Month: May 2021

PAGE 2 STAGE Book Club: a Sawyer Free Library and Gloucester Stage Collaboration

~ Sawyer Free Library

The Sawyer Free Library and Gloucester Stage Company have teamed up once again to offer the Page2Stage Book Club. This innovative collaboration is a unique take on the traditional book club that focuses on literary works associated with performances from Gloucester Stage Company’s exciting 2021 season. The summer’s theatrical performances will be taking place outside at the beautiful and historic Windhover Performing Arts Center in Rockport from June through September.

Page2Stage gives participants opportunities to deepen and expand their experience as audience members through pre-show facilitated discussions about each play’s subject and related content, including biographies, novels, and timely periodicals. 

The four selected literary works for this season’s Page2Stage series are available now at the Sawyer Free Library located at 2 Dale Avenue in Gloucester. 

The program begins on Thursday, June 17 at 5:45 pm, discussing Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar by New York Times best-selling author Cheryl Strayed, before Gloucester Stage’s production of Tiny Beautiful Things at 7:30pm.

Page2Stage Book Club: June 17

Then on Thursday, July 8, the book club will discuss the book, The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Doyle prior to seeing the production of Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery.

On Thursday, August 12, the Book Club will discuss Anthony Bourdain’s memoir, Medium Raw, then will enjoy the regional premier of the play, Seared. 

To bring the summer series to a close on Thursday, September 9, the group will discuss an article from The Atlantic, “The Case for Reparations” by Ta-Nehesi Coates prior to seeing the New England premiere of Reparations, a poignant new play by James Sheldon where personal revelations lead to laughs, tears, and coming to terms with racial injustice and personal betrayal. 

This year with Page2Stage Book Club, discussions will happen before the show at Windhover Performing Art Center located at 257R Granite Street in Rockport.

The book group is free to join with discount theater tickets for registered members. There is no charge to participate in the group, but registration is required. Register for one or more groups at www.sawyerfreelibrary.org. Discounted show tickets of $25 will be available to participants by calling the Gloucester Stage Box Office 978 281-4433.

For more information about Page2Stage visit:  sawyerfreelibrary.org or gloucesterstage.com/community-events/.

Virtual Information Session – Gloucester Biotechnology Academy

~ Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute

Join us on Thursday, May 27th at 7:15pm via Zoom to learn more about Gloucester Biotechnology Academy’s hands-on training program that provides young adults with the skills needed to start a career in biotech. This is a webinar, so all you have to do is log in and listen – we wont be able to see or hear you (unless you submit a question for Q&A)!

If you’re curious about the Academy’s training program, or if you’re looking for information on how to apply and be part of the Class of 2022 – all are welcome! Hear from Academy instructors, learn the basics of the program, how to apply, get a virtual tour of the training laboratory, and ask questions during a live Q&A.

You can click here to register, or see the invitation below for details. Please reach out to Ashley Destino at ashley.destino@gmgi.org with any questions.

Virtual Open House: Gloucester Biotechnology Academy

~ Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute

🚨Virtual Open House alert🚨

Join us on Thursday, May 27th at 7:15p via Zoom to learn more about Gloucester Biotechnology Academy’s innovative, hands-on training program. Tune in to hear from Academy instructors, gain insight into program details, and information on how to apply! No need to have your camera on, all you have to do is log in and listen!

The Academy trains young adults to be entry-level lab technicians in just ten months – you can learn more about the program here.

Register for the information session via the link below, and reach out to ashley.destino@gmgi.org with any questions.

Click here to register!

Sawyer Free Library Launches New Resources for Job Seekers

~ Sawyer Free Library


The Sawyer Free Library is pleased to announce the launch of their new Job Seekers Resource Program to assist job seekers throughout the Cape Ann community gain a competitive edge. Targeted to the needs of today’s job hunter – the new program supports people in discovering a new career path, gain new job skills, find job opportunities, and more. 

The program features expert-led virtual workshops, one-on-one resume sessions, and a new dedicated webpage, available in over 100 world languages, with extensive resources specially curated by Library staff.  All resources are free and accessible to those in the Gloucester community and beyond. 


“Our goal with this new Job Seekers program is to provide a combination of programs, informational resources and knowledge about local opportunities so that everyone in our community, regardless of income, age, education, or language, can acquire new skills and have the support they need for their job search. We want the public to know that we have their backs and we are here to help them successfully get back to work,” said Library Director Jenny Benedict. 

