Artist Spotlight Series – Susan Hershey

Posted on by God's Morning

spotlight_susan hershey

Artist Spotlight on Susan Hershey

Susan’s wood kiln is fired several times a year. Firings take anywhere from 15 to 25 hours to complete and require constant feeding of the fireboxes. A group of potters work together, and the firings are joyous events that can last late into the night or early morning. Before it can be opened, the kiln must cool for at least as long as it’s been hot. Some of the markings on the pots are a result of the ash and flames that swirl around inside during the firing.

Ben Ryterband, Susan’s first teacher at Mass College of Art & Design, introduced her to Japanese glazes. She feels very fortunate to have taken workshops and classes with Rockport potter/teacher, Cynthia Curtis, as well as Lanesville’s own potter par excellence Anni Melançon, Welsh potter Phil Rogers, Minnesota potter Linda Christainson, the Shino Warrior Malcolm Davis, North Carolina potter Michael Kline, wood fire guru Jack Troy, Tim Rowan, hand builder extraordinaire Hayne Bayless, Robert Briscoe, Ken Matsuzaki, Shoji Hamada’s grandson Tomoo Hamada, living legend Warren Mackenzie and New Hampshire wonder potter Karen Orsillo.

As Susan says: “Pots that look as though they’ve been dug up from the earth touch my soul; the Japanese aesthetic influences my work, as well as the powerful and beautiful ocean and granite that make living on Cape Ann so special and spiritual. I produce useful vessels and ceramics to please the eye and the heart in the belief that we all must give to the world love, honesty and beauty.”

You can see more of Susan’s work at The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck, 6 Wonson Street, East Gloucester during the Rocky Neck Holiday Art & Fine Crafts Festival

Saturdays and Sundays, Noon-4 PM

November 30 – December 29

http://rockyneckartcolony.org/winter.php

E.J. Lefavour

Manchester by the Shop – Central Street Gallery

Posted on by Lowell Peabody
11 Central Street

Located at 11 Central Street in Manchester, the Central Street Gallery is an artists cooperative. Gallery Director Alison Rowell says that they have about 14 members who each rent wall space in the gallery which starts off at a width of approximately 73″. The artists can hang as many paintings as are practical.

The focus of the gallery is a traditional Plein Aire style with the paintings set in gold frames. There are some deviations on the theme providing  some different styles though the general style for paintings is still life and landscapes.

Each member of the Gallery agrees to rent space and also to paint 5-6 new paintings every two months which they deliver framed and ready for hanging. The Gallery presents six shows each year so the collection of paintings is changing every two months. To give each artist equal opportunity to the better display areas on the walls, every two months each artist rotates their space three wall spaces, guaranteeing each artist equal time in the front window.

Central Street Gallery is celebrating their fifth year at 11 Central Street and will be starting their next show with an opening night reception on December 7th. This show will focus on smaller works from the artists.

In addition to the Gallery there is a website (www.central street gallery.com) where more of each artist’s works are shown.

The artists are generally local with a number living in Manchester and Gloucester. Central Street Gallery is a great place to support local artists and is clearly a place to check out.

Hydrogen plays Phish at THE FARM Bar & Grille ~ 233 Western Ave Essex, Essex MA.

Posted on by Joanne

hydrogyn

PHISH party TONIGHT at THE FARM Bar & Grille! Come on out (after enjoying the beautiful weather of course!). Fresh off the cape ann “tour”, which includes a very successful night celebrating Steve Rich‘s 40th bash at The Shalin Liu Performing Arts Center. Hope to see some phriendly phaces!

https://www.facebook.com/HydrogenBand

Better rest up this weekend to get ready for Tuesday!

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

When did Tuesday become the big night of the week?  Here is the schedule:

CaveWine&CheeseNov

Vegetarian Thanksgiving Challenge

Location: Alchemy
Date: November 19, 2013
Time: 7:00 pm
Cost: $25
MC: Peter Van Ness
To keep with the season of giving, bring a canned good with you to the event for The Open Door, and we will match your donation can for can. 

Are you [or someone close to you] a vegetarian who feels a little left out during the Thanksgiving season? Do pilgrim sandwich specials and Pinterest boards devoted to Thanksgiving leftovers bum you out? Then, Alchemy has the chef throw down for you!

OR

Ted Reinstein Flyer
And of course live music happening around:

Check online for latest information
Check online for latest information

Rick Doucette Just Turned Me On To The Dollar Shave Club

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

In light of my recent shaving disaster I’m taking my boy Rick Doucette’ (among other people’s) advice.  Literally 7 different people emailed me today telling me how much they dig the dollar saving club service.

Rick Says These Razors Are Great and They Ship You 4 New Blades Each Month for $6 Including Shipping and Handling.

