Contributors

Amy Sweeney, Photo Director
When Denny's Restaurant offered free breakfast the Tuesday after Super Bowl Sunday, Amy's 6-foot-3-inch-teenaged stepson, Ryan O'Connell, was determined not to miss out. He was up 5 a.m. to head to Denny's before school. And she was inspired to tell him about some of the great breakfast places featured in this issue of Cape Ann, and to offer up a dare. Tucker's Farm Family Diner promises free breakfast to any patron who can finish the $8 Three Stooges — consisting of three jumbo pancakes, each with a hole in the middle stuffed with a cooked egg, three pieces each of ham, sausage and bacon, as well as breakfast potatoes, toast and coffee. No one has done it yet, according to owner David Tucker. Yet, Ryan seemed undaunted by the challenge. The result? He couldn't quite finish the meal, though staff at the restaurant did commend him for raising the bar. "All I had left was a small pancake and a bit of sausage," Ryan said of his efforts. "But I just couldn't take another bite."
Gail McCarthy, Staff Writer
Although usually a coffee-only morning person, Gail found herself inspired to step out for some breakfast offerings at the local eateries she writes about in this issue. Find out what was so intriguing in Dining Out, Page 14. Among many other offerings, Gail also writes the stories about the local fisherman, police officer, teacher and photographer for whom Cape Ann magazine coordinated make-overs with the help of salons, makeup artists and retailers. She was a bit envious, she says: Who doesn't need a good pampering? Originally from Detroit, Gail has been working for the Gloucester Daily Times for 20 years and Cape Ann magazine since it launched last year.
Rosemary Ford, Staff writer
Longtime arts and entertainment reporter Rosemary Ford had the chance to talk to reluctant artist Jim Waddell, who creates kinetic sculptures out of scraps of copper, for this issue of Cape Ann. Waddell grew up in Rockport, but never made art until he retired. "If you live in Rockport long enough, you become artistic," he said. Rosemary has covered the arts for The Eagle-Tribune for 12 years. Her stories also have appeared in other daily and weekly newspapers around the region, as well as Cape Ann and The Andovers magazines.
Mary Muckenhoupt, Photographer
The camera turns on Mary in this issue of Cape Ann, when the new mom participates in our makeover package. For Mary, it was a good way to appreciate what it's like to be on the other side of the lens, not to mention getting a revamped look. "I try to dress very practically, knowing I could end up standing in fish guts at work or covered in spit-up when I'm at home. So it was nice to get all dolled up in a fancy dress with my hair and makeup done, even if it was just for an afternoon." Mary is a five-year photographer for the Gloucester Daily Times and this is the third issue of Cape Ann magazine that she has been involved with. She says she's really starting to have fun with her magazine assignments.
Katie Glass, Photographer
Kate never has considered herself a morning person, so photographing Colleen Daniels, who works the overnight shift as a Rockport police officer, for her makeover piece (Page 40), as well as local breakfast spots proved to be quite an eye-opening experience. Breakfast has always been one of Kate's favorite meals (although she likes to eat it at noon). She says the combination of creative and classic meals featured in this issue are certainly worth getting up for. A graduate of Boston University, Kate has been working for the Eagle-Tribune and Gloucester Daily Times since 2005, and The Andovers and Cape Ann magazines since they launched last year. Kate lives in Somerville with her husband, Greg, who is usually in charge of making breakfast on the weekends.
Anna Fiortino, Contributing Writer
Anna recently set out along the winding roads of Cape Ann for the first time and found herself lost off Route 133, but nonetheless thankful for the scenery. As she made her way toward Gloucester, she was drawn to the area, and not just for its beautiful seaside homes (At Home, Page 56) and sensational shopping. Her interest in the town also stems back to her childhood. Anna was raised in New Gloucester, a Maine town established by 60 Gloucester inhabitants in 1735. Since sailing her ship, she has written for publications throughout New England.
Alexandra Pecci, Conributing Writer
"If you want to learn about Gloucester, take a look at Charlie Lowe's photos," says Alexandra, who wrote about the longtime Gloucester Daily Times photographer for this issue. In reporting the story, Alexandra discovered that not only are Lowe's photos beautiful, but they capture the true essence of Gloucester, from the harbor to the faces of its people. Alexandra has written for Cape Ann magazine, The Andovers magazine, The Eagle-Tribune, and other local publications. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband, Brian.
Robert Cann, Contributing Writer
Robert's knowledge of wine expanded significantly in reporting and writing "Want Some Advice With That Wine?" A senior at the University of New Hampshire, Robert spent last spring in China as part of a study abroad program. These days he's living in Gloucester and enjoying his time on Cape Ann during his internship with the Gloucester Daily Times and Cape Ann magazine.