Step Right Up: The Open Door to Hold Showstopper Empty Bowl Circus, Auction 

~ todtheopendoor
Mussels, a welded-bronze sculpture by Chris Williams available for bid through The Open Door Empty Bowl Artists’ Bowls Online auction.  
(Photo Courtesy of The Open Door) 

Tickets are available NOW for The Open Door’s annual Empty Bowl fundraiser! This year’s Empty Bowl Circus brings a one-of-a-kind circus-themed marvel to Cruiseport next week, all in the name of raising funds to connect local people to good, healthy food this summer. 

WHEN: Wednesday, April 24 from 4-8 p.m.  

WHERE: Cruiseport Gloucester 

6 Rowe Square, Gloucester MA 01930 

CLICK HERE for tickets. Proceeds support summer hunger-relief programs of The Open Door!

WHAT: A circus-themed fundraiser to remember, proceeds from The Open Door Empty Bowl Circus will support the nonprofit’s summer food resource programs including Summer Meals for Kids and Mobile Market.  

The Open Door has partnered with Seaside Circus Cape Ann to feature circus performers at the event. Attendees will walk through the doors at Cruiseport and be transported to a colorful spectacle featuring skilled performers, and vibrant displays of bowls hand-painted by community members.  

Last year, The Open Door met a 30% increase in requests for food assistance. In 2023, The Open Door helped stabilize the lives and health of 9,836 people from 4,952 households through the distribution of 1.98 million pounds of food. 

Participants on Wednesday, April 24 will choose a hand-painted bowl, and take home soup and bread to-go from a local restaurant, caterer, or The Open Door kitchen. Cookies, fruit, and water will also be available to-go. 

Online Artists’ Bowls Auction 

An online auction featuring bowls painted by local artists is also live at 32auctions.com/EmptyBowl2024 through Sunday, May 5 at midnight. The auction is held in conjunction with the Empty Bowl event each year to raise funds for The Open Door’s summer hunger-relief programs.  

Local artists who donated bowls to the auction this year include Chris Williams, David Montgomery, Captain Sam Nigro, Betty Lou Schlemm, Jeff Weaver, Ted Bidwell, Mary Salerno, James Watson, Kevin Ellis, Nina Testaverde Goodick, Barbe Ennis, Anni Melançon, David Archibald, Gina Russo, Marty Morgan, Miranda Thomas, Tom Howlett, Pat Baker, Leon Doucette and Melissa Cooper, Danette English, Suze Collinson, Susan J. Schrader, Sandy Shaw, John Early, Marilyn Swift, Mari Bergeron, Scott Tubby, Deb Schradieck, Bill Stevens, Sara Collins, Ronald Pouliot, Karen Ellis, Natalie Daley, Pauline Bresnahan, Hannah Morris, Ann Ziergiebel, Mi Robertson, Sinikka Nogelo, Jayn Gardner, Peter Sinard, Mary Lee, Miranda Aisling, Evelyn Stewart, Britta Magnuson, Mayor Greg Verga, and State Sen. Bruce Tarr. 

For more information visit FOODPANTRY.org.  

The Incoming Tide by David Montgomery. (Photo Courtesy of The Open Door)
Jonah Crab by Jeff Weaver. (Photo Courtesy of The Open Door) 
Fish by Miranda Thomas. (Photo Courtesy of The Open Door)
 
Schooners by James Watson. (Photo Courtesy of The Open Door) 

The Value of Trees to Our Health and Our City: presentation by Peter Lawrence of ‘400 TREES’

~ Sawyer Free Library

THURSDAY, APRIL 18 from 5:30 -6:30 pm at the Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street

In celebration of Earth Month, please join PETER LAWRENCE of 400 TREES for a presentation on the benefits of trees in our beautiful city at the SAWYER FREE LIBRARY at 21 Main Street on Thursday, April 18 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

In addition to enhancing the attractiveness of a city, trees provide essential services to its residents, including producing oxygen, removing carbon dioxide, and cooling our city by providing shade, among other benefits to our local ecosystem. Which trees provide the greatest benefits? What is the impact of a street without trees on a city and its residents? Peter Lawrence will also discuss the work done by 400 Trees Gloucester and the City to plant and maintain trees. What are the existing and future educational opportunities about trees, and what is our plan to create a permanent tree organization in the city?

400 Trees is a sustainability program that combines natural history, environmental stewardship, experiential education, and community participation to create a living legacy for generations to come. It is a collaborative project of Gloucester 400+ and Biomimicry New England, with support from the City of Gloucester Departments of Public Works and Health.

This event is open to all to attend. No registration required. For more information visit, SawyerFreeLibrary.org or 978-325-5500.

Throughout the month of April, the Sawyer Free Library is presenting a diverse lineup of events and initiatives designed to promote environmental awareness and stewardship. From educational workshops to reading challenges, the Library endeavors to inspire and empower individuals to embrace sustainable living and make meaningful actions in their own lives to protect our environment. To learn more about the Library’s programming in celebration of Earth Month visit: Sawyer Free Library.org/sustainablity-month

Join Us For a New Presentation on Eric Pape by Local Historian Les Bartlett

~ Hammond Castle Museum

Friday, April 19th – 6pm
Monday, April 22nd – 2pm.

$25 per attendee.
Hammond Castle Museum Member benefits apply.
Attendees may explore the Gertrude Cawein At Hammond Castle Museum fine art exhibit and enjoy a self-guided tour of the Museum.