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What a handsome son of a gun the Rick Doucette is.

So for $72 a year I’ll get 48 Blades.  Way Less Than Gillette razors for the same quality shave.  I get to toss the blades once a week and use a fresshie.  They give you a free handle and if you don’t like the razors you simply quit without any obligation.  No Brainer city baby.

I ordered the middle of the line razors-

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From the site-

How it Works

Are you ready to join the ranks of our enlightened membership?

Dollar Shave Club couldn’t be simpler. Select one of our great
razors, pay one low monthly fee, and we send ’em right to your
door. No more over-paying for fancy brand name shave tech.
No more forgetting to buy your blades.

Don’t be the dope like me that goes for the cheapo generic brand ones and cut the heck out of your face-

cuts

It’s $6 including shipping and handling.  Cheaper than any package of Gillette razors you can buy.  The Gillette comparable blades cost over $3 per blade.  I don’t see much risk in trying it out especially with the recommendation from Rick Doucette.

So if you want to try it out like me here’s the website-

Dollar Shave Club

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FWIW I’m trying the wipes too. Nothing but the best for my butthole is what I always say.

Public Auction – November 19th-6pm, Inspection 4-6. 1 Lexington Ave, Magnolia

Posted on by Joanne

auction walt 11 19

Without a doubt, this is our best auction of the year! The phrase something for everyone is often overused, but with this auction, it definitely rings true! If you like historical antiques we have hand signed presidential documents: Is fine art more your thing? We’ve got a great selection. How about antique furniture? Yep! Jewelry? Ditto! Glassware & China? Check!

Pictures and details available at www.capeannauction.com

Linda rae Shares A Gloucester Moment

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Good morning, Joey, we are back in town for one last take on the area (and the food, yeah!!) until the Spring.  We can’t help but remember our time here last year.

Burrrr!

Remembering a delightful walk in Annisquam with EJ exactly a year ago yesterday.  A bit chilly but we were walking rapidly so we didn’t feel it until the sun began to set.  To chill us more, we…Rob and I who live on a river which isn’t tidal, watched as these walkers began to lose the ground underneath them.  Oy!  The last photo reminded us how quickly the tide can rise as we watched in great tension, two people on the other side who ended up shoulder deep in very cold water.  Oh my goodness!  And it is only one year ago yesterday, imagine!  Burrrrr!

Blessings, Linda rae

Stuffed Jalapeno Peppers

Posted on by Sista Felicia

PrintPerfect appetizer for Sunday Football, and holiday gatherings!

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Stuffed Jalapeno Peppers

Ingredients

1 package 8 oz. cream cheese, soften

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

6 bacon strips, cooked and chopped into small bite-size pieces

2 scallions, cut into ⅛ inch pieces

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon chili powder

¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

12 medium jalapeno peppers, cut into halves lengthwise; remove and discard seeds

½ cup Sicilian Style Breadcrumbs (recipe on page 201 in my newly released cookbook “Gifts of Gold”)

Step-by-Step

1  In a large mixing bowl combine first 7 ingredients; using hand mixer, blend ingredients on medium/low speed 1-2 minutes until evenly mixed

2  Fill each pepper half with 1 heaping tablespoon of cheese mixture

jalapeano 1

3  Dip each filled pepper into Sicilian Breadcrumbs; arrange on foil lined baking dish

jal 10

jal 2

4  Bake in preheated 350 degree oven uncovered 20-25 minutes until tops are golden; Cool 5 minutes before serving

To purchase copies of my newly released cookbook “Gifts of Gold In A Sicilian Kitchen With Sista Felicia, Harvest” click link below

http://www.storenvy.com/products/2742897-gifts-of-gold-in-a-sicilian-kitchen-with-sista-felicia-harvest

Don’t forget to send your Sista Felicia Recipe photos in to GMG and join the GMG FOB Cooks club! I will personally post them once per week.

This Is How They Get Dressed For A Whale Watch In Iceland

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Janet Rice submits-

Brave, Hearty Souls departing from Reykjavik Harbor for a nippy November Whale Watch.

Best-Janet

DSCN9778DSCN9781

Community Stuff 11/16/13

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Felicia Ciaramitaro Mohan to Speak at Pigeon Cove Circle on November 21

Felicia Ciaramitaro Mohan, known to her many followers as Sista Felicia, has written her first cookbook commemorates her family’s Sicilian traditions, lost recipes, and authentic dishes. Gifts of Gold: In a Sicilian Kitchen with Sista Felicia, begins with the end of summer and the harvesting of fruits and vegetables and celebrates all things autumn. On Thursday, November 21, Felicia will be the guest speaker at the Pigeon Cove Circle, providing an overview of how her cookbook was compiles from beginning to end.  

