Month: January 2024

Mark your calendars! Sawyer Free Library & Gloucester 400+ Celebration on Jan 31 at Beauport Hotel – All Are Invited!

~ Sawyer Free Library

Please join the Sawyer Free Library and the Gloucester 400+ on Wednesday, January 31 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Beauport Hotel Gloucester to celebrate the launch of the Gloucester Timeline: An Interactive History and the relocation of the digital Gloucester 400 Stories Project to the Library.

The celebratory community event will feature story-tellers from the community, an interactive Gloucester trivia game, and a demo of the Library’s new interactive research tool. The evening is FREE and open to all to attend. No registration required.

The Gloucester Timeline is the Sawyer Free Library’s legacy gift to the City to commemorate its 400th anniversary.  The Timeline traces Gloucester’s unique history through culturally and historically significant people, places and events that have made Gloucester what it is today. Spearheaded by Sawyer Free Library with support from the Cape Ann Museum and Gloucester City Archives, the Gloucester Timeline also connects people to cultural organizations, archival repositories and historical collections where more information is available. Gloucester 400+ staff have made extensive use of the Timeline in 2023 to illustrate and highlight significant events in our history. The launching of the Gloucester Timeline by SFL makes this new interactive research tool available to the public online.

The collection of stories gathered over the course of the past year has been assembled into the Gloucester 400 Stories Project. This award-winning digital collection of stories, poems and videos, has until now, been available on the Gloucester 400+ website. The collection is about Gloucester people by Gloucester people and is a powerful voice of ordinary and not-so-ordinary citizens. The Gloucester 400 Stories Project too represents a 400+ legacy gift to the City.

Now that the quadricentennial year is over, the Gloucester 400 Stories Project collection will be permanently housed in the 2025 Sawyer Free Library’s new Local History Research Center located on the first floor of the newly renovated, expanded, and modernized Library, the Local History Research Center.

Event Date: Wednesday, January 31, 2024, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Where: Beauport Ballroom, Beauport Hotel, 55 Commercial Street, Gloucester

The event is free and open to all to attend. Registration is NOT required.

For more details visit: sawyerfreelibrary.org or gloucesterma400.org.

Rockport Middle/High School Performing Arts Performances Open to the Public

~ rockportpublicschools
  • FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 1/11/24
  • Mark Branco
  • Rockport Public Schools
  • 978-546-1200
  • mbranco@rpk12.org

Rockport Middle/High School Performing Arts Performances Open to the Public

Enjoy live music and theater performances put on by passionate and talented students

ROCKPORT, MA – The Rockport Middle/High School Performing Arts Department would like to invite interested community members to attend their upcoming student concerts and theater productions. 

Rockport Middle School presents their winter musical: Shrek Jr 

Performances will be held in the John Lane Auditorium at Rockport Middle/High School on Thursday, January 25th and Friday, January 26th at 7:00 pm; with a matinee on Saturday, January 27th at 2:00 pm. Tickets are available at the door. They are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. 

All shows are open to the public. The Rockport Public Schools is appreciative of the incredible community support of the fine and performing arts programs and is proud to provide their students with a variety of high quality programs. 

Make Your Own Ice Cream at SFL @ 21 Main Street

~ Sawyer Free Library

Come Celebrate Gloucester’s SO SALTY Festival at the Sawyer Free Library!

Learn about the power of salt as you join the Sawyer Free Library and The Open Door to make your own ice cream on Saturday, January 20th from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 21 Main Street in Downtown Gloucester. The event is open to the public to come and enjoy!

Make scientific observations as you add ingredients and watch the power of salt in action. The best part will be enjoying your own homemade ice cream!

This event is part of the 3rd Annual Gloucester’s So Salty Festival which is free and open to the public.

Celebrate the fish city’s recognizably salty character with local cultural institutions and businesses during the 3rd Annual Gloucester’s So Salty festival led by the Cape Ann Museum in partnership with area cultural institutions and businesses. Inspired by the annual Salem’s So Sweet event, this two-day event will include ice sculptures, live music, salty treats, free kids’ art activities, and much more.

For more information visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or 978-325-5500.

