Family Fun Event on Saturday, August 10 at 11:15 am
Come learn about, meet & handle (if you’d like!) many types of snakes, some of which are from our local area. Rick Roth and his Cape Ann Vernal Pond team will share their knowledge and enthusiasm as they present science in a unique and fun way and help the Sawyer Free Library celebrate the summer reading theme of Read, Renew, Repeat which strives to bring attention to our natural world.
All ages are welcome at this family-friendly event which will be held on Saturday, August 10 at 11:15am at the Trinity Congregational Church, lower level, 70 Middle Street in Gloucester.
No registration required. For more information visit SawyerFreeLibrary.org or call 978-325-5500. This special event is made possible in part through the generosity of the the Constance T. Rhinelander Fund.
Join the Sawyer Free LibraryAssistant Director Lisa Ryan on Thursday, August 8 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm for an engaging presentation on Niagara Falls feature breathtaking photos and videos captured throughout the seasons. Explore this majestic natural wonder’s formation, cultural impact, hydroelectric development, and ecological considerations. For fun, Lisa will also delve into tales of famous daredevils and offer travel tips.
The presentation will take place at the Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street in Downtown Gloucester. Open to all to attend. No registration needed. If you have questions, email Lisa at lryan@sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5500.
On Tuesday, August 6th, from 2:00 to 3:00 PM, the Sawyer Free Library will host “Tech Tuesday: Artificial Intelligence.” Led by the library’s Technology Assistant, Joe Wilkins, this introductory session will cover the basics of artificial intelligence. Attendees will learn about the history of AI, understand what AI entails, and explore common applications, including those in everyday use. The presentation will also address ethical and environmental concerns, as well as the benefits and risks associated with AI. Additionally, participants will be introduced to a few simple and free ways to use AI.
Tech Tuesday will take place in the Library’s Meeting Room at 21 Main Street.
Registration is required at sawyerfreelibrary.org. Space is limited. For questions, call 978-325-5500.
On Monday, August 5 from 11:00 to 11:45 am everyone is invited to enjoy a FUN FAMILY CONCERT featuring the award-winning band “Ants on a Long” performing music that centers positivity, social justice, and silliness. Full of humor and harmony, Ants concerts are energetic, interactive, and a delight for children and adults.
Presented by the Sawyer Free Library in collaboration Rockport and Manchester-by-the-Sea Public Libraries,the free concert will take place at Masconomo Park, 60 Beach St, Manchester-by-the-Sea, with the rain location at the Rockport Public Library. For more information visit, sawyerfreelibrary.org
Antique Appraising Event at Sawyer Free Library on Sat., Aug 3
If you are curious about the treasures in your home and want to know their true worth, join us for an exciting antique appraising event at the Sawyer Free Library on Saturday, August 3, from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm. Local antiques expert Walt Kolenda of Cape Ann Auction will be on hand to provide appraisals at 21 Main Street in Downtown Gloucester.
To bring an item for appraisal, please review the guidelines and register online at sawyerfreelibrary.org. Note that stamps, firearms, and items too large to carry into the library will not be accepted. Spectators are welcome throughout the program.
Walt Kolenda has been in the antiques business since the late 1970s. He is a Massachusetts licensed and bonded auctioneer, a certified appraiser, and a graduate of two nationally recognized appraisal academies. He and his family operate Cape Ann Auction, which holds two auctions per month, typically featuring fine art, jewelry, antiques, and collectibles from New England estates. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover the value of your cherished items.
For more information or questions visit, sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5500.
Don’t miss this exclusive chance to watch “Cedric and Alysia” just days before it streams nationally on Amazon Prime and Apple TV! And that’s not all—Director Michael Rooney will be joining us and will share some behind-the-scenes stories about the making of this incredible film!
In the midst of a homeland ravaged by war, Sir Cedric Vale returns to his home castle, only to find his world turned upside down. Loyal to the Baron of Pres, Cedric is devastated to learn that the Baron has married the woman he loves, Lady Alysia. As political strife and threats from the treacherous Ring of Shadowed Blades loom, Cedric and Alysia must keep their forbidden love a secret while navigating the perilous waters of loyalty and honor.
The premiere will be held on the picturesque seaside lawn, offering a perfect blend of cinematic magic and natural beauty. Witness the saga of Cedric and Alysia under the stars, where the sound of the waves will accompany this epic story of love, loyalty, and honor. This event is kid-friendly as there is no foul language or nudity, and very limited violence, so bring the whole family!
Cedric & Alysia will be released on AppleTV and Amazon on August 6th, 2024. Be among the first to see it before its official release and watch it on location!
Directed by: Michael Rooney
Starring: Nexus Lyons, Caroline Codd, Justin C. Schilling, Nowa Clark, Craig Hart & Michael Rooney.
