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12/29 CAPE ANN BIG BAND and JAMBALAYA HORNS, NEW YEAR’S CONCERT!

~ chasnaz

The Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation proudly presents the Cape Ann Big
Band with the Jambalaya Horns, plus guest vocalists Katy Geraghty and
Rhiannon Hurst, in a festive New Year’s Concert. The concert is on Sunday
December 29th at 5:00pm in the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church, on
the green at the corner of Church and Middle Streets. Admission: $30 General,
$10 Students (all ages), Under 12 free. Tickets at the door and online with more
info at: www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org

Since 2010, the Cape Ann Big Band, conducted by Carlos Menezes, has connected
with local musicians of all ages and backgrounds to inspire, challenge, and
educate. Inspired by the sounds of Jazz, Swing, New Orleans’ street bands, Soul,
and Rock n’ Roll, the Band prides itself in a repertoire without horizons. The
Jambalaya Horns provide added punch, with added Funk, Soul, and Brassy
Second-Lines. They will make you feel like you’re in New Orleans!
This is a great opportunity for the whole family to enjoy the sounds of two of our
community’s most amazing bands and to celebrate the coming New Year in our
historic 1806 Meetinghouse!

Side entrance at 10 Church Street provides a lift/elevator for those who are challenged by stairs. Street parking as well as parking on the green is also available.

Gloucester Biotechnology Academy Accepting Applications!

~ Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute

The second cohort of the Class of 2025 begins January 6th, with spaces still available. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!

This innovative, hands-on training program prepares young adults for professional careers as life sciences laboratory technicians. Students spend six months of hands-on learning in a state-of-the-art teaching facility in Gloucester’s Blackburn Center, followed by three-month paid internships at a North Shore or Greater Boston biotech company.

The program is open to students ages 18-30 with a high school diploma or the equivalent. No math or science experience is needed to apply.

Once again, tuition and fees will be waived — in their entirety — for the Academy’s class of 2025. In addition, qualifying students can receive a stipend of $1,000 per month to help support their living expenses while training. GMGI is committed to providing STEM education opportunities to all, regardless of financial background.

Please visit the Apply page on the GMGI website for more information on the program, and to submit your application. Space is limited so don’t miss this amazing opportunity! Reach out to Laura Richane — laura.richane@gmgi.org — Director of Enrollment & Partnerships, with any questions or to request a tour.

THIS WEEKEND: HOLIDAY MARKET AT SECOND GLANCE

~ todtheopendoor

SHOP for boutique winter clothing, classic and quirky holiday décor, one-of-a-kind gifts (jewelry, art, books), and so much more!

WHEN: Saturday December 7 from 9 am to 5 pm AND Sunday December 8 from 11 am to 5 pm

WHERE: Second Glance, Thrift Store of The Open Door, at 2 Pond Road, Gloucester MA

NOTE: PLEASE help us be good neighbors and do not park in our neighbor’s lots!

WHAT: SHOP the Holiday Market at Second Glance, Thrift Store of The Open Door, for high-quality, second-hand goods and one-of-a-kind finds for the holidays. Revenue at Second Glance supports hunger-relief programs of The Open Door.

Learn more at FOODPANTRY.org.

Inspiring Author Talk on Writing with Wayne Soini at the Sawyer Free Library 

~ Sawyer Free Library

On Saturday, December 14 from 11am to 12 pm the Sawyer Free Library on Main Street will welcome local author and historian Wayne Soini.  He will share invaluable tips and recommend trusted resources to help you refine and publish your own book. Whether you’re dreaming of crafting fiction or nonfiction, this session will provide the guidance and motivation you need to get started this winter!

During his talk, Soini will explore Laurie Gwen Shapiro’s first published work, “The Ghost”—written when she was just a second grader—as a relatable example to inspire your writing journey. A Q&A session will follow, giving you the chance to ask questions and delve deeper into the writing and publishing process.

About Wayne Soini: A passionate historian, Soini holds a Master’s degree in History from UMass Boston. He is the author of two historical novels, Nixon in Love and Germany Surrenders! (2015), and coauthored Judge Fuchs and the Boston Braves (1998). His other works include Gloucester’s Sea Serpent (2010) and Porter’s Secret: Fitz John Porter’s Monument Decoded (2011).

No registration is required—just come ready to be inspired to the Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street in Gloucester. Visit sawyerfreelibrary.org for more information.

Gloucester Rotary Announces 2025 Calendar Fundraiser

~ trixy546

The Gloucester Rotary has published a 12-month Cape Ann photo calendar for 2025, featuring the photography of several local photographers. In addition to the beautiful photography, each calendar includes a raffle ticket for a $50 weekly raffle drawing throughout the year. The calendars are $25 each and proceeds from sales will be used for the Gloucester Rotary’s many community and international activities.

The calendars are available for purchase at the Weathervane Gift Shop, located at 153 Main Street in Gloucester (phone 978-281-1227), at BankGloucester, located at 160 Main Street in Gloucester (978-283-8200), and from any Gloucester Rotary member. Calendars may also be purchased online at https://gloucesterrotary.org/page/calendar.

SeniorCare Hosts Discussion on Elder Law

~ trixy546

Elder Law Presentation: Protecting Your Assets- Myths & Misinformation

SeniorCare
49 Blackburn Center, Gloucester, MA
Thursday, December 5, 2024, 6:00 – 7:30 PM

Presented by:
Natalie A. Simon, Esq.
Law Office of Natalie A. Simon

Are you worried about losing your assets if you should need to enter a nursing facility?

Attorney Simon will discuss planning for your future:
• Critical documents
• Health Care Proxy
• Durable Power of Attorney
• Advance Directives
• Do You Need a Trust?

Come get your questions answered!

Natalie A. Simon is a Gloucester, Massachusetts elder law attorney. Attorney Simon received her JD, cum laude, from Boston College Law School in 1981, and, after associations with Boston law firms, opened her own elder law practice in Gloucester. She has been a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys since 1991, is a founding officer of its Massachusetts Chapter and has served on the Chapter’s Board of Directors since its inception. She has received awards for Outstanding Achievement from the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and its Massachusetts Chapter.

RSVP: Tracy Arabian, 978-281-1750 x-508

New Year’s Eve at Hammond Castle Museum

~ Hammond Castle Museum

Ring in 2025 in regal splendor! Step into a world of enchantment as Hammond Castle Museum’s Great Hall transforms into the ultimate New Year’s Eve destination with our returning host Bruce Jaques. Dance the night away, indulge in gourmet treats, and uncover the mysteries of the Castle’s unique chambers. As the clock strikes twelve, join us for a spectacular champagne toast and witness our dazzling New Year’s illumination.

So, gather your friends, dress to impress, and create unforgettable memories at Club Castle – the North Shore’s most magical New Year’s celebration. Welcome 2025 in unparalleled style and grandeur! Reserve your tickets now to secure your spot at the North Shore’s most spectacular New Year’s Eve bash.

Doors open at 9:00 pm and the celebration goes to 1:00 am.
21 & Over, ID required upon arrival. Cash bar.

Learn More & Reserve Your Tickets Here!

THIS SATURDAY: THE OPEN DOOR THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE

~ todtheopendoor

Donate and help feed local people, right here on Cape Ann, this coming weekend!

WHEN: Saturday, Nov.23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

WHERE: Participating locations include:  

  • Market Basket at 101 Gloucester Crossing Road, Gloucester MA 
  • Stop & Shop at 6 Thatcher Road, Gloucester MA 
  • Shaw’s at 127 Eastern Avenue, Gloucester MA 
  • Shaw’s at 146 High Street, Ipswich MA 
  • Crosby’s Marketplace at 3 Summer Street, Manchester-by-the-Sea MA 
  • Market Basket at 231 Newburyport Turnpike, Rowley MA 

WHAT: The Open Door Thanksgiving Food Drive will have donation locations at six area grocery stores.

Most needed items this year include shelf-stable breakfast foods: cereal, oatmeal, coffee, tea, maple syrup, pancake mix, waffle mix, 100% fruit juice, and granola bars. The Open Door asks people to please avoid donating anything in a glass container.  

The Open Door is also holding a Clothing Donation Drive in conjunction with the Thanksgiving Food Drive. Those that wish to donate gently used clothing at The Open Door’s thrift store, Second Glance, can drop donations off without an appointment from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23 at 2 Pond Road, Gloucester MA. Clothing sold at the store helps raise revenue for The Open Door’s hunger-relief programs. 

NEED HELP SETTING THE TABLE FOR THANKSGIVING AND THE DECEMBER HOLIDAYS?

The Open Door has free Holiday Meal Baskets available for local people who need a little extra help setting the table. Order yours today at FOODPANTRY.org. 

Each Holiday Meal Basket includes a turkey (or a special diet alternative) and all the fixings for Thanksgiving dinner. For December, hams will be available.

Want to learn more or donate to help feed our neighbors through the holidays and beyond? Visit FOODPANTRY.org.