Art's Specialties—Open and Delicious!

I thought to myself, If they have smoked salmon cream cheese, I will be in a happy place. I walked in to Art's Specialties, the new specialty food shop that just opened on Nason Street that I had been hearing so much about.

The man working immediately stepped forward to welcome me. I asked about the cream cheese. Smiling, he pointed it right out to me. I picked up the package to inspect it. "To Die For" was the brand name, and before I even had a chance to ask, he confirmed what I had heard. "That is made right here in Maynard over on Main Street." People had told me that. How could I not have known? Can you believe it? This stuff gets sold all over the place, but had not been sold right here at home. I suppose it's because we never had the kind of place that would carry it. Now we do.

I walked through the shop, more and more delighted with every step I took. Alessandro let me sample some jelly. Among basic flavors, you could get beer jelly and wine jelly, which I tried. They were good, and I could see gifting them to someone I like. Then I sampled some lemon pepper olive oil. I could smell the lemon. The oil was tasty and light.

Other things you'll find: tea in bulk, a wall of hot sauces, spices, olives, appetizer sausages, prosciutto, cheeses, specialty vinegars, Mexican chocolate, bulk nuts, crackers, and more. I hear that they're going to try and get a bread supplier, so we might also have crusty loaves in our futures. Price wise, this is a specialty shop with many imported items, so don't expect discount store prices.

After gathering up a handful of items, I made my way to the checkout, where Alessandro (the manager) and I chatted for a bit. This is such an important part of any Maynard transaction for me. Yes, I'm there to buy something, but I'm also there to be part of something, part of the community, I guess. He held up his end beautifully.

Things I would suggest for them—tasting events! A vinegar tasting event—teach me about vinegar. Same for olive oil. A hot sauce tasting would be challenging, but might be amusing.

You can keep track of them on Facebook, but you should really just make your way downtown. If you're reading this blog, it's likely you live here in Maynard, so you're not much more than a mile from their door.

Right now, the store hours are Monday through Saturday 10:00–8:00, Sunday 12:00–8:00, but once they've been here for a little bit they'll probably tweak their hours.

Maynard and Stow Cultural Council Grant Recipients, the presentation

There were some technical issues at the 2017 Cultural Council awards ceremony that kept the members from being able to use this great slideshow of all the winners. At least we get to have it here.

Many thanks to Vivian Dao and Joseph Densen for putting this together. If anyone you know needs this kind of slideshow presentation, let me know and I'll put you in touch with them.

Cultural Council Grant Winners for Maynard and Stow

Earlier this week I had a post about the awards ceremony for the Cultural Council grant winners. Tim Hess (AKA Mr. H.) was kind enough to provide me with a list of all the recipients. Here they are:

Maynard Cultural Council Grant Recipients

Class of 2016 – 2017

Toni Ostrow, David Blodgett and Dan Villani

The Hip Swayers

For Untold Voices

Catroina Baker

For Origami Goldfish Art

Lisa Corfman

For his Civil Disobedience Lyceum Lecture

Jay DiPrima

For the Seagull Cinderella Parade

Donna Dodson

 

For Many Hands Working Together

Catherine Evans

for Down by the River

First Connections

For his travelling music series, Rollin’ on The River

Richard Maida

For the Summer Concert Series

The Maynard Community Band

Here for the Market is

Victoria Mangus

for a Summer Concert in the Park

Maynard Public Library

For Water Spirits Part One; Mill Town

Pamela Newton

For the River Mill and Moon Festival

Seth Wonkka

Stow Cultural Council Grant Recipients

Class of 2016 – 2017

 

For 2016/2017 Concert Series

Acton Community Chorus

For Concert by the Solstice Sackbuts

Alan Johnson

For The Children’s Garden

Ed Morgan

For 82nd Regional Exhibition of Art & Craft

Fitchburg Art Museum

For Scottish Country Dancing

Gregor Trinkaus-Randall

For Community Artistic Engagement

Hudson Area Arts Alliance d/b/a River’s Edge Arts Alliance

For Minecraft Madness!

