World Origami Days: Origami is not just for kids!

Posted on by Matthew Green

For my second-to-last origami post during World Origami Days, I am going to address a popular misconception (and at the end put in another plug for a Christmas origami class here in Gloucester).

Often when I mention that I do and teach origami, people say something like, “Oh, that must be great for working with kids!”  While it is certainly true that children often like origami, and that many origami books and kits are aimed at children, it is a mistake to reduce origami to a children’s activity.  That would be sort of like saying that drawing or painting is for kids because there are a lot of crayons, magic markers, and watercolor kits are marketed to children.

One’s enjoyment and ability at origami have little to do with age.  For example, at the annual origami convention in New York City, participants range in age from small children to senior citizens.  There are active origami clubs at prestigious universities – some of the most impressive origami I’ve ever seen has come out of the MIT’s origami club, OrigaMIT.  Check out OrigaMIT member Brian Chan’s “Attack of the Kraken” (the photo is from his website):

Yes, folks, that’s ONE SQUARE SHEET OF PAPER with NO CUTTING!

Over the past couple of decades, origami designers have brought complex math skills to bear upon the difficulties of creating complex models, with stunning results.  Some of the greatest origami masters are trained mathematicians and scientists. One of the most well-known is Robert Lang (PhD in applied physics from Caltech). Here is one of his models:

Again, that’s one square sheet of uncut paper. Lang has written an in-depth work on designing origami models using mathematical methods.

It’s not just the case that origami benefits from math and science; the same goes the other way around.  Origami ideas and principles have been used in fields as diverse as biology (“protein origami”) and space technology (foldable satellite solar panels, etc.).

Origami really can be a refined art.  Take the works of the recently deceased French sculptor Eric Joisel:

Or this Asian water buffalo, folded by Eric Madrigal and designed by Nguyen Hung Quong:

Or this alligator by Michael Lafosse, who, with his partner Richard Alexander, has his Origamido studio in Haverhill, MA:

Michael Lafosse has come to Cape Ann a few times to give classes.

These are examples of some truly outstanding origami artists who are using special materials. They are not alone: there are many more than I have mentioned here.  However, most people are happy with much simpler work.  My point is that, the next time you see an origami class offered, don’t just think, “that would be fun for my (grand)children.”  Anyone who enjoys artistic activity, and maybe math, logic, etc., can find joy in the creativity and the challenges of origami.

That said, please leave a comment or contact me in some other way if you would be interested in the Christmas origami class that I mentioned in an earlier post. I’d like to get a feeling for what whether or not there would be enough participants to make it worthwhile. I would probably offer the class on the afternoon of Sunday, Dec. 2, or thereabouts.

Tomorrow, my last “World Origami Days” post: Origami on Cape Ann.

– Fr. Matthew Green

Sista Felicia & Crew Lined Up For The Mariposa Sale

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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The Filenes Basement Wedding Dress Sale Has Nothing On The Mariposa Annual Sale. Stand Clear Or Get Run Down By Some Professional Shoppers- You’ve Been Warned!

Community Stuff 11/10/12

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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For more: www.LawAndWater.com.

Hi Joey and crew!

Just Love GMG!

Please post the following announcement. Many folks here on Cape Ann have lost someone to suicide. It is a most devastating loss.  There is a place and time to come together to be in the company of others who know this kind of pain. Please see info below.

Thanks for all the good you do to promote communication and strong community!

Best, Anita Pandolfe Ruchman

Rockport

If you have lost someone to suicide, you are not alone. There are millions of survivors who, like you, are trying to cope with this heartbreaking loss. More than 38,000 people take their lives every year in the Unites States, each leaving behind friends and loved ones who struggle with loss, grief and all of those questions that begin "Why…?"

On Saturday, November 17th, hundreds of simultaneous conferences for survivors of suicide loss will take place throughout the country and around the world. This unique network of healing conferences helps survivors connect with others who have survived the tragedy of suicide loss, and express and understand the powerful emotions they experience.

Please invite others who are on this journey to join us on November 17th.