Job Seekers Summer Workshop Series 

Job seekers attending the virtual workshops will learn effective job search strategies, interviewing best practices, networking, how best to craft resumes and cover letters, and tips on changing careers, stress management, and more. Each week career counseling experts will share their insight and knowledge to help attendees plan and achieve their goals. The series runs from June – August. 

The first workshop, A Guide to Interviewing for Graduating Students and their Families, is scheduled for June 8 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Click here to register.

This skills-based workshop is geared toward high school students embarking on college interviews and college graduates facing employment interviews.  Employment specialist and career coach, Gary Gekow, will share a variety of strategies to help students navigate through this challenging experience. 

All programs are free, open to everyone, and no library card is needed, although registration is required.   The full schedule is available at sawyerfreelibrary.org/job-seekers-resources/. 

Job Seeker Resources Web Page 

The Sawyer Free Library has launched a web page for job seekers that is easy to navigate, multilingual, accessible, and comprehensive, containing self-assessment, job search and networking tools, resume and cover letter assistance, and live interview prep and practice. These job search resources are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for free, on any device, anywhere with an internet connection at sawyerfreelibrary.org/job-seeker-resources/.  

Job Seeker One-on-One Services 

Those needing help with their resume and cover letters can make an appointment for a one-on-one resume review session.  In addition, the Library has available free WiFi and computer access with printing and scanning capability. Computers, Chromebooks, and tablets are also available for public use. 

For more information about the Resources for Job Seeker program, call 978-325-5500 or email: jobseeker@sawyerfreelibrary.org. To register for a workshop session or to reserve a resume review session, go to sawyerfreelibrary.org.

Through its hundreds of free programs, it offers each year the Sawyer Free Library is committed to strengthening the fabric of the community they serve and helping Gloucester create and maintain a healthy, vibrant workforce so that individuals and families who live here can thrive. For more information on the Sawyer Free Library and “Resources for Jobs Seekers” programming, visit SawyerFreeLibrary.org


Maritime Gloucester’s 2021 Spring Working Skills Series

~ michaeldekoster

Maritime Gloucester anticipates the promise of summer with a week of maritime skills training. Our Spring Working Skills Series is celebration of traditional skills presented by three superstar women of the maritime heritage field. Check out the introduction to planking with Carolyn Corbin, find out what you need to know to safely prepare for you next small boat excursion with Arista Holden, or hear about traditional sailmaking practices with some nods to modern techniques with Susannah Winder. Come join us from the comfort of your home for a night of fun and learning.

This program is sponsored by @MassHumanities Bridge Street Fund and is FREE to the public, but you must RSVP to come.

Go to our website at www.maritimegloucester.org to register today.

Empty Bowl TO GO

Image ~ ~ theopendoorma

EMPTY BOWL TO GO on Saturday, May 22, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at The Open Door (28 Emerson Avenue, Gloucester)

A new twist on an old tradition. Join The Open Door to mark the 20th Anniversary of this beloved community event. Empty Bowl TO GO is a by-appointment-only, drive-thru experience held this year at The Open Door, 28 Emerson Avenue in Gloucester.

Last year, thousands of people faced the uncertain drive to a food pantry for the first time. On May 22, guests will follow the same route down Emerson Avenue that became a lifeline for so many during the pandemic to pick up your simple meal—soup, bread, and a cookie at The Open Door. As always, the bowl will go home as a reminder that somewhere, someone’s bowl is empty.

Tickets: This year has been hard on the pocketbook, so we are pleased to offer “pay-what-you-can” tickets so everyone can enjoy this community tradition. You must have a ticketed reservation! www.foodpantry.org

For each ticket you reserve, you will receive:
  • A beautiful bowl made with love, randomly selected and prepackaged.
  • Homemade soup—chowder, chicken, vegan, or gluten-free—ready for you to take home and reheat.
  • Bread, cookie, and a bottle of water to round out your meal.

As always, the bowl will go home as a reminder that somewhere someone’s bowl is empty.

Cape Ann Artists’ Bowls Online Auction!

Artists have once again come to the table with unique bowls for auction.

Bidding: www.biddingowl.com/theopendoor

A display of the auction bowls is available for viewing at Cape Ann Savings Bank. The auction will be open through May 31 for your bidding pleasure. No matter where you live, you can bid! Shipping options are available.