Jim Manning

For Lake Boon Water Carnival Music Boat

Lake Boon Association

For SpringFest Silent Movie

Lewis Halprin

For An Interactive Sculpture at Frogpond Farm

& Plein Air Poetry Chapbook 2017/03/18

Linda Hoffman

For Spinning History; Heroines on the Home Front

MarIlyn Zavorski

For Maynard Honeybee Meadow

Melissa Ljosa 

For Nashoba Symphonic Band

Nashoba Friends of Music

For Summer Reading Program and Special Events

Randall Library

For 2017 Arts Buffet Festival

Rosanne Peterson

For Sounds of Stow 2016-2017 Concert Season

Sounds of Stow

For Hale Middle School 7th and 8th Band Music in the Parks Festival

Stow Friends of Music

For Especially for Me

The Discovery Museums

For Expressive Arts Therapy Programs

The Virginia Thurston Healing Garden

Congratulations to all the winners! Good luck getting all your projects done. 

Needed: Seriously Creative Thinkers for the Community School

I hate writing about bad news in Maynard, and this is bad news. But hopefully there is someone out there with the creative genius to help solve the problem.

The Union Congregational Church has been the home of Maynard's Community School for over forty years, and they are in a bit of trouble. The church is for sale, and the beloved preschool will have to leave by June 30th of this year.

It seemed that they might have a solution, but the deal fell through. Now they find they're back to the drawing board.

Here's the letter that I got:
"The Board of the Community School  is reaching out to the Maynard community to get everyone to put on their thinking caps on how we can maintain this critical community service for the families in our community. We have been located in downtown Maynard for over 40 years but we are going to lose our space as of June 30, 2017.  We thought we had a new space secured but it just fell through. We are now asking everyone to spread the word and be creative in thinking about a new space for us. We would love to stay in Maynard but are open to moving to a neighboring community if it is still very close to Maynard. 

If you don't know about the Community School, we are a non-profit half-day preschool program that is dedicated to providing high quality child care for all children. My daughter attended and it transformed her from a very shy 3 year old to a confident and caring 5 year old. This is our website if you want to find out more. http://www.communityschoolmaynard.com/drupal2/ 

Ideas should be sent to the school director, Sally Jackson, communityschool@verizon.net, or 978.897.9708"

My daughter also attended the Community School. She loved it there. They weren't trying to do too much—it was just right. We really loved that it was right here in downtown Maynard, and after picking my girl at noon, we'd often go over to one of the cafés, get some lunch, and talk about how to make our community even better. 

Obviously, any space would have to be ready to use by September, so timing is essential. Is there something we're not thinking of?

The photo is from their Facebook page. 

Here's What You Might Have Missed Last Night!

Last night both the Stow and Maynard Cultural Councils had their awards ceremony. This isn't the norm. Typically, artists apply for the Councils' grants, and if they get them, they get notice in the mail and that's the end of it, no fanfare, no pats on the back, no excitement. And people don't even get to hear about who won and why.

Last year, the Maynard Cultural Council decided that it wasn't enough. First, they reached out to make sure that artists were even aware of the grants—so many of us had no clue that our ideas would even qualify for a grant. Second, they wanted the awarding of the grants to be a big deal and to highlight all the great creative talent that we have in the area.

The awards ceremony for 2016 was the first attempt at making it into an event. It was held at 6 Bridges Gallery. I wasn't able to be there, but I heard it was a good start. This year, they really took it up a notch by both joining with the Stow Cultural Council and by getting an amazing venue. Steve Trumble, owner of the Fine Arts Theatre, loaned his space, giving the event a perfect setting, with its velvet curtains and the Chinese Empress and Emperor looking on.

Many people came out dressed to the nines. Small appetizers and the availability of beer and wine made for a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. The night was full of happy artists and live music, with several people taking to dancing in the aisles. One of the highlights was when the three award-receiving bands (Workingman's Band, The Hip Swayers, and Seth Wonka's band) got up and together played the Youngbloods "Get Together".