IN GLOUCESTER:

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2012 12:30 – 3:30

BankGloucester 160 Main St.  Gloucester, Ma. 01966

$10 suggested donation

contact: Anita Pandolfe Ruchman NP

Survivor/ Holistic Nurse-Psychotherapist —- apr822@verizon.net

978 546 6599

5th Annual Lights of Love
Thursday, November 29, 2012, 5:30-6:30 p.m
.Addison Gilbert Hospital, 298 Washington Street, Gloucester

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Enter for your chance to win this original, framed oil painting, New England Springtime, by acclaimed Cape Ann artist     Ken Knowles.  100% of your raffle ticket purchase directly benefits cancer care services for Cape Ann patients, supporting world-class cancer care close to home for those who need it most.

Lights of Love is an annual celebration of life and hope.  The highlight of our season-long benefit is the festive Tree Lighting Ceremony which commemorates all who have been touched by cancer.  Launched in 2008 by Cape Ann residents Sue Kyle and Shawn Wilson in gratitude for the care Sue continues to receive at AGH, Lights of Love has raised more than $50,000 to ensure access to top-notch cancer care for Cape Ann families and the 2,000 patients served each year at the Gorton’s Specialty and Cancer Care Center.

Save the Date and bring your family for the 5th Annual Lights of Love Benefit and Tree Lighting on November 29 Featuring Lights of Love Annual Tree Lighting * Art Raffle Drawing * Cape Ann Raffle Prizes * Caroling with the Gloucester High School Chorus * Tribute and Holiday Treats.  We look forward to seeing you there.

Tickets available in Administration and Community Relations at Addison Gilbert Hospital (inside Washington Street entrance).

Please contact Rebecca via email or by phone 978.236.1624 for further information.

Rockport Art Association Announces Fourth Annual

“Masterpieces in Miniature” Holiday Exhibition and Sale

The Rockport Art Association (RAA) announces its fourth annual “Masterpieces in Miniature” exhibition and sale, set to open on Friday evening, November 16, 2012. More than 75 of the RAA’s award-winning member artists will display a quartet of small works, which are all framed and sold individually. Based on the past success of this event, the RAA knows that these smaller pieces, which range in price from $250 to $1,000, allow more people to be able to purchase original works by our member artists for their own collections — or as gifts — and support the RAA in this important end-of-year fundraising event.

The exhibition will open with a reception on Friday, November 16th from 6pm to 8pm and will feature music, drinks and hors d’oeuvres. The opening reception will be the first opportunity to view and purchase these paintings – there will be absolutely no ‘early bird’ sales. Last year, buyers were lined up at the door, and flooded the galleries, intent on purchasing their favorite works.

As in past years, the exhibition will feature 6” by 8” works in many mediums, including oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, drawings and sculpture. All are beautifully framed and ready to hang. Photographs of each piece will also be displayed on the RAA’s website, www.rockportartassn.org, soon after the opening so that art collectors outside the area will be able to view and purchase these small gems. New paintings will be hung to replenish the walls during the duration of the show, so the RAA encourages art collectors to revisit the exhibition more than once.

Another highlight of opening night is that the “Have You Seen the Mosher at the RAA” raffle winner will be drawn. The winner will receive a beautiful 26” x 32” original oil generously donated by one of the RAA’s most well-known and award-winning artists, Donald Allen Mosher. Raffle tickets are still available.

The RAA is the nation’s oldest continually operating art association and serves a region steeped in a rich and meaningful arts tradition. As a non-profit organization, it raises operating funds for its exhibitions and educational programs, which are all open to the public, from donations and fundraising events. Artists will be donating from 40% to 100% of the proceeds from sales of these “Masterpieces in Miniature” to the RAA. This is the RAA’s final exhibition of 2012, and the organization is relying on sales to help it meet its end-of-year operating expenses.

The RAA is located on Main Street in historic Rockport, Massachusetts, and is open to the public. Fall hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 am to 4pm, Saturday 10am to 5pm, and Sundays from noon until 5pm. “Masterpieces in Miniature” will be on display from November 16 to December 31, 2012.

eastgloucesterrooftopsWEB

Come by BankGloucester on Saturday, November 17, 2012 from 11am to 1pm for a public reception for artist Rod Peterson. The reception is a great opportunity to meet Rod and speak with him regarding his work. Light refreshments will be served.  A collection of his paintings are on display at the bank through January 11, 2013.

