Author Talk with Alice Markham-Cantor: The Once & Future Witch Hunt

Join author Alice Markham-Cantor at the Sawyer Free Library on Tuesday, October 29 from 5:00 to 6:00 pm as she discusses her book, The Once & Future Witch Hunt, which investigates the Salem witch trials and their lasting impact.

Past and present collide in this page-turner investigation of Salem’s irrepressible question: How could this have happened?

In 1692, Martha Allen Carrier was hanged as the “Queen of Hell.” Three hundred years later, her nine-times-great-granddaughter, Alice Markham-Cantor, set out to discover why Martha died. As she chased her ancestor through the archives, graveyards, and haunted places of New England, grappling with what we owe the past, Alice’s connection to Martha led her to a shocking truth: witch hunts didn’t end in Salem.

Extensively researched and and compulsively readable, told through alternating fiction and non-fiction chapters, The Once & Future Witch Hunt does not treat Salem as a cautionary tale. It treats Salem as an instruction manual—not on how to perform witch hunts, but how to stop them.

The author talk is taking place at Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street. Registration is not required. All welcome. Questions? Contact: lsvensson@sawyerfreelibrary.org.

SILENT MOVE EVENT FEATURING ‘ALICE IN WONDERLAND’ and ‘TOLL OF THE SEA’ on SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2024 WITH PIPE-ORGAN MAESTRO PETER KRASINSKI

The Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation presents sonic artist and maestro of the pipe-organ Peter Krasinski accompanying two silent film classics, ALICE IN WONDERLAND (filmed on Cape Ann in 1915!) and the TOLL OF THE SEA (1922) on Saturday, November 2 at 7:30pm at the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church on Middle Street. Accessible side entrance at 10 Church Street.

This annual classic silent movie event is great fun for the whole family, presented in collaboration with the Cape Ann Community Cinema.  Maestro Krasinski is world-famous for his brilliant, improvised accompaniment of silent films and will perform on the mighty 1893 Hutchings/Fisk pipe organ in our historic Meetinghouse.

Admission:  $15 General, $5 Students, Under 12 free.  Tickets at the door or online with more info at:  www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org

Bring your family, friends and neighbors!

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE SPONSORS OF OUR AUTUMN-WINTER-SPRING SERIES!

Fall Birding Hot Spots Gloucester’s Hidden Gems: A guided birding tour with Gino Ellison this Sat!

Join expert birder and conservationist GINO ELLISON for a guided bird walk around Gloucester’s hidden fall birding hot spots.

Starting at 7:00 am, on Saturday, October 26, join the Sawyer Free Library for an on-location, guided bird walk around Gloucester! Beginners Wanted and Welcomed!

Please note that patrons will need their own transportation for this event. Registration is required at sawyerfreelibrary.org.

Patrons will meet at Gloucester’s Fisherman Memorial Statue on Stacy Boulevard, and then car caravan to locations such as: The Jodrey State Fish Pier – Niles Beach – Eastern Point – Brace Cove – The Elks Club Beach Lookout – and finally end at a tbd coffee shop for conversation and sharing ideas on bird books to read!

Patrons should bring the following for this event:  binoculars – weather appropriate clothing – sunglasses – water – camera w/ zoom lens (if so inclined) – a smile, and a positive attitude!

About Gino:

Eugene (Gino) Ellison, is a lifetime resident of Massachusetts. He is happily married to his wonderful wife Kate (38 years) and they have 3 fun kids and 4 active grandkids. Gino is now retired from the investment business as well as the Professional Bass Fishing Tournament circuit. He’s been affiliated with Bass Pro Shops for over 25 years and still makes several store appearances each year. Gino is a hunter, fisherman, conservationist and passionate birder who leads dozens of walks in Massachusetts. Gino greatly enjoys volunteering with Mass Wildlife and with Mass Audubon at their family birding & fishing events. Gino just completed a successful ABA Birding Big Year in 2023 and is scheduled to speak at birding festivals and clubs around New England and nationwide.

 Patrons will need their own transportation for this event. Registration required at sawyerfreelibrary.org

Hammond’s Original Horror Stories Come To Life In The Terror of Abbadia Mare – Opening Tonight!

Tonight’s the Night! We are thrilled to kick off the opening of The Terror of Abbadia Mare at Hammond Castle Museum!

As you travel through the Castle’s darkened corridors and rooms, you’ll encounter some of the most peculiar guests ever assembled. Are they members of a secret society, social and Hollywood royalty, or leaders straddling the boundaries of science and the occult? These stories are based on Hammond’s original ghost stories. Hammond’s writing style, reminiscent of the 1920s Weird Tale and the 1950s Pulp Fiction offers a unique blend of supernatural intrigue and kitschy charm

Featuring an incredible cast:

  • Gloucester’s own James “Jimmy T.” Tarantino as the Sailor
  • Anthony Lentz as John Hays Hammond Jr.
  • Shari Chaplin as Mrs. Irene Hammond
  • Lauren Casey as the Reporter
  • Michael Yussef Greene as Hillman, Hammond’s trusted Butler
  • Alison Landoni as the Mason

Join us for performances on October 21, 22, 23, and 25! Tickets are still available, so be sure to reserve yours now for an unforgettable night of suspense and theatrical magic inside our historic castle. 🎟️🔮.

Roaring 1920s and similar attire are encouraged but not required.  Not intended for audiences under 13 years of age. Admission: $25  

Hammond Castle Museum member discounts apply!  All proceeds from this program will support the restoration and preservation of the Museum.

The Fool’s Journey: A Tarot Workshop -Thur 10/24

Are you drawn to the tarot cards but aren’t sure where to begin?

Then join Gloucester resident Diane Fraser at the Sawyer Free Library on Thursday, October 24 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm for a presentation on the basics of tarot reading.

In this workshop, tarot reader Diane Fraser will give you tips for learning the cards so you can work with them for insight, direction, and knowledge. Bring a notebook and your own Tarot deck if you have one. 

Tarot reading is an art form that blends history, art, psychology, and mindfulness, and can be used as a tool for insight and transformation.

Diane Fraser has been working with tarot and cartomancy for over 25 years. She received training in shamanic healing from the Four Winds Society and studied the hermetic arts with Brian Osborne and Mark Stavish. She was a Tarot reader at L’Espalier’s Tarot Tea, Joysource women’s retreats,and MATSU Boston. She lives in Gloucester.

The event is open to all. Although registration is required at sawyerfreelibrary.org.

Influence by Design: Turning Passion into a Powerful Brand

Wednesday, November 6 | 3 – 6 PM | Beauport Hotel Gloucester

The Businesswomen’s Committee of the Greater Cape Ann Chamber invites you to our ANNUAL BUSINESSWOMEN’S FALL EVENT featuring Kristina Crestin, Kristina Crestin Design & HGTV!

You are cordially invited to join us and Kristina Crestin at the Beauport Hotel for a fun and relaxing chat about her interior design journey. What has the road been like? Where will it take her next? Has she had flat tires along the way? A light dinner, networking, and drinks will be served as we dive into the true grit of this inspirational entrepreneur from New England.

Kristina Crestin’s passion for interior design is evidenced by her award-winning style. Kristina creates atmospheres infused with light and creativity with her signature styles; modern farmhouse, modern beach house, as well as her take on traditional.

Along with running her residential Interior Design Firm, Kristina has become a staple on a variety of HGTV series, including Farmhouse Fixer, Rock the Block, Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge, and 100 Day Hotel Challenge. Kristina was named HGTV Designer of the year in 2019.

Check out some of Kristina’s HGTV shows on hgtv.com and remember to bring your questions along. Space is limited – reserve your spot today at https://bit.ly/BWC-FallEvent.

Live Your Best Life – Session 2: Fuel Your Life with Passion

Discover the driving forces that make life meaningful and fulfilling in the second of the Sawyer Free Library‘s program “Live Your Best Life” taking place on Thursday, October 17 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm at 21 Main Street, downtown Gloucester.

In this dynamic session with professional life coach Marcy Plante, we’ll explore ways to uncover your true passions and align them with your life’s purpose. Expect an inspiring journey that will leave you feeling empowered, excited, and ready to live with intention and zest. 

Registration is required at sawyefreelibrary.org. For question, contact at lryan@sawyerfreelibrary.org.

Marcy Plante is a dedicated professional with over 50 years of diverse experience as a coach, wellness industry leader, and educator, holding a master’s degree in education. She successfully managed a health club for 17 years, guiding people toward achieving their fitness goals and continually pursuing personal growth. In her free time, Marcy enjoys boating, collecting sea glass, skiing, and cycling, while her true passion lies in helping others unlock their potential and live life with enthusiasm.

Calling all Creative Arts Entrepreneurs!! This free workshop is for you! Learn ways to Identify Your Ideal Customer and Find Solutions to Reach Them

This is the second of a three-part series “Branding Your Own Creative Arts Business: A Three-Part Marketing and Communications Series”

Learning to market your own creative arts business involves developing a vision of the audience you are looking to reach. How do you determine your target market? Who are you selling to? Simplify your success by learning what questions to ask to identify your market and determine which channels to use to reach them. To find out – join the Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street on Tuesday, October 15 from 5:00 to 6:00 pm.

This is the second of a three-part series entitled “Branding Your Own Creative Arts Business: A Three-Part Marketing and Communications Series” led by Leah Hancock, owner and founder of Placid Marketing with over 15 years of experience in integrated and online marketing communications.

Registration required at sawyerfreelibrary.org. Space is limited! If you have questions, please contact moneill@sawyerfreelibrary.org or 978-325-5562.