Everyone knows that our arts culture and our local restaurant scene go hand in hand, and somebody on the Council was very smart in recognizing the symbiotic relationship. Some local restaurant owners were asked to participate (along with some other locals) by handing out the awards.

Awards were given for so many different kinds of local projects. I wish I had a list of them. If I get one, I will add it here. I was honored to be asked to give an award, and I was also on a couple of teams that were recipients of awards.

I expect that the event will continue to grow in talent and popularity as we go forward. So when you see notice of the Cultural Council Awards Ceremony happening, look through your party clothes and mark your calendars! March it the perfect time for a party!

Why didn't anybody tell me?!

Maynard people, why didn't anyone tell me about how awesome Butler Lumber is?!?

I have lived in this town nearly twenty years, and whenever people have mentioned Butler Lumber, they have somehow never mentioned how unbelievably awesome it is. Have you been there?

Okay, so one friend did tell me about it (thanks Carol!). That's how I finally managed to get there. I mentioned to her that I wanted to do a post about how, though we lost Aubuchon, we have many other hardware type stores to fill many of those needs. That's when she asked if I had ever been to Butler. I shrugged my shoulders and said that I didn't think I had. She went on to tell me a Butler Lumber story.

A vintage chair of hers had lost one of its feet—a specialty kind of item that you can't get easily. On a whim she went to Butler. Mike (he's another story all together) the man behind the counter, walked right over to what she referred to as "some random drawer among many hundreds of drawers, a bit like card catalogs," and pulled out a package of two, the last two, of exactly what she needed. It still had it's 1980s price tag of something like $1.50. I didn't realize that it might be the kind of thing they'd carry, and the guy who knew exactly where everything was—it all piqued my curiosity.

I had a project in mind, so I decided to visit. As soon as I opened the door and stepped inside, my jaw dropped. I couldn't believe the place— all of the little oak drawers with their metal pulls, the funny vintage signs, nooks of hidden odds and ends—it was great. I walked around in awe. Being in Butler Lumber is like traveling back in time. It reminded me of my grandfather's old woodworking shop, a place where wood went in and came out transformed into something useful.

I asked the man at the desk if he minded if I took any pictures. He said it was fine. Of course it's my hobby to try and get to know everyone connected to Maynard, so I introduced myself and he handed me his business card—Mike Sawvelle. I told Mike about how I heard he could find anything in the place and asked him how he did it. He told me that he'd been working there for thirty years.

I mentioned what I was trying to do with my project. He didn't have what I needed, but came up with an alternate solution that used plexiglass. I wasn't sure if it would be the right solution, but he cut some up, and handed it to me. He wouldn't even let me pay for it. "Give it a try," he said. "If it works come back and buy what you need."

I stopped in again recently to return the plexiglass. It wasn't what I needed, but I was so grateful that he had gone to the trouble to help me. I chatted with him for a little while and I learned that whatever story I had told myself about him was really incomplete. He's not only really nice, he's also really interesting. Go talk to him, you'll see.

When I first walked into Butler Lumber at the end of last year, the first thing out of my mouth was, "Wow, this place is amazing!" Mike's response to me was, "Not all of these places are orange." He is so right. There's a real hardware experience just waiting to happen to you, right here in Maynard. Take the kids. There's really nothing quite like it.

They have a Facebook page, too.

Outdoor Sculpture Opportunities at ArtSpace Maynard

I have been loving the addition of sculpture to the ArtSpace property. It helps clarify to passersby that there's creative work happening in there. Right now, it seems the plans are to have work rotate out, so you can expect to see new pieces every so many often.

Recently, ArtSpace put out a call for submissions. If you know of any sculptors who might like an opportunity to show their work, let them know.

Here's the call to artists:

Outdoor Sculpture Opportunity at ArtSpace Maynard
ArtSpace Maynard is pleased to announce ArtSpace Outdoors 2017, our second annual exhibit, on the grounds of our historic building. We are now seeking proposals for our outdoor sculpture space.