Rod Peterson, a native and resident of Malden, MA, started painting in the early 1970’s and studied painting with North Shore artist Eva Cincotta, South Shore artist Ros Farbush and the late artist/author David Millard. He has been involved with the Malden Sketch Group since its start back in 1996. Rod is an Artist Member of the North Shore Arts Association and he is currently represented by The Back Bay Framery at 227 Newbury St. in Boston.

The bank is located at 160 Main Street in Gloucester.

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Rose Baker Happenings

Note: Rose Baker Senior Center is closed November 12th, Veteran’s Day.
Stockings for the homeless
The Social Day Care program at Rose Baker Senior Center has started their annual collection of personal care items for men and women living in shelters. The items are placed in stockings and delivered to ACTION Shelter and Grace Center at Christmas time. This is a wonderful use for those soaps and body products we all collect on our travels as well as the extra items we have around the house, such as small toothpastes, toothbrushes and dental floss. Please bring any items you would like to contribute to Rose Baker Center by December 14th.
Medicare Program
At 10am on Wednesday, November 14th, MassPro is presenting a program entitled “How the Medicare Program Protects You.” Among the topics that will be covered are:
·    Your rights under Medicare
·    Medicare and quality care
On Going
The memoir writing group meets the first and third Thursdays of every month. The next meeting is November 16th. The groups is putting their memories into words, creating wonderful personal and family histories. The group meets from 10 to noon and is always looking for new members.

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Video- Loading and Unloading The Jupiter II

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Shot with the Kodak Zx3 and Kayalu nClamp

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Gloucester MA City Hall Weathervane Repairs Info From Maggie Rosa

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Repairs to City Hall’s Weathervane

Maggie Rosa writes-

Weather permitting a crane will be brought to City Hall at 7:00am on Friday November 9th. The crane will be placed in the Administration side of the City Hall parking lot. Campbell Construction, contractors for the ongoing exterior restoration project, are donating their services to remove the weathervane, repair it and place it back on the tower. Rental costs for the crane are being donated by C.E. Cyr Construction Co., Inc. (Lawrence, MA) and Craig Herrmann Design (Gloucester, MA). Both companies are working on the Gorton’s addition project and are happy to contribute to the community.

If mother nature is not cooperative the repairs will be rescheduled most likely for Friday, November 16th.

The weathervane was donated to the City in 1989 by the Cape Ann Savings Bank and is modeled on the famed schooner “Elsie”.

Many thanks to all of these public spirited firms. We appreciate your generosity.

Maggie

We reported on the failing weathervane this past summer-

City Hall Weathervane in 1989 before She Was First Hoisted Atop City Hall From The Infamous Fred Buck

Posted on August 19, 2012 by Joey C

photo courtesy Cape Ann Museum

Fred writes-

joey – here’s the schooner with a broken mast on top of city hall.  the copper model was created by washburn on rt. 114 in 1989 and donated to the city by the cape ann savings bank.  this pic was taken just before she was hoisted up to her place of honor.  it is, of course, the elsie, built in 1910 by a.d. story in essex.  gordon thomas, in fast and able, called her "one of the greatest."  if anyone can help bring her down for repairs, step forward!  a model of the elsie by cape ann master craftsman erik ronnberg is on display at the cape ann museum.  it’s a beautiful thing…
infamous fred

copper model of sch. elsie made by washburn, rt. 114 as weathervane for city hall. donated by cape ann savings bank. 1989.