Backyard Growers’ May Seedling Sale now OPEN

~ backyardgrowersgloucester

It’s TOMATO TIME! 🍅 The Backyard Growers May Seedling Sale is now live! Click here to shop for a cause and purchase wamth-loving vegetable seedlings grown by our friends at Cedar Rock Gardens. We also carry Black Earth Compost, Neptune’s Harvest, our own custom GrowBags, and more.

Proceeds support Backyard Growers’ work connecting our community with the resources to grow their own food. All orders available for curbside pickup only on Friday, May 21, 10am – 1pm at 44 Commercial Street, Gloucester 🌿

Gloucester Education Foundation’s Annual Arts Festival on display at Sawyer Free Library – come see the community’s young artists’ talent and creativity!

~ Sawyer Free Library

The Sawyer Free Library has partnered with the Gloucester Education Foundation for the Gloucester Public School Arts Festival 2021 which showcases the artwork of local students from kindergarten through high school.

The community’s young artists’ talent and creativity is front and center for all to enjoy at the Library located at 2 Dale Avenue in Gloucester now through June 5, 2021.

Gloucester Education Foundation’s Annual Arts Festival has kicked off in the Library’s Matz Gallery with a display of works by Gloucester High School seniors and Honors Art students, Advanced classes in Sculpture and Clay Work, and Advanced Photography.

Photo by Kyle Clifford, GHS Senior on display in Matz Gallery at Sawyer Free Library

Then, Wednesday, June 2 – Saturday, June 5, 2021, the community is invited to enjoy a special video compilation produced by the Gloucester Education featuring artwork by students of all ages, kindergarten through high school.

The video, which local filmmaker Stephen Brock generously produced, will be shown Library’s big screen on the first floor as well as in the Children’s room through the day during regular Library hours. The video will also be available to view on GEF’s website, thinkthebest.org beginning on June 6th.

Hearts created by students at Beeman Elementary School

For more information about the Gloucester Education Foundation Art’s Festival, visit thinkthebest.org and for information on the Library, go to sawyerfreelibrary.org.

Slice of Cake by GHS Senior, Aryana Moreno on display at Matz Gallery at Sawyer Free Library

Register Now! The GMGI Science Hour on 5/13

~ Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute
This month’s GMGI Science Hour (our final talk before a brief summer hiatus!) features Dr. Nadia Rosenthal, Scientific Director of The Jackson Laboratory. Our Science Hour Warm Upbelow gives a preview of Dr. Rosenthal’s talk, Exploring COVID-19 Host Genetics with Mice, where she discusses JAX’s new program to develop animal models of COVID-19 through humanizing their genetically diverse mouse strains to reflect different patient responses to the virus.

Dr. Rosenthal joins the Science Hour this Thursday, May 13 at 7:30pm. Haven’t registered yet? Click here to register!

Known as: A Molecular Biologist, and Scientific Director of the Jackson Laboratory

Based out of: Bar Harbor, Maine

What she does in 10 words or less: Studies genetic variation in mice to better understand human disease.

Why what she does is important to you: Dr. Rosenthal uses naturally occurring variation in the genetic code of different strains of mice to study the biology of aging and regenerative medicine. By using mice as models for the differences between individual people, Dr. Rosenthal and her team are able to investigate, for example, how our immune system can be influenced to improve tissue repair, including in the heart. The use of genetic engineering and targeted mutagenesis gives researchers like Nadia the ability to find methods for treatment of degenerative conditions that are usually considered incurable.

What you’ll learn from the talk: How the team at Jackson Laboratory, led by Dr. Rosenthal, is using genetically diverse mice to study susceptibility to SARS-Cov-2 and how mice can help us develop a new understanding of why COVID-19 affects people so differently.
 
Key Terms:

Genetically engineered – the artificial manipulation of genetic material (DNA) to modify an organism.

Degenerative disease – A disease in which the function or structure of the affected tissues or organs changes for the worse over time. For example, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer disease.

Regenerative medicine – Replacing tissue or organs that have been damaged by disease, trauma, or congenital issues with healthy tissue.

Targeted mutagenesis – Deliberate change in the genetic structure directed at a specific site on the chromosome.
 
Fun fact: Nadia is a trained artist, and designs cover art for the scientific journals she edits as well as the books she’s authored.
 
This event is for you if: You’re curious how genomics has played a role in the study of COVID-19, and how mice give scientists an incredible opportunity to research human disease.
 
When: Thursday, May 13th at 7:30pm on Zoom.  Register here.

SPONSORS
 This Science Hour is generously sponsored by: