Where are all the Chestnuts?

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Every year I anxiously await Chestnuts season. This year through Facebook I realized I was not alone. The hunt for chestnuts on Facebook the past few weeks has become a popular post in the daily news feed, and I too had been secretly on the hunt. Last week after combing the aisle on my third trip to the grocery store, I asked the produce manager, when they would be receiving a shipment of chestnuts. He chuckled, and said, “I wish I knew, that has been the question of the week around here,  and everyone has been asking for them.” After apologizing for not having them, he kindly shared a little inside information with me about this years chestnut crop and the rumors swirling around the produce world about this years chestnut crops not yeilding a plentiful harvest this year. I not sure why that is, and maybe someone can share why, but I though I pass the info along to all those who are also wondering why they are so hard to find this season. I was lucky to find some locally grown Chestnuts at Applenton Farms the other day. I felt like I had hit the jackpot! They were petti in size and absolutely scrumptious ! I plan to keep a stash on hand in my “spezza” room for my family to enjoy this holiday season and I encourage you to do the same. I know my family would go nuts without their roasted chestnuts on the holiday table! My Grandmother Felicia’s recipe for Roasted Chestnuts,  “Castagni Arrustui,”  is in my cookbook “Gifts of Gold In A Sicilian Kitchen with Sista Felicia Harvest” on page 202.

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cooked chestnut

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Roasted Chestnuts make a delicious fall snack!

Final Touches

An HBO contractor on the Olive Kitteridge mini-series lays the Rx letters on the mortar and pestle. I'll bet they'll be doing a few more adjustments tomorrow, Sunday. Filming is scheduled for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
An HBO contractor on the Olive Kitteridge mini-series lays the Rx letters on the mortar and pestle. I’ll bet they’ll be doing a few more adjustments tomorrow, Sunday. Filming is scheduled for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
A sign painted on the wall of Gabriel's Antiques, on Center Street. Made to look old and weathered. "From Nuts to Bolts." HBO production.
A sign painted on the wall of Gabriel’s Antiques, on Center Street. Made to look old and weathered. “From Nuts to Bolts.” HBO production.

Halloween at City Hall From Beth Costanzo

Halloween Bash at City Hall Last Night!
The Adventures of Scuba Jack and Kids Unlimited hosted the Halloween Party last night at City Hall.
Hundreds of goblins and ghouls had an amazing time being entertained by the haunting tunes of Leo Francis!  Also, Charlie the Balloon Man created amazing balloon sculptures for all who attended!  Many prizes and treats were given out all evening!!
Thank You!
Beth Costanzo
The Adventures of Scuba Jack

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Tuesday, November 19, 2013 – Program: The Building of the Thomas E. Lannon, Presented by: Captain Tom Ellis

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Visionary, Captain and now Documentarian Tom Ellis, presents his program, Building the Thomas E. Lannon (See above.)
Using historic footage meticulously captured by award winning videographer Al Viator, shot as The Will to Build, between Oct. 1, 1996 to June 30, 1997, Tom Ellis has crafted his personal story of the creation of the Schooner Thomas E. Lannon from dream to design , through the challenges of construction to the triumphant sail into Gloucester Harbor.

Admission: $8 members, $10 nonmembers

Light refreshments will be served.

For additional information, visit our website: www.essexshipbuildingmuseum.org

Office phone # 978-768-7541

Community Stuff 11/3/13

“Outsidah” ruins your lunch at Ipswich Museum

Just the Facts:
Columnist Doug Brendel, “The Outsidah,” speaks at Ipswich Museum
Brown Bag lunch program, Monday, November 4, at noon
Free to Ipswich Museum members — Others $5 at the door
A Little More:
If you thought the Ipswich Museum was a serious, solemn place, think again. “The Outsidah” is about to mess it all up.
Ipswich humorist Doug Brendel will speak at the museum’s Brown Bag lunch onMonday, November 4, beginning at noon.
The Ipswich Chronicle columnist and author of the cartoon-illustrated Only in Ipswichbook series will read from his funniest “Outsidah” columns. “Hearing them, you avoid the cartoons,” Doug says. “They’re even worse than the columns.”
He will also offer a sneak preview of his upcoming book Ipswich Unzipped, and offer his typically off-beat commentary on life in small-town New England from the standpoint of a newcomer. (Unzipped will be launched the day after Thanksgiving at a MiXtMedia Gallery event in Ipswich.)
Doug will have his first two Only in Ipswich books available for purchase and autographs at the Brown Bag lunch. “While supplies last,” he adds. “Don’t forget to say ‘while supplies last.’ We’re trying desperately to start a rush. We need to make room in the basement.”
What, you thought the Ipswich Museum was closed by November? “I did,” Doug says, “I confess.” Think again. Only their guided tours finish in October. The Museum’s regular schedule of lectures, lunches, school programs, and special events continue throughout the fall, winter, and spring.
For more information about this event, contact Museum Co-Director Stacey Fraser-deHaan via 978-356-2811 or director@ipswichmuseum.org. Or reach Doug Brendel personally via 978-810-1005 or Outsidah@DougBrendel.com. For news of other performances by “The Outsidah,” follow Doug’s blog at Outsidah.com.
Thank you!


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Last week for:

Rockport Art Association presents a solo photography exhibition by:

Judith Monteferrante

Garden’s Earthly Delights

October 27 – November 7, 2013

Greeting Cards also available.

Exploring Macro photography and the energetic impact of water as if frozen in time, all from the garden.

Monteferrante_J_RAA show_image008Dahlia 2


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OH OHH! I Guess I Wouldn’t Be Welcomed in Essex.

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Add another place I won’t be invited to.

Essex, No Art Rock For You!

November  2, 2013

Essex Police/Fire: Rock poachers draw police response

Essex Police/Fire:

By James Niedzinski Staff Writer   The Gloucester Daily Times       Sat Nov 02, 2013, 12:00 AM EDT

ESSEX —  Police addressed three people in a white truck who were apparently trying to remove rocks from Clammers Beach with long poles Thursday at 9:11 a.m.

Police told the men to put the rocks back. There were mo charges filed.

Police responded to a reported sound of a gunshot at 10:32 p.m., in the area of County Road, but officers were unable to find anyone when they arrived.

James Niedzinski can be reached at 978-283-7000, x 3455 or at jniedzinski@gloucestertimes.com.

Esther (neé Weaver) Hicks Quote of The Week From Greg Bover

November 1, 2013

“Worrying is using your imagination to create something that you don’t want.”

Esther (neé Weaver) Hicks (1948-    )

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A Utah native, Hicks is a motivational speaker and the author, with her husband Jerry, now deceased, of nine books including the Law of Attraction series, which she says was inspired by a group of “non-physical entities called Abraham.” Hicks maintains that her connection to Abraham has taught her that the purpose of life is to seek joy, and that individuals are the extension of their thoughts. Many of the concepts Hicks expounds were first written about by William Walker Atkinson in the early twentieth century. Hicks has disavowed The Secret by Rhonda Byrne, a movie about her teachings and Abraham, because of her disagreements with Byrne over marketing and contractual issues. Her publishing house includes books, DVD’s, a speaker series, cruises, a YouTube channel, and phone apps.

Len Robertson Oarmaster 2013 & 2011 (pictured with Erik Dombrowski of the IDRC)

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On September 29th, the International Dory Racing Committee held its annual Oarmaster Cup race off the Dock at Maritime Gloucester.  The course was set to begin at the Maritime’s dock and proceed out around Ten Pound Island , then back to the start line.  Eight participants enjoyed excellent late September weather and navigated their 800+ pound dories single handedly through the course (see times below).  The winner for a second straight year (2012 was cancelled due to inclement weather) was Len Robertson with a time of 21 minutes and 30 seconds on the 1.75 mile course and proving once again that he is the best single dory rower in the US. And, not to diminish Len’s rowing prowess, we also had a couple very impressive competitors who competed in the Oarmaster as their first dory race.  Gus Cambell (our youngest participant ever) and Bob Ritchie (just started rowing in the “learn to row” program last May) both took to the sea this day, navigated the course well and finished strong.  Gus and Bob, as well as the rest of the competitors deserve much praise for putting their pride and body on the line in this very challenging race!!

  Making the day a little more special for all involved, a memorial service followed the race to honor a fallen member Mike Regan.  Mike’s family and friends attended the races, donated some food and drinks for the festivities and honored Mike’s life and passion for dory rowing.  All who attended enjoyed a special day on the Gloucester waterfront.

Special Thanks to all who helped organize, set up, breakdown, get the boats to the course and back, start and time the races…including but not limited to: Maritime Gloucester, Joe Novello & Tim Oakes, Damon Cummings, Hilary Frye, Jimmy T, Geno & Fran Mondello, Leo & Susan LaRosa, Lillian LaRosa, Janelle & Bailey Dombrowski, and many more!

Results:

1. Len Robertson             21:30:07

2. Jimmy Tarantino       22:37:44

3. Dave Buchanan           22:40:44

4. Erik Dombrowski        22:49:09

5. Jack Alexander           25:30:12

6. Peter Parsons               27:43:05

7. Gus Cambell                 30:55:10

8. Bob Ritchie                   30:56:19

Seaside Goldenrod in Autumn

Seaside Goldenrod in the Wind Good Ha ©Kim Smith 2013rbor Beach GloucesterSeaside Goldenrod in the October Wind and Mist ~ Good Harbor Beach 

Monarch Butterflies mating seaside goldenrodMonarch Butterflies Mating ~ Seaside Goldenrod in September

See Previous GMG posts featuring Seaside Goldenrod ~

How to Tell the Difference Between a Male and Female Monarch Butterfly

Where Are All the Monarchs?