This post is in response to our August 16th photos from David Cox showing the Elsie weathervane in serious peril below-

Sail on City Hall Schooner needs help–David B. Cox Photos

Posted on August 16, 2012 by Manuel Simoes

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If you remember our David Cox Caught the

Video- Pounding Waves and Screaming Winds! From Skip Montello

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Skip writes-

Hi Joey,

I enjoyed your storm video and stills, wicked nasty storm, nice work! Here are some of what I captured while ducking the wind driven rain,

Thanks Skip

Click below for video-

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North Coast Angler www.northcoastangler.com

Skip Montello Photos www.skipmontellophotos.com

Sci Fi Ghost Hunters coming to Gloucester’s Hammond Castle

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

Received a call from our Lara from the Dress Code and her neighbor informed her about Ghost Hunters coming to Gloucester.  Destination Truth’s, Sci Fi’s,  Josh Gates, a local kid from Manchester, MA, will be joining the Ghost Hunters to investigate Hammond Castle and if their spirits are still haunting the property.

  • Wed 11/14
  • 9:00PM-10:00PM on the sci fi station.  Please check out the link below.

http://tvlistings.zap2it.com/networks/sci-fi.html

Cape Ann Painters and Photographers Group on the Move Again

Posted on by God's Morning

Hi Everyone,

The next meeting of the Cape Ann Painter and Photography Group will be on Monday, November 12th from 9-11:00 AM.  The first 1/2 hour will be a social time with the meeting starting at 9:30 AM.  Please note that the meeting has been moved to “The Hive” at 11 Pleasant Street (next to the Pleasant Street Tea Company) returning to a more central location which will be more convenient for everyone.  The staff at “The Hive” has graciously allowed us to use their lovely new meeting space.  Thank you!!   Please bring your coffee or tea and any updates about what you are working on.

See you then!

Alice Gardner

Cape Ann MarketWATCH 11/8/12 From Kenny MacCarthy

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Interested in Gloucester/Rockport real estate? Watch Kenny MacCarthy’s video commentary, complete with photos, stats and attitude. This week, tour several new property’s as well as a couple favorite "open houses" this weekend.

You have local Real Estate Questions?  Call my boy Kenny- (978) 758-0983

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http://gloucesterhomefinder.com/ Kenny MacCarthy’s weekly review of new Gloucester and Rockport homes and condos for sale. 10 properties this week including some good values that are "open houses" this Sunday.

New England Composers Featured in Cantemus Chamber Chorus 30th Anniversary Concerts

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

Music Director Jane Ring Frank, front row-center, will lead the Cantemus Chamber Chorus in its first 30th-anniversary year concerts on December 1 in Hamilton and December 2 in Newburyport. “Twilight in New England: A Celebration of New England Composers” features music by William Billings, Randall Thompson, Amy Beach, and Gwyneth Walker, with James Woodman’s “The Midwife’s Tale” as its centerpiece.

Cantemus will perform “Twilight in New England” on Saturday, December 1 at 7:30 p.m., at Christ Church of Hamilton-Wenham, 149 Asbury Street, Hamilton; and on Sunday, December 2 at 4:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Church, 166 High Street, Newburyport.

Tickets are available online here, or fans can save $2 on advance tickets purchased at The Book Rack in Newburyport, Nazir’s of Wenham, Norris Gallery / MiXtMedia in Ipswich, the Book Shop of Beverly Farms, Toad Hall in Rockport and Gloucester Music.

Tickets at the door are $20 for adults, $17 for seniors. Admission is free for students 21 and under. For details, visit the Cantemus website, or phone 1-888-CHORUS 1.

Community Winter Clothing Drive to benefit victims of Sandy

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Volunteers needed:

Community Winter Clothing Drive to benefit victims of Sandy.

Monday, November 26 to Friday, November 30 (time to be announced)

If you can help by donating, collect needed items, sort, pack, or help in any capacity, please let me know A.S.A.P., We will confirm the time of the different shifts next week: Place Gloucester High School Field House.

Needed items:

All clean and in good condition,Winter clothing (men, women children),Socks (all sizes)

Winter jackets, hats, mittens, gloves,Winter shoes and boots (all sizes),Blankets,Diapers, Baby wipes,Towels, Face cloths, First Aid kits, Work gloves, Flash lights, Batteries

Sleeping bags and pads, Contractor (heavy) garbage bags, Boxes (no open boxes), Packing tape, Black Magic Markers

Thank you for whatever you can do.