SCOPE and INTENTION:
• This juried exhibition is open to sculptors 18 years or older. 
(Preference given to Massachusetts-based artists)
• Submitted work must be the property of the artist
• Up to 3 individual works may be submitted by each artist
• Work must be suitable for an extended outdoor exhibition
• Work must be secured for both the safety of visitors and the artwork itself

ABOUT US:
ArtSpace-Maynard is a nonprofit community art center located in the former 55,000 square foot Fowler Middle School in Maynard MA.  Currently in its 15th year of operation, ArtSpace is one of the largest and most vital art centers in New England. In addition to our gallery, we also provide studio space to over 80 artists, a printmaking studio, and home to the 70 seat Acme Theater.

ENTRY DEADLINE:  All applications, materials and the application fee of $20 must be received by 5:00 pm Tuesday, February 28, 2017
Artist Notification Date: March 17, 2017
For entry details please visit www.artspacemaynard.com/proposals-outdoor

I got a press release about The Brook Kitchen, formerly the Halfway Cafe

I got a press release from the Brook Kitchen. It's not the first time I've gotten one, but I find it funny to be considered press. I consider my title to be more like Person-Who-Likes-to-Share-Good-Stuff-About-01754-With-Others-Who-Live-in-01754, but it doesn't roll off the tongue very easily.

I haven't tried the Brook Kitchen yet, but I hope to get there with some friends soon. Have you been there yet? What did you think? Is the menu really "extensive"? Are they going to be at the Taste of Maynard?

Feel free to leave me a comment.

------

The Brook Kitchen & Tap Opens 2nd Location in Maynard, MA

Maynard, MA – The Brook Kitchen & Tap celebrates the opening of its second location this Saturday, Jan. 14th in Maynard, MA.

The Brook Kitchen & Tap features creative American style cuisine from Executive Chef/Partner Eric Bolduc. The extensive menu is sure to spice up the Maynard dining scene with innovative and creative American dishes, extensive craft beer/drink selection. It all happens in a creative and tasteful atmosphere.

In addition to the open layout, the restaurant space features a private function area and a bar area outfitted with hi-definition screens. There is plenty of free parking.

Location: The Brook Kitchen & Tap, 51 Main Street (RT 62), Maynard, MA

Hours of Operation: Sunday-Tuesday, 11:30am to 11pm and Wednesday -Saturday, 11:30am-1am.

ABOUT THE BROOK KITCHEN & TAP
The Brook Kitchen & Tap is operated by Executive Chef Eric Bolduc. Eric and his team specialize in creative American Cuisine, Craft Beer, and original cocktails.  Two locations: Holbrook, MA and now in Maynard, MA.

The Lalli Family, well loved in Maynard

We were all deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Katherine Lalli. Their family is well known and loved around Maynard, and our hearts go out to them.

Katherine Lalli passed away on Christmas Eve morning in an automobile accident in Lancaster.  Not only was she educated through the Maynard school system but her family has always been very much involved in the Maynard community, especially her parents, who provide programs through Music Together of Assabet Valley, enjoyed by children in the Maynard, Acton, Concord, Sudbury communities and beyond.

For those of you who are looking for a way to honor the memory of Katherine Lalli, the Class of 2012 and the MHS Best Buddies Program are creating a scholarship fund for graduating seniors. The scholarship will benefit students who are pursuing a degree in early childhood education or special education, both passions of Katherine's.  Katherine was a graduate of the Maynard High School Class of 2012 and earned an Associate's Degree in early childhood education from Middlesex Community College.

Please make checks payable to "Town of Maynard." Include "Katherine K. Lalli Memorial Scholarship" on the memo line. Please mail donations to: Maynard High School, Katherine K. Lalli Memorial Scholarship, 1 Tiger Drive, Maynard, MA 01754. Acknowledgement of your gift will be forwarded to Katherine's family.  We're hoping many people will donate to this scholarship so that Katherine Lalli's legacy will stay alive for many years to come.   Thank you.

Hey Maynard: Let's talk about race!

Many of us are feeling a little helpless these days as we witness injustices taking place here in the U.S. People are trying to figure out what they can do to help.