Felica’s cookbook contains delicious foods, easy-to-follow step-by -step directions, how-to photos, and beautiful photography, Sista Felicia’s cookbook has also been carefully crafted to highlight beautiful Cape Ann. Thirteen recipes are accompanied by QR codes, which directly link the reader to Sista Felicia’s online how-to videos on her website, www.sistafeliciaskitchen.com[sistafeliciaskitchen.com].

The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with a potluck buffet dinner and speaker at 7 p.m. Those attending the potluck dinner are welcome to bring an item for the buffet. There is no fee or pre-registration required.  All are welcome attend enjoyable evening.

The Pigeon Cove Circle is located at Six Breakwater Avenue in Rockport.  The Pigeon Cove Circle is made up of men and women throughout Cape Ann, a civic group who provide fund-raiser for community needs such a scholarships, and other needs on Cape Ann. Those who would like further information about the availability of the Pigeon Cove function hall are welcome to call Michelle at 978-546-1195.

Holiday Sale to benefit Haiti Projects at the Annisquam Village Library from 11 to 4 on Saturday Nov 16th. Decorative Holiday home good, night gowns, handmade toys and much more. 

Appleton Farms Offers a New Seasonal Dairy Share Program

13-Week Dairy Share Runs December 16, 2013 through March 16, 2014

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The Trustees of Reservations is pleased to announce the launch of a new Dairy Share Program at Appleton Farms, located at 219 County Road, Ipswich, MA. For the first time since Appleton Farms began milking cows at the farm over ten years ago, the public will be able to purchase a Full or Half Dairy Share with Appleton Farms’ very own farmstead cheese, yogurt, and milk. 

The Dairy Share program starts the week of December 16 and last for 13 weeks (through March 16, 2014). Shares are available for purchase and pickup at the farm Monday – Friday, 11am – 6pm and Saturday and Sunday, 10am – 4pm.

“My family is hooked on the farm’s milk and cheese, and we love the yogurt too!” commented a dairy store patron.” We always look forward to driving down the dirt road for our farm experience. Some days it’s a quick in and out of the dairy store, other days we visit with cows, chat with a farmer, or enjoy our cheeses on the spot! We love the idea of supporting our local farmer and joining the dairy share program. We can’t wait to make Appleton Farms a regular part of our lives!”

Full Dairy Share includes two ½ gallons of milk (choice of skim, 1%, and whole), one ¼ lb. wedge of artisan cheese (your choice from seasonal selections) and one quart whole milk yogurt. The cost for 13 weeks is $210.00 for Trustees of Reservations members, $230.00 for nonmembers.

Half Dairy Share includes one ½ gallon of milk (choice of skim, 1%, and whole), one ¼ lb. wedge of artisan cheese (choice from seasonal selections) and one pint whole milk yogurt. The cost for 13 weeks is $135.00 for Trustees of Reservations members, $150.00 for nonmembers.

5 Good Reasons to Buy a Dairy Share

1. It’s Local Just off Route 1A in Ipswich, Appleton Farms is one of only a handful of local direct market dairies in Massachusetts. The dairy products are made in the farm’s creamery, just steps from the dairy barn where the Jersey cows are milked.

2. It’s Healthy Appleton Farms’ dairy products are made by good people with good milk from good cows raised and grazed on good land. All of Appleton Farms’ fields and pastures are managed organically, and their cows’ diet is more than 80% grass-based.

3. It’s easy Members purchase their share up front for below-retail value. You can leave your wallet at home while you enjoy one-stop dairy “shopping” any day of the week.

4. You’ll Save All shares are priced below retail value, and Trustees of Reservations members enjoy an additional 10% discount.

5. You’ll Learn Throughout the season, Appleton Farms will invite members to meet the cows, share dairy recipes, and more!

Dairy farming at Appleton Farms is a 375-days-a-year commitment. Eating local can also be a 375-days-a-year commitment. Make your local Farm to Fridge pledge by purchasing a Dairy Share today! To learn more about the Appleton Farms’ dairy and to purchase a share, visit online www.thetrustees.org/dairyshare, call the farm at 978.356.5728, or stop by the dairy store Monday – Friday, 11am – 6pm and Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 4pm.

Addison Gilbert Hospital – Lights of Love ~ in celebration of the life of co-founder Susan Kyle

The sixth Annual Lights of Love Benefit  and Tree Lighting Ceremony

will take place on

Wednesday, December 4 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the Washington Street entrance of

Addison Gilbert Hospital, 298 Washington Street, Gloucester.

The event will feature an art drawing by award-winning Cape Ann artist Ken Knowles benefitting cancer care services on

Cape Ann (www.kenknowlesfineart.com), caroling with Gloucester High School Chorus, children’s activities including train rides and a decorated ambulance, and holiday treats.