Greater Cape Ann Chamber’s 102nd Annual Celebration – All are Invited!

~ Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce ~ 1 Comment

Tickets may be purchased online at bit.ly/AnnualCelebration2024 or by calling the Chamber at 978-283-1601.

All are welcome to join the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce at Shalin Liu Performance Center on Friday, January 26 from 5 to 9 PM as we welcome incoming 2024 Board President Karen Ristuben and thank 2023 Board President Loran Caputo.

We will also be welcoming new additions to the 2024 Board of Directors:

  • Michele Cooper (Cross Country Mortgage)
  • Lindsey Egan (Egan Law Center)
  • Lauren Georgiades (GL Design)
  • Erina McWilliam-Lopez (Cape Ann YMCA)
  • Gayle Movalli (Happy Valley)
  • Charlie Powers (Burgin Platner Insurance Co.)

Outgoing Board members will also be recognized:

  • Caitlin Pszenny (Chairperson)
  • Cathy Lanois
  • Carol Sharoff
  • Eli Timmons

With the 2024 theme of Creativity, Culture & Commerce: Stronger Together, our goal this year is to inspire new synergies between greater Cape Ann’s arts, culture, and business communities.

This unique Annual Celebration represents the visual and performing arts – music, painting, drama, poetry, and dance – from all five of our communities. 

The Program and Cocktail Reception will be held from 5 to 7 PM (heavy appetizers). The Live Performances begin at 7:30 PM. Ticketing options include:

  • Program and Cocktail Reception plus Live Performances for $100; or
  • Live Performances Only at $45 for adults and $20 for youth under 18.

LIVE PERFORMANCES

  • Cape Ann Big Band with featured vocalists: Alexandra Grace, Emily Grace, Rhiannon Hurst, Scott Parisi, John Rockwell, and Nathan Seavey
  • BrassFed Nation Youth Swing Orchestra with featured vocalists: Scarlett Berge, Jessica Cote, Alexis Geary, and Alessandro Schoc 
  • Spoken Word: Luce Wren Brandt and Kaley Fantasia
  • Dancer Performance: Sarah Slifer Swift and Carey McKinley, Movement Arts Gloucester MA (MAGMA)
  • Lanes Coven Theater Co: Lily Narbonne and Justin Genna
  • Live Art on Stage: Loren Doucette, Seven Suns Gallery. Pastel Artwork*

ADDITIONAL ARTISTS

  • Wood Carving Demonstration by Harold Burnham*
  • Live Painting Demonstration by Joli Ayn Wood*
  • Centerpieces: Chubby Clay Bodies by Miranda Aisling, filled with beautiful floral arrangements by Betsy Morris Quinn (Dirt Floral Works). (Flat-fee purchase price of $40 each – first-come, first-served)
  • Life-sized Portrait of “Captain Kyle Nelson, Pigeon Cove Lobsterman” by Leslie Heffron, in the Lobby. (Available for purchase from the artist.)

* Finished artwork to be sold via Silent Auction. Silent Auction bidding sheets available in the Lobby.
Additional art pieces by Loren Doucette will be on display and available for retail purchase.

Cape Ann Big Band Musicians

Carlos Menezes JrRick GeraghtyMatt Naeger
Art AdamsonAlexandra GraceScott Parisi
Ed BiggsEmily GraceAmy Rich
Chris BodekJohn HicksJohn Rockwell
Nick CapelloRhiannon HurstNathan Seavey
Dana CohenShawn LoweSteve Silva
Henley Douglas JrTom MadoreBen Tuck
Dan FleuryTrevor McCoyGary Wolsieffer

BrassFed Nation Youth Swing Band Musicians

David BerWil DeFortJohn Merchant
Scarlett BergeThomas DortNate Morin
Rowan BerlinAlexis GearyAlessandro Schoc
Soli BoraksRobert GearyAmos Telep
Sean Buckley*Nathan Gorman-MeloRosie Telep
Anita BurnsHenry GoulartJackson Weber
Jessica CoteNick KilroyJude Worthleye

Tickets may be purchased online at bit.ly/AnnualCelebration2024 or by calling the Chamber at 978-283-1601.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Gloucester 400+

Johnson O’Connor

GLOUCESTER’S MLK DAY CELEBRATION IN THE MEETINGHOUSE!!!

~ chasnaz

On Monday January 15th at 2:00pm, the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation will present its annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration in the sanctuary of the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church, located on the green at the corner of Middle and Church Streets (GPS 50 Middle Street). There is an elevator available at the 10 Church Street side entrance for persons with disabilities. The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be available. Parking is allowed on the green.

Each year we strive to create a singular, thought-provoking and inspiring event to honor Dr. King’s legacy and vision.  Please join us for an exciting afternoon of presentations, music and audience participation.

Program

Mayor Greg Verga, opening address

Renée Graham, Boston Globe associate editor and columnist, keynote speaker with audience Q&A

Michea McCaffery, Gloucester Racial Justice Team Chair, Gloucester survey presentation, conversation with Renée Graham, and audience Q&A

Gordon Michaels vocalist & ensemble, diverse music based on the Black experience

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in his own voice via audio recording

Paul Revere bell-ringing in commemoration as we depart the Meetinghouse

For those who cannot attend in person the event will be simulcast on the Gloucester Meetinghouse YouTube channel and will be available there afterwards. More information is available at: http://www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org

Sawyer Free Library Welcomes New Assistant Director and Young Adult Librarian 

~ Sawyer Free Library

The Sawyer Free Library is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Lisa Ryan, who is returning to the Library as the new Assistant Director, and the promotion of Annalise Nakoneczny to the position of Young Adult Librarian.

Library Director Jenny Benedict expressed excitement about the appointments, saying, “We are delighted to welcome Lisa back to the Sawyer Free Library in her new role as Assistant Director. Her past contributions, extensive experience, and life-long connection to the Gloucester community make her an ideal fit for this position. Additionally, we are thrilled to see Annalise take on the role of Young Adult Librarian. Her passion for serving our community and her innovative approach to library services will undoubtedly enrich the experiences of our young adult patrons.”  

Benedict also added, “Lisa and Annalise are an incredible addition to our talented and dedicated team, who each day continue the important work of elevating the Library’s impact on our community, especially with an eye toward all that the 2025 Sawyer Free Library will bring.”

Lisa Ryan, a familiar face to the Sawyer Free Library, rejoins the staff as the Assistant Director. The Gloucester native’s connection to the Library is deep-rooted, having previously worked at the Library for close to fourteen years, serving as the Information Service Librarian, Assistant Children’s Librarian, and Assistant Librarian. Her wealth of experience, and comprehensive understanding of the community’s needs make her an invaluable asset to the Library’s leadership team. Before rejoining Sawyer Free Library, Lisa spent seven years as the Head of Reference at the Beverly Public Library, where she further honed her skills in library management, program development, and community engagement. She has her Master of Library and Information Science from Simmons College and Bachelor of Science from American International College.

In her new position, Lisa will advance the Library’s public services for adults, teens and children. Her responsibilities include overseeing library operations, implementing innovative programming and educational initiatives, and enhancing the public’s experience.

In addition, the Library is pleased to announce the promotion of Annalise Nakoneczny to the crucial role of Young Adult Librarian. In her previous role as the Library Public Technology Assistant, Annalise demonstrated exceptional skills in facilitating learning that bridged technology and library resources. Her commitment to fostering a welcoming environment and her creative approach to engaging learners set her apart. Annalise’s promotion to the position of Young Adult Librarian reflects her dedication and the Library’s commitment to recognizing and nurturing talent within its team.

In her new role, Annalise will coordinate youth-focused initiatives, curate an engaging collection of young adult literature, and develop exciting programs that cater to the diverse interests of our community’s youth. She will work closely with local schools, community organizations, and, most importantly, Gloucester’s young people to create a welcoming space that promotes literacy, critical thinking, and personal growth. Annalise received her Master’s in Library Science from the University of Kentucky and her Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from Gordon College. 

The Sawyer Free Library invites the community to welcome Lisa Ryan and congratulate Annalise Nakoneczny on their new roles. The Library, temporarily located at 21 Main Street in downtown Gloucester and online 24/7, remains committed to providing a dynamic and enriching environment for all and looks forward to officially opening its newly renovated, expanded, and modernized space in the Fall of 2025. For details on the 2025 Sawyer Free Library and the many ways to support this historic project, please visit sawyerfree2025.org. 

