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.

Books & Brunch at SFL: Find Your Next Great Read

Please join the Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street on Saturday, October 12 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm for BOOKS & BRUNCH a readers’ advisory program for 18+ adults who are looking for their next great read!

Get book suggestions from our community librarian, chat amongst one another with guided questions for book lovers, and learn all about the most recent buzzworthy books! The program will conclude with book and book lover’s trivia for a chance to win a prize! Light brunch and refreshments will be provided.

Register today at sawyerfreelibrary.org and join the fun! Space is limited!

Boston Light with Lighthouse Keeper Sally Snowman at SFL on Thursday, October 10

Join us at the Sawyer Free Library on Thursday, October 10, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm for an engaging presentation on Boston Light, America’s first established light station, which has been guiding ships since 1716. Located on Little Brewster Island at the entrance to Boston Harbor, Boston Light remains an active Coast Guard-maintained aid to navigation. However, its distinction as the “last manned Coast Guard light station” in the country is coming to an end with the upcoming retirement of its 70th keeper, Sally Snowman.

The event will feature a PowerPoint presentation showcasing photos from Boston Light’s remarkable 307-year history, along with personal anecdotes from Sally’s tenure as a 21st-century keeper. Sally Snowman, Ph.D., an educator, author, and the official USCG historian for Boston Light, has co-authored two books with her husband, Jay Thomson: Boston Light: A Historical Perspective (1999) and Boston Light: Arcadia Images of America (2016). Sally is also the author of the children’s book Sammy the Boston Lighthouse Dog (2005).

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about Boston Light’s rich history and hear firsthand accounts from its last keeper before this chapter in maritime history closes.

The event will take place at the Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street, Downtown Gloucester. Registration required at sawyerfreelibrary.org.

October Author Talks Online with the Sawyer Free Library

REGISTER TODAY FOR THE FOLLOWING VIRTUAL AUTHOR TALKS hosted by the Sawyer Free Library, for the links, register at sawyerfreelibrary.org

Wednesday, October 2, 2:00 to 3:00 pm, A Journey into the Hidden World of Tropical Bats with Scientists from the Smithsonian – Join us as we welcome three Smithsonian-affiliated scientists to explore the fascinating world of tropical bats. Based on the book Bat Island: A Rare Journey into the Hidden World of Tropical Bats, their presentation will showcase decades of research on Panama’s diverse bat species, featuring insights from scientists and stunning photography by National Geographic contributor Christian Ziegler. Learn about bats’ unique adaptations, ecological importance, and the conservation efforts needed to protect these essential creatures.  For the link, register HERE.

Wednesday, October 8, 7:00 to 8:00 pm, Liberating Latin American Genre Fiction with Bestselling Author Silvia Moreno-Garcia – An inspiring conversation with Silvia Moreno-Garcia, the highly acclaimed New York Times bestselling author of Mexican GothicThe Daughter of Doctor MoreauGods of Jade and Shadow, and more. Moreno-Garcia will discuss Latin American genre fiction, her writing process, and her latest book, The Seventh Veil of Salome. For the link, register HERE

Tuesday, October 22, 2:00 to 3:00 pm, Author Talk: Maybe You Should Talk to Somebody with Lori Gottlieb – An insightful discussion with Lori Gottlieb, author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone, who will share her experiences as both a therapist and a patient. Despite her qualifications, Gottlieb emphasizes that her most important credential is her understanding of the human experience, particularly during times of crisis. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the truths and fictions that can hold us back from living our desired lives. For the link, register HERE.

For the links to these virtual author talks and to learn about other upcoming events, register at sawyerfreelibrary.org

Brought to you in partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium.