neck, photo from Anthony Marks
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Shopping Local ~ Again and Again
Looking for a last minute gift idea? Again and Again, located in East Gloucester Square at 195 East Main Street, has a fantastic selection of bags in every size and shape, including totes, messenger bags, and handbags. My daughter Liv can attest to the fact that Again and Again bags never die. She has used her tote countless times in her travels and whenever I see it in use, hers is stuffed to the gills. Stop in and say hello to Frieda, Beth, and Regina and do some local, and locally-made, Christmas shopping!
Frieda Grotjahn
Beth Chiancola
Regina Loiacano
Previous GMG posts about Again and Again:
Again and Again GMG Messenger Bag Slide Show
Again and Again 2010 Sailbag Auction To Benefit GHS Sailing Pics
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6 Days til Christmas Song ~ “All I Want for Christmas is You”
Mariah Carey, Jimmy Fallon, and the awesome Roots
Mariah Carey’s 19-year old holiday hit “All I Want for Christmas” (released in 1994) is at the top of Billboard’s chart!
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Christmas Toys at Ristorante La Trattoria and Pizzeria
Bruce Tarr and Sefatia Romeo Theken collect Toys for needy children at Ristorante La Trattoria and Pizzeria in Gloucester. Restaurant owner and staff, and all contributors make many children smile this Christmas.
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Baking Night With The Family
Ready and waiting for the family to arrive for our annual evening of Pinulata and Cucciatta Cookie making for the holiday!
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Beach Shadow
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Cold December morning Magnolia Harbor
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Artist Spotlight Series – Marty Swanson
Spotlight on Marty Swanson
Martha Swanson is an award winning artist who works in watercolor, color pencil, acrylics, oils and mixed media. Before moving to Santa Fe in the late 80’s she enjoyed working in her studio at the Fenway Studios and was Board president of the Cambridge Art Association. She has exhibited in the Boston area and Santa Fe, NM with several one person and small group shows and was chosen for a “New Mexico ‘ 93” a juried exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts in Santa Fe. Her work is in many private collections nationwide.
Marty has extensive experience in non-profit management, exhibition installations and has designed many books and publications including Art New England, and the Boston Globe Sunday Magazine. Now living in Rockport and soaking up inspiration while wandering the woods and beaches of Cape Ann with her canine friend, she works out of her Rockport studio and with the folks at the Cultural Center at Rocky Neck where she was recently elected Artistic Director of the Art Colony.
You can see her work at the Rocky Neck Holiday Art & Fine Crafts Festival, which we co-coordinated. I have really enjoyed working with and getting to know Marty.
Stop by this weekend for our Solstice Party and Season’s Best Cookie Competition, and check out Marty’s work. It is exceptional, and very reasonably priced.
E.J. Lefavour
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Emmanuel Church Open Christmas Eve
The Episcopal Emmanuel Church in Manchester will be offering two services on Christmas Eve. The Family Service at 4:00PM and the Communion Service at 6:00 PM. This is a small (small!) but beautiful church usually open in summertime and sometimes for special occasions. Services are held in the summer every Sunday from June through September at 10:00 AM. The Church is located on Masconomo Street in Manchester.
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Honoring Our Firefighters
This just in from Senator Bruce Tarr:
Today I had the honor of attending the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s 24th Annual “Firefighter of the Year” Award Ceremony. Governor Deval Patrick, Secretary of Public Safety and Security Andrea Cabral, State Fire Marshal Stephen Coan, and I were all on hand to support and honor firefighters across the Commonwealth for their acts of heroism and bravery.
Among today’s recipients were members of the Gloucester Fire Department: Captain Joseph Aiello, and Firefighters Jonathon Sanger, Charles Scola, James Burke, Robert Rivas, Frank LeClerc, James Hannon, and Paul Hudson, who were recognized for their bravery in trying to rescue a 15-year-old girl in April during a house fire on Summer Street in Gloucester, and three other fires throughout the city earlier this year.
I am deeply appreciative of the efforts of the members of the Gloucester Fire Department and all of those in the fire service throughout our state for their personal commitment and sacrifice on behalf of our safety and well-being.
Posted below are two photos of Gloucester’s firefighters at today’s ceremony; one with Governor Deval Patrick during today’s ceremony, and one with Mayor Carolyn Kirk and myself.
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STRESSED? Here’s an antidote that will make you feel great!
Take a break from all this madness and enjoy great music with friends & family Saturday December 21st. Get your tickets now so you can relax.
If you’re not convinced this will be the concert of the season, check out Gail McCarthy’s piece in today’s Gloucester Daily Times.
You have a few options for tickets:
Reserved Pews (no hassle): $225 Seats 12 or $195 Seats 10 (less than $20/person)
or
General Admission $20 in advance $15 Child/Senior (under 12/over 65)
$25 At the Door (all ages) – Cash only, please, at the door.
Tickets are available online, at the church and liquor locker. They will also be available on Saturday morning at Solstice Farmers Market.
Plenty of free parking available:
- both sides of Pine Street and Proctor Street (Pine becomes Proctor after it crosses Church Street)
- in a small parking lot on Proctor Street (free parking)
- portions of both sides of Middle Street (and any place on Middle where there is a parking meter – no fee on Sunday)
- one side of Church Street (please be mindful not to block the driveway of residents)
Parking also available at Trinity Congregational Church 70 Middle Street & Saint John’s Church at 48 Middle Street
The Line-Up:
- Allen Estes with Matt Leavenworth, Wolf Ginandes & Dave Mattacks
- Willie Loco Alexander & the Raztones
- Fly Amero
- Gordon Baird
- Inge Berge & Julie Cleveland
- Charlee Bianchini
- Ken Bonfield
- Lenny Campanello – Gloucester Police Chief
- Will Hunt & Alexandra Stella D’Maris
- Dan King
- T Max
- Michael O’Leary
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Gordon Sax joins The Thursday night blues party tonight @ The Rhumb Line 8-11 ~ 12.19.2013
Dave says,
Well, this is it. The high point of my year. My therapist, me, warns me not to believe everything I think. I’m going with that one. And you should too. So, come out this Thursday to witness the Star in the East who’s gonna fall out of the sky and land on his ass just for you. Not Fred, I’m talking about that formidable pied piper Mr. Gordon “Sax” Beadle. Frontman, and master of the tenor honk-a-phonium, this guy is the drill sergeant of the blues. He’ll have you quaking and reaching for the brass ring all night long. Sax Gordon is my personal favorite blasting cap. Fire in the hole!!
But wait! There’s more. Knot only is Gordie on the bill, but also my favorite drumbler and comedy partner, Mr. Edd Scheer. Known for his incredible understanding of my random mutterings, Edd’s sure to raise your blood pressure by 30 PSI. We both suffer from riposte traumatic stress disorder, leaving our incredible Qatarist, Mr. Mike DiBari, lurching in the wake of the verbal tsunami. It’ll be the best night of the year! You’ll quake, you’ll shake, you’ll need some kind of crutch. Bring Diaperine®.
THE RHUMB LINE BAR & RESTAURANT
40 Railroad Ave.
Gloucester, MA 01930
phone: 978-283-9732
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LIVE EATS! Mamie’s Kitchen
I went into Mamie’s Kitchen today hungry, and clueless. I asked Chris “What should I have?” and he said “I have some linguica my family made!” “Sold!” I said, and told him “Make how you would do it for yourself.” And as you can see from the photos below, I made the right choice. Always trust Chris, or Alicia for that matter, too!
Linguica sub, w side of choice.
You can almost smell it through your dirty computer screen, can’t ya?!
Subway doesn’t have sandwich artists, Mamie’s does. #keepinitreal
Good Morning Gloucester 