Warmest Regards Sefatia

American Red Squirrel Midden

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Pine cone eaten clear to the core, photographed at a Pine Squirrel midden. The mid-day light was very harsh and too contrasty-click images to view details.

Adjacent to where we noticed the Japanese maple tree, Dale Resca, the Facilities Manager at Willowdale, discovered an American Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) midden.

American Red Squirrel Midden

A squirrel midden is essentially a squirrel’s favorite place to eat; the fallen scales from consumed seed cones collect in piles, called middens. Sitting on their claimed stump, fallen log, or branch, the squirrel pulls the scales off the cones to get to the seeds.

American Red Squirrel Cache of Pine Cones

You can see from the above photo why the American Red Squirrel is often referred to as the Pine Squirrel. Ripening in late summer, the squirrels collect pine cones and store in a central cache. American Red Squirrels do not hibernate during the winter months; the caches of cones supply nourishment when food supplies are running low.

The American Red Squirrel is widely distributed throughout North America. They are smaller than a gray squirrel and somewhat larger than a chipmunk, with reddish fur and white venter, or underbelly.

American Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) ~ Image courtesy Google images 

World Origami Days: Modular origami

Posted on by Matthew Green

 

Modular origami consists of models (often, but not always, geometrical shapes) made out of many origami units, usually joined through folding tabs and slots, not glue or tape.  In these examples (from Tomoko Fuse’s book “Unit Origami”, which I picked up at the Dogtown Book Shop) the units for each model are all identical.  These are the kinds of folds that make good, colorful Christmas tree ornaments.  If I do a class for Christmas tree origami, some simple modular origami will definitely be in the plan.

There are more complex designs that require two or more different kinds of modules for their construction.  The units themselves are usually fairly simple to fold, but they often can be combined in many different ways to make everything from simple tetrahedra and cubes to fantastically complicated interwoven geometrical wonders.  Try using your favorite internet search engine to look for images of “modular origami”, and prepare to be blown away.

– Fr. Matthew Green

Gloucester Ma November 8, 2012 Nor Easter On The Back Shore

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

I love this shot. I love it even more full sized. Click it to see it larger.

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Joe Ciaramitaro Lobster Trap Tag Found on Cornwall Beach in The UK

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Chris Easton writes-

Dear Joey,

Earlier this year I found a fishing tag which I think may be yours. It reads F/V NET PROFIT 7918 JOE CIARAMITARO along the bottom. I enjoy walking along the strand line on my local beach – Perranporth in Cornwall in the UK. It is not uncommon to find flotsom from the fishing industry of the East Coast of America which travels across the Atlantic on the North Atlantic Drift.

I Googled the name yesterday & got linked to www.goodmorninggloucester.com , so I thought that it might be worth sending you a photo of the tag & a photo of Perranporth Beach, where it was found. The village is at the far end of the beach.

Hope you find this of some interest.

Yours,  Chris Easton

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Chris, the Joe Ciaramitaro who was a lobsterman and incredibly friendly guy on the Gloucester waterfront passed well before his time.  I’m not a lobsterman, my cousin Frank and I are lobster dealers here in Gloucester MA and own a commercial dock.

After Joe passed Joe Grillo bought the Net Profit and continues to fish it today.

Here’s a post from 2009-

Joe Grillo’s Net Profit

Posted on February 19, 2009 by Joey C

Joe Grillo bought the Net Profit.  His old boat The Wanderer was old, tired and slow as molasses.  To say that Joe is happy about the upgrade would be an understatement.  Video at 8:00AM

The Net Profit

Joe Grillo’s Net Profit, originally uploaded by captjoe06.

The Wanderer

Do you see the buoys on the old Wanderer’s antenna and the Net Profit?  The same, red on top, yellow on the bottom- Joe Grillo’s buoy colors!

Community Photos 11/9/12

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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Cape Ann Tool Company, Rockport MA

View more photos of Rockport at squamcreativeservices.com/photography/photography-gallery/

I caught this scene as I was driving by Good Harbor Beach today. I wish I could add audio. The sound of the wind ,the waves and happy, screaming children-music to my ears!

Best-Janet