A group of Maynard citizens has decided to get the conversation started about race. Here in Maynard, many we feel like we are open to differences, but wonder what else we could be doing to try and make, at least our small corner of the world, a better place. 

Please join in on the conversation. It's happening on January 17th at the Maynard Public Library (in the Roosevelt Room), 7:00-8:30pm.

Halfway Cafe is changing?

I had heard that the Halfway might be rebranding and planning to serve tapas or other small plates. I'm not sure how much of that is true, but I did see this on Facebook today. Feel free to let me know if you've heard anything else. 

"Attention Maynard! There is a new business coming to town this January! The Brook Kitchen and Tap -Maynard will be taking over the space where The Halfway Cafe is currently located! Further details coming your way shortly-we can't wait to join the Maynard Family! 

Why SmARTroom is so great

SmARTroom celebrated it's first anniversary in Maynard a couple of months ago. Our daughter has had a membership from the beginning, and we've found that she gets more out of it than we could have imagined in the beginning.

Sure there are cool projects and great parties there. Our daughter has enjoyed the Glow-in-the-Dark party, building events, and 3D printing days. She's joined in community building projects, and Halloween parties, and just drop ins. They have S.T.E.A.M. programing, so kids can learn some science, technology, engineering, art, and math using fun experiments in a fun space. She loves all of those things.

As parents, sometimes we fail to see the truly creative resources that are right in front of us, but our kids don't. If I ask my daughter if she wants to go to SmARTroom, she doesn't hesitate to say yes. But if I asked what she'd be doing there, she'd casually say, "I don't know," and that's just as it should be. The not knowing what you're going to do is a creative adventure in the making.

If you take advantage of it, one of the unexpected and insanely valuable benefits of SmARTroom is the responsibility it teaches kids. They have a certification process for their space that, if you pass it, proves that you know how to be responsible for your behavior in a public space. With certification, you are allowed to be in the space without parental supervision. For kids, that's such a rite of passage—to be able to go and be in a place without Mom and Dad watching your every move. It allows kids to learn to be responsible for their community and to be respectful of property and others.

My daughter and her best friend are particularly pleased that they are allowed to walk there together. They can even take along some money and go to Serendipity to get themselves some food. Many of us remember that kind of independence but can't figure out how to let our kids have it. This is a great start.

And how about the benefits to us as parents? Because my daughter is certified to be independent, I have been able to time doctor's appointments and errand runs with her visits to SmARTroom. She doesn't have to trudge through the grocery store with me, and I get my shopping done faster. In the meantime, she's working on creative projects.

And how about this... imagine that your kid comes home from school with homework that they can't quite figure out, and you have to make dinner. If the timing works out, why not take them to SmARTroom? The staff there can help sort through the homework while you're mashing potatoes and chopping vegetables.

Once you realize what a service SmARTroom is providing, you might want to get an annual membership , but you could start with $10 drop in visits. Either way, I don't think you'll regret the investment. We are so lucky to have this valuable family resource right here in Maynard.

Yes! The Indian Restaurant Reopens! And...

This evening, during the Maynard Business Alliance's Sip & Stroll, I got busted for not having done a blog post about the Indian restaurant's reopening. I wanted to tell you, I really did. I've just been so busy that I didn't have much time. And I decided my shopping list was a more important post. So I know you'll forgive me. 

But yes indeedy, what was formerly "Savoring Indian Cuisine" (quite a mouthful to say), is now owned by someone else. I'm not sure of the name, something like Café India. I believe they may have even opened today. I'm looking forward to getting down there. If you had a chance to try it, I'd love to hear how it was. I'm sure they'll have some kinks to work out in the beginning, but hopefully they'll get things running smoothly soon.

We now have Asia strongly represented on Main Street—Vietnam, India, Thailand, and Korea. 

And...

I also heard that there is going to be a cheese shop/beer and wine seller, perhaps with a slant toward some ethnic (Armenian?) foods. They have another location in Belmont. 

Let's be sure to make Maynard worth both of these business's effort, stop in and visit.