Month: June 2021

Live Music in the Amphitheatre: “Knock on Wood” performs at the Sawyer Free Library

~ Sawyer Free Library

Come one, come all and be ready to have some fun!

Join the Sawyer Free Library this Saturday, June 19 at 11:00 am outside in the Amphitheatre for live performance by musical group “KNOCK ON WOOD“

Knock on Wood is a high-energy, family-friendly acoustic folk-rock duo, featuring singer-songwriter Howie Newman on guitar, lead vocals and harmonica. Howie is joined by Joe Kessler, one of the top fiddlers in the area. They also play mandolin and sing backup vocals. The duo performs Classic Rock covers and funny original songs (suitable for all ages). It’s a very lively show with great musicianship, nice vocal harmonies and a little humor here and there.

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Gloucester Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

For more information visit SawyerFreeLibrary.org

BIG NEWS! The Friends of the Sawyer Free Library Bookstore is now OPEN!

~ Sawyer Free Library

The Friends of the Sawyer Free Library are excited to announce that THE FRIENDS BOOKSHOP is fully open to the public once again during regular library hours. After 15 months of the shop being closed, the dedicated Friend’s group of volunteers have cleaned, restocked the shelves, and are now thrilled to finally welcome customers back!

The Friend Bookshop is open during regular Library hours, Monday-Saturday, 10-5pm and Thursday, 12-7pm.

“We are delighted to be back 100%. We have filled the shelves with a great selection of books to choose from for all your summer reading! We have a generous selection of new and current titles and a very robust children’s and teens section. There is something for everyone, and all at bargain prices,” said Kecia German, Vice President of the Friends of SFL.

The year-round used book shop is on the first floor of the Sawyer Free Library, just past the main entrance. Visitors will find titles for children, teens, and adults in paperback and hardcover, and audio formats. Fiction and nonfiction selections cover over 35 genres, including mystery, art, biography, business, entertainment, history, music, literature, science, travel, current bestsellers, and more. All books, audiobooks, and DVDs are always in good condition and sold at prices starting at $1, with most books $5 or less.

The volunteer-run book shop’s inventory is sourced entirely from community donations. The Friends’ are always looking for donations of good quality used books, especially of recent vintage. All sales revenues go directly to supporting and expanding library programming and other initiatives. The generosity of the Friends and their hard work means that the community has culturally rich and diverse library programs and services that otherwise would not be possible.

To learn more about the Friends of the Sawyer Free Library and The Friends Book Shop and how to become involved, please visit: sawyerfreelibrary.org

World Elder Abuse Awareness Month

~ trixy546

June is World Elder Abuse Awareness Month and June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. SeniorCare Inc. and several non-profit and civic organizations are holding special “Rolling Rallies” throughout the North Shore to increase awareness of this growing issue in our society.

10,000 people turn 65 in the US every day. This trend is going to continue for the next 20 years. Our demographics are shifting, and we now have more older people in the US than ever before. At the same time that the population is growing, we know that a startling number of older Americans face abusive situations. Every year an estimated 5 million, or 1 in 10, older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. And that’s only part of the picture: Experts believe that for every case of elder abuse or neglect reported, as many as 23.5 cases go unreported. In addition, it is believed that the situation has worsened during the pandemic with the need for social distancing.

Elder abuse and neglect and take on various forms. It can be physical, emotional/verbal, sexual, financial, neglect by a caregiver, or self-neglect. Elder abuse can occur anywhere – in the home, in nursing homes, or other institutions. It affects seniors across all socioeconomic groups, cultures, and races.

If you suspect abuse or self-neglect, don’t assume that someone has already reported it. In cases of immediate danger call 911. Otherwise, you can the Massachusetts Elder Abuse Hotline at 800-922-2275.

SeniorCare, the Gloucester Council on Aging, and the Gloucester Police Department are holding a Rolling Rally to increase awareness of Elder Abuse this year. The rally will take place on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, and will begin at the former Friendly’s parking lot, 224 Washington Street in Gloucester, at 1pm.

Concerned citizens are invited to participate in this rally, and help to bring light to the horrendous crime of elder abuse. Decorate your car, bring your noise makers and come to the 224 Washington Street by 1pm on June 15 to join the rally and to show your support!  Road rally participants will be escorted through the City by the Gloucester Police Department.

In addition to the rolling rally, Gloucester City Hall will be illuminated in purple on June 15 in recognition of the issue of elder abuse.

SeniorCare is committed to identifying and stopping Elder Abuse!

Gloucester Education Foundation Grant Supports GHS Class of 2021 Celebrations

~ gloucesteredfoundation


GLOUCESTER , MASS. – Gloucester Education Foundation has made a gift of $7,500 to the GHS class of 2021 to support the production costs of Senior Award Night, Senior Prom and Graduation.

“This grant is a departure from the type of projects that GEF normally funds in our schools,” said Aria McElhenny, GEF’s Executive Director, “but this year has been anything but normal, and thanks to our generous community, GEF can be flexible and step up to provide this one-time support where it is needed most. We’re so proud of these kids and the remarkable resilience and strength they’ve shown this past year. They deserve to be celebrated.”

Due to COVID-19 restrictions in the schools this year, opportunities for students to fundraise were limited. According to Dan Fleury, GHS Senior class advisor, the students’ best efforts fell short:
“They raised 2/3 of their goal, but still faced a shortfall. GEF’s willingness to be flexible in what they fund this year has been a tremendous support to the students and teachers of Gloucester Public Schools.”

GEF’s gift will enable every member of the Class of 2021 to attend Prom for free.

“Without an entry fee to prom, we hope to have full participation from our students, which is what this is all about,” said Dan Fleury. “We’d like to see all students break free from the burden and stress of this school year and finally enjoy the celebrations, commendations, and adulations that are synonymous with graduation season. GEF is helping us make that a reality.”