Stories and Service at the Border at the Sawyer Free Library
Local educator and poet Heidi Wakeman traveled to the Arizona-Mexico border in April 2024, where she collaborated with activists from New England, Arizona, and Mexico to learn about and assist people involved in the immigration story. The Sawyer Free Libraryis pleased to welcome Heidi on Thursday, August 1, at 5:30 pm as she shares her experiences and insights through stories and slides about this complex situation, which many consider one of the most important issues of the 2024 presidential election. Heidi’s talk will be conducted in English. Registration is not required. The event will take place at 21 Main Street. For more information, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org.
On Saturday, July 27 from 10 am to 12 pm join Gloucester resident Diane Fraser at the Sawyer Free Library for personalized 15-minute flash tarot readings. Tarot reading is an art form that combines history, art, psychology, and mindfulness, serving as a tool for insight and transformation.
Registration required at sawyerfreelibrary.org. Readings are from 10 AM-12 PM. Specific times will be determined prior to event. Questions? Email Lisa at lryan@sawyerfreelibrary.org. For ages 18+.
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.
Responding to consumer feedback for increased accessibility, visitors can enjoy guided and self-guided tours during extended hours every Thursday night in July, August, and September, offering a unique opportunity to explore the Museum’s historic marvels in a more intimate setting. This initiative aims to cater to diverse schedules and preferences, providing enriched experiences for all guests interested in delving into the rich history and architectural beauty of the Hammond Castle Museum.
Adults: $20, Seniors: $15, Children ages 5 -12: $10, Little ones 4 and under are free with reservation. Hammond Castle Museum Members enjoy complimentary admission to these evening Guided and Self-Guided Tours!
These specialty tours, held in dimmed light with visitors holding electric candles, explore the Museum’s occult history and the Spiritualist movement. Highlights include John Hays Hammond Jr.’s supernatural experiments with a Faraday Cage and Irene Fenton Hammond’s astrological writings. This 55-minute guided tour, set against the dramatic gothic-inspired architecture and nighttime ambiance, provides a unique, informative experience. Electronic candles are provided for optional use.
Candlelight & Spiritualism Tours are offered every Thursday evening:
July, August, and September at 8 pm.
October at 6, 7, 8 & 9 pm.
Admission: $25 Not recommended for children under 13. Member savings apply.
CHAMBER ANNOUNCES MANCHESTER’S FESTIVAL-BY-THE-SEA ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 3RD
The Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce is excited to be presenting Manchester’s Festival-by-the-Sea, a Cape Ann Classic, in partnership with the Town of Manchester-by-the-Sea. The festival will be held on Saturday, August 3rd from 10 AM to 4 PM in three Manchester-by-the-Sea town parks: Town Hall, Reed and Masconomo. Over 100 artisans, food vendors, and non-profits will be on hand, offering original artwork, handmade goods, tasty treats, and more. This family friendly event includes live outdoor entertainment, shopping and sidewalk sales by local retailers, restaurants, food trucks, a beer garden, and fun activities for kids, including Face Painting by Miss Wendy and “reptile fun” from the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team! We are also very pleased to announce that there will be live music in three locations: the Masco Bandstand, Town Hall Park, and the lot at 7 Summer Street. The music in Masco Park is sponsored by Kelly Auto and a schedule and listing of performers (11 AM to 4 PM) will be posted on the day of the event. The music Stage at Town Hall is sponsored by The Cut (11 AM to 3 PM) with performers to be announced and the 7 Summer St. lot will feature John Jerome with other outdoor retail vendors from 12 – 2 PM.
A free shuttle service, sponsored by Beauport Ambulance, will run between the High School upper parking lot and downtown Manchester from 10 AM to 4 PM. Shuttle stops will be made at Masco Park, Town Hall Park, Reed Park, the Manchester Public Library and 7 Summer Street. The last pick-up of the day will be at 4 PM at Masco Park.
The Chamber wishes to acknowledge and thank the Manchester Board of Selectmen, the Manchester Fire & Police Departments and Manchester Parks & Recreation for their support and assistance in bringing this festival to life!
We also thank the many business sponsors and downtown merchants for their support in helping to make this year’s Festival-by-the-Sea possible. A listing of the sponsors is provided below:
Presenting Co-Sponsors: M&T Bank and Harbor’s Point Condo Association Gold Sponsor: Applied Materials Music Stage Sponsors: Kelly Auto (Masco Bandstand) & The Cut (Town Hall Park) Shuttle Sponsor: Beauport Ambulance Service Supporting Sponsors: Cape Ann Savings Bank, Manchester-Essex Rotary Club & Sullco, Inc.
Cape Ann Community 