To participate in the art drawing, please visit www.addisongilbert.org/lightsoflove.  Tickets will be available at the event as well.

I am the president of the o’maley innovation middle school and we are doing a pto fundraising event at talbot skating rink on saturday, november 23 from 7 to 8.  this event promises to be a ton of fun and it is open to the entire gloucester community!  please consider attending.

 

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PosterLannonBuilding2.1(g)

GHS Film Club Bowling Tournament 11/7/2013

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Hello,

My name is Shaun Goulart and I am a history teacher at Gloucester High School. Down at the high school a colleague and myself are trying to start a film club with the students and have held two fundraisers to raise money for equipment. Last Thursday November 7th, 80 GHS staff members (14 teams) bowled in the Inaugural Film Club Bowling Tournament. We have many pictures showing the fun of the event and a video as well. The event really shows how close the GHS community is.

I was wondering if this would be a story you guys would be interested in running. Attached is a collage from the event and below is the link to a film we put together from the event…

GHS FCBT 2013 w-text

Thank you for your time,

Shaun Goulart
Social Studies Teacher
Gloucester High School
The mission of Gloucester High School is to produce graduates with integrity, knowledge and skills necessary for productive citizenship.
To achieve these results, instruction is purposeful, engaging, relevant and rigorous. A culture of positive relationship building and personalization within the school and the community encourages and supports self-reliance and problem-solving for success.

Welcome Sefatia’s Baby Granddaughter LiAnna Rose Romeo-Gonzalez!!!

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

 LiAnna Rose Romeo-GonzalezSefatia’s New Granddaughter ~ 4 pounds, 17 inches

A tiny new baby girl was born to Sefatia’s daughter Melissa. She was six weeks early, but is breathing on her own and doing well–Sefatia writes, “What else from my granddaughter?” Melissa needs our prayers.

Amaryllis Here, There, and Everywhere

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Amaryllis hippeastrum ©Kim Smith 2013Readying Home and Garden for the Holidays ~ Its that time of year and with my daughter coming home this weekend for an early Thanksgiving dinner (she has to work on the real Tday), I am scrambling to get the house in holiday mode between work days and final moments of filming, while the warmer temperatures hold.

Liv  was so upset when she told me had to work on her very favorite holiday and said she simply could not bear to not be at home for Thanksgiving. The reason she gave was because of the scents permeating throughout the house, that of yummy food cooking combined with the sweet fragrance of the flowering bulbs that we grow during the winter months. After she expressed those sentiments, how could I not promise to cook two turkey dinners, the first to come next week while she is home.

This weekend I’ll be planting the last of the spring ephemeral bulbs outdoors and indoors, potting up the amaryllis bulbs for winter cheer. I love the flowers of amaryllis so much so that they are grown in all the rooms of the house.

Amaryllis hippeastrum ©Kim Smith 2011 copyAmaryllis in the living room,

Amaryllis hippeastrum Orange sovereign ©Kim Smith 212amaryllis in the kitchen,

Amaryllis hippeastrum ©Kim Smith 2012and even in the bathroom, we grow amaryllis!

How to Grow Amaryllis ~ Excerpt from Oh Garden of Fresh Possibilities! 

Living in New England the year round, with our tiresomely long winter stretching miles before us, and then a typically late and fugitive, fleeting spring, we can become easily wrapped in those winter-blues. Fortunately for garden-makers, our thoughts give way to winter scapes of bare limbs and berries, Gold Finches and Cardinals, and plant cat- alogues to peruse. If you love to paint and write about flowers as do I, winter is a splendid time of year for both, as there is hardly any time devoted to the garden during colder months. I believe if we cared for a garden very much larger than ours, I would accomplish little of either writing or painting, for maintaining it would require just that much more time and energy.

Coaxing winter blooms is yet another way to circumvent those late winter doldrums. Most of us are familiar with the ease in which amaryllis (Hippeastrum) bulbs will bloom indoors. Placed in a pot with enough soil to come to the halfway point of the bulb, and set on a warm radiator, in several week’s time one will be cheered by the sight of a spring-green, pointed-tipped flower stalk poking through the inner layers of the plump brown bulbs. The emerging scapes provide a welcome promise with their warm-hued blossoms, a striking contrast against the cool light of winter. Perhaps the popularity of the amaryllis is due both to their ease in cultivation and also for their ability to dazzle with colors of sizzling orange, clear reds and apple blossom pink.

Oh Garden of Fresh Possibilities! sells for only $14.00 on Amazon, which is a 21.00 value off the publisher’s price of 35.00.

Click here to purchase a copy of Oh Garden.