Let The Good Times Roll

Image ~ ~ michaeldekoster

January 14th Fundraiser for Maritime Gloucester

Get your friends and family together and join us for a some strings of bowling, raffle prizes, and more — all for a great cause! Reserve a lane for up to six players ($120 per lane, teams of up to six people, includes 3 strings of bowling and shoe rental for all). Don’t forget to bring some extra spending money for raffles, games, food and drinks! Cape Ann Lanes has a great selection of food and beverages!

**If you want to participate but don’t have enough players to reserve a full lane, please choose the individual ticket to reserve your spot ($25/person) and we’ll place you on a team at the event (while space is available).**

Please email info@maritimegloucester.org with questions.

1606 Restaurant & Oyster Bar Portuguese Wine Dinner at Beauport Hotel

~ bhgmarketing2023

1606 Restaurant & Oyster Bar Portuguese Wine Dinner

Join us at 1606 Restaurant & Oyster Bar on January 25th for our Portuguese Wine Dinner Pairing! 

This four-course intimate dining experience will feature our Chef’s creations paired with a different varietal of Portuguese Wine for $120++. Dinner begins at 6:00PM. 

1st Course: Pan Seared Monkfish, paired with Castello d’Alba Reserva White 
2nd Course: Crispy Octopus, paired with Fonte do Ouro Reserva Red  
3rd Course: Grilled Wild Boar, paired with Dona Maria Grande Reserva Red  
4th Course: Filo Crusted Cheesecake, paired with Van Zellers & Co. 20yr Tawny Port 

++ MA State Tax & 20% Gratuity will be collected on-site in addition to the $120 price of the dinner experience. Cancellations and no shows will be charged the full amount.

Book Now: https://www.opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?rid=343138&restref=343138&experienceId=240295&utm_source=external&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=shared

New Year, New GMGI Science Hour!

~ Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute

The GMGI Science Hour returns for the first talk of 2024, featuring the fascinating work of Revive & Restore, a wildlife conservation organization whose mission is to enhance biodiversity through the genetic rescue of endangered and extinct species.

Ryan Phelan, the organization’s co-founder and Executive Director, joins us on Thursday, January 18th to discuss her work with the world’s leading molecular biologists, conservation biologists, and conservation organizations. Together, they envision and develop pioneering projects that apply cutting-edge biotechnologies to seemingly intractable conservation challenges. Challenges such as:

▫️ Genetic diversity loss
▫️ Invasive species
▫️ Coral bleaching
▫️ Climate change

You can register for Ryan’s talk, “Bringing Biotech to Wildlife Conservation” at the link below.

https://us02web.zoom.us/…/reg…/WN_rT1OYkCvRMWgvAcmzbpjjQ

As always, the GMGI Science Hour is free and open to anyone who’s interested! Please feel free to share the registration link.

Have questions? Please reach out to Maggie Costello at maggie.costello@gmgi.org

An Afternoon with “The Color of Light” – this Saturday at the Sawyer Free Library

~ Sawyer Free Library

Join Heather Atwood as she presents her video series “The Color of Light” on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at 2 pm at the Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street in downtown Gloucester.

Cape Ann’s past and present swells with important artists who have responded both to history’s artistic movements and to this region’s specific inspiration.  Many of these artists’ works are represented in museums and collections around the world, but history has dimmed our awareness of them.  “The Color of Light” is a series of videos telling the lives and exploring the works of many of these artists, making certain their influence and significance on Cape Ann endures.

Artists have been coming to Cape Ann for over 200 years, inspired by its alchemical mix of rock, sea, and air. In “The Color of Light,” Atwood tells the stories of some of Cape Ann’s most talented artists, some of whose influence has been at the national level but about whom little is known. By sharing these stories, Atwood seeks to demonstrate how rich and significant the Cape Ann artistic tradition has been and continues today.

Join us Saturday, January 6 from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. at the Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street. The free event is open to all to attend. No registration is needed. For more information, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or 978-325-5500.