Barns and Boathouses of Conomo Point, Essex

Somehow, lost in the beauty of Essex’s Conomo Point with  views of open water, far away dunes and the Essex River, the boathouses and barns can slip into the background.

Magnificent Eastern Point Fall Day

magnificent eastern point fall day

I can’t express how much I love living here.  Gloucester is just too beautiful for words.  So here are a few photos to make the point.

E.J. Lefavour

Must Have Kitchen Gadget…Sista Felicia Aproved

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One of my Favorite Kitchen Gadget’s will be on sale at  Girls Night Out Shopping Extravaganza! Friday November 15  7:00 pm. at Cruiseport Gloucester! The Pampered Chef Garlic Slicer is the perfect gift for all the chefs in your life, and the perfect addition to any kitchen! I use my slicer all the time to make garlic infused oil and garlic chips! Love,  Love,  Love this gadget …it can be used to slice so much more then just garlic…
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The Pampered Chef Garlic Slicer

Garlic Slicer $15.00  Item #1113 in their catalog

Effortlessly slice fresh garlic! The unique slicer features two stainless blades and wells that hold up to two cloves each. Just drop in peeled cloves and twist. 2 1/4″ x 3 1/2″. Dishwasher-safe. Also sold as a set with the Garlic Peeler. Save $1.50 when purchased as a set!

Once again Sheree Zizik has graciously extended a helping hand to support  another  local group.  Realtor; mother of Two, wife of Jimmy LoGrasso, Gloucester’s newest auto repair business owner,  GMG”s Female Red Carpet Tri-host, and Gloucester’s famed Housewives Leader, Lillian LoGrasso  has recently added another feather to her cap! Lillian has taken it upon herself to piece together a fundraiser for her daughters GHS Photo Class. She has set out to raising enough monies to support students with the dreams of going to Italy with Mr. and Mrs. Underwood in April, with the financial means to make it a reality.  Mark your calanders save the date, and call your girlfriends. Who doesn’t like a night out with their BFF’s shopping, sipping wine and getting a few gifts checked off their Christmas list during this time of the year! I too will be their as a shopper and vendor, selling my cookbook Gifts of Gold In A Sicilian Kitchen with Sista Felicia Harvest
 Lillian writes…
“The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” Saint Augustine
Hi Guys! It’s Lillian LoGrasso!! I am hosting this Amazing Shopping Event to help raise money towards a spectacular trip that is being offered to the GHS Students through Mr & Mrs. Underwood!  It’s a trip to Italy which includes visits to Venice, Florence & Rome!!! What an opportunity for these kids!!! Some kids really want to go but financially it’s just not possible… So I created this event to help raise money for …Alessia LoGrasso (my daughter) and all the kids that want to go!!!
Here are just a few of the details but I’m working on more vendors so stay tuned:
Cruiseport Gloucester (Thanks to Sheree Zizik that made this possible!) Doors open at 7pm There will be Cash Bar (Yes girls, have a glass of wine while checking out the goods 🙂 Vendors that are already confirmed:
Katy Grow Shem from Silpada Designs… Most gorgeous .925 Sterling Silver Jewelry…. My fav!!!
Kellie Frank from Kellie’s Pampered Chef! Let the Martha Stewart in you go nuts! hahah
Bethany Osborne from 31 Bags… The hottest new thing right now in bags!!! Get a customized one for you and a xmas present for someone else!!!
Elja N Bagaco from Life Celebrations will be there to tell you about her great event planning business and will be frying up fresh fried dough for you to purchase!! YUM!!!!
Denise Quintiliani from Origami Owl Living Lockets will be there with her beautiful unique jewelry!

https://www.facebook.com/events/362841187183936/

Trident Gallery

Trident Gallery
Panel Discussion with Three Artists in Dialogue with the Past
Saturday, November 2d, 5pm

Gallery Director Matthew Swift will introduce the exhibition and moderate a conversation among its three artists, Gabrielle Barzaghi, Nadine Boughton, and Susan Erony.

To be followed by questions and discussion with the audience and light refreshments.

Trident Gallery
189 Main Street, Gloucester

+1 (978) 491-7785
TridentGallery.com
Gallery Hours (Autumn 2013)
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday: 10am-5pm
Saturday 10am-7pm
Monday, Tuesday, and any time by appointment

HBO is Here

This is the official notice. For better or for worse.
This is the official notice. For better or for worse.
The inside of Passports has been transformed, It's now a pharmacy,
The inside of Passports has been transformed, It’s now a pharmacy,