Step into the vibrant world of outdoor summer theatre on Cape Ann with our upcoming lecture, a perfect complement to the expanded art exhibit featuring the multitalented Eric Pape. Pape, the visionary behind the 1909 Outdoor Pageant at Stage Fort Park, not only set the stage but became a model for future productions in the region. His collaboration and close friendship with Percy MacKaye infused the pageant with artistic intention and grandeur, leaving a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of Gloucester, Rockport, and Lanesville. Join us as local historian, Leslie Bartlett delves into the rich history and artistic legacy of Eric Pape, exploring how his innovative approach continues to inspire outdoor performances to this day. After the program, attendees may explore the Gertrude Cawein Eric Pape fine art exhibit and self-guided tours of the Museum.

Reserve Your Seats

Join Us Tomorrow!

~ Hammond Castle Museum

Reservations required.

Doors open: at 10:00 am. Timed Admission.
The last entrance is at 3:00 pm.

Join us tomorrow, Saturday, April 13th as we celebrate the start of our new season and our visionary founder, John Hays Hammond Jr, whose pioneering scientific achievements continue to shape modern technology! Born 136 years ago on April 13th, 1888, Hammond’s enduring influence transcends time, and we’re commemorating his extraordinary legacy.

As our special gift to you, enjoy:
-Free admission to see the breathtaking Great Hall and a limited number of smaller exhibit spaces during your timed admittance and discover the magic that inspired Hammond’s visionary creations.

-Enjoy free access to the “Gertrude Cawein At Hammond Castle Museum” fine art exhibit of nearly 60 works by Eric Pape.

Please note:
No admittance without advance registration. RSVP is required for us to manage attendance as capacity is limited. Not all rooms within the Museum will be open during this special event. Thank you for your understanding.

Book your visit here!

“Making a Splash for the 2025 Sawyer Free Library” at THE CUT on Sunday, April 28th!

~ Sawyer Free Library

A family-friendly afternoon of live music, beach games and summer vibes featuring Mayor Verga’s band “Moonraker” – all to celebrate the 2025 Sawyer Free Library!

Get ready to make a splash at this community-wide celebration for the 2025 Sawyer Free Library at The Cut at 177 Main Street in downtown Gloucester on Sunday, April 28 from 3:00 -5:00 p.m. Dive into the fun and usher in summer early with live music, beach games and summer vibes – for all ages!

Headlining the event will be “Moonraker,” Gloucester’s very own Mayor’s band featuring Amy Prichard on lead vocals and guitar, Adam Quinn on drums, Missy Sponagle lending her vocal talents, Nate Kidder on lead guitar, Mayor Greg Verga on bass, and a special guest appearance by Millie Manning from Millie and the Half Nelsons on vocals and keyboard.

Adding to the summertime vibe, local reggae sensation the “Dis n’ Dat band” will kick off the party, setting the stage for an afternoon filled with beach games, prizes, and other surprises. Plus, a sneak peek into the exciting developments ahead with the 2025 Sawyer Free Library!

The Library is grateful to The Cut for generously donating their space for this event. And for those who choose to have dinner after the festivities, The Cut will also donate 10% of your final bill to the 2025 Sawyer Free Library.

The family-friendly event is open to all ages; admission is free, but donations to the 2025 Sawyer Free Library are welcomed.  To register or for more details, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5500.

Grab a Spoon and Enjoy a Delicious Collaboration in celebration of Earth Month!

~ Sawyer Free Library

Grab a spoon and satisfy your sweet tooth. In case you haven’t seen, the Sawyer Free Library has partnered with Holy Cow Ice Cream Cafe to make Cocoa Berry Chip, a raspberry-infused chocolate ice cream loaded with chocolate chips! Award winning Holy Cow Ice Cream created a new flavor celebrating Earth Month in partnership with the Sawyer Free Library and Cape Ann Climate Coalition.

This delicious special chocolate and raspberry-flavored all-natural ice cream treat embodies the organizations’ commitment to environmental advocacy and the understanding that every day is earth day. A portion of sales of this limited time special flavor will support the Cape Ann Climate Coalition’s educational programs. This delicious ice cream be available in pints only at the Gloucester and Peabody locations, so get some while you can!

For more information visit, SawyerFreeLibrary.org


Sawyer Free Library to present the author of “The Unlocked Path” Janis Robinson Daly

~ Sawyer Free Library

Author Talk: Thursday, April 11, at 5:30 pm at 21 Main Street

The Sawyer Free Library will welcome Massachusetts author Janis Robinson Daly on Thursday, April 11, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm to discuss her debut novel, The Unlocked Path, which embraces the “New Woman” of the early 20th century. The event will be at the Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street in downtown Gloucester. Registration is not required. 

This fictional testament of a doctor’s life at the turn of the 20th century, “The Unlocked Path,” introduces us to educated, career-minded, independent Eliza Edwards. In 1897, in Philadelphia, after witnessing her aunt’s suicide, Eliza rejects her mother’s wishes for a society debut. At a time when five percent of doctors are female, she enters a women’s medical college. With the support of a circle of women and driven by a determination to conquer curriculum demands, battle sexism, and overcome doubts, Eliza charts her new life path. Combining science and sympathy, she triumphs to heal others and herself. 

Janis Robinson Daly grew up outside of Boston and remained in Massachusetts, graduating with a B.A. in Psychology from Wheaton College, at the time, an all-women’s college. At Wheaton, she developed a fond appreciation of the supportive relationships established between students, faculty, and alumnae and a heightened awareness of female-centric issues. Both directed the author’s writing of “The Unlocked Path”

Registration is not required.  All are invited to attend. For additional information visit, sawyerfreelibrary.org or 978-325-5500.

Annual Low-Number Cape Ann License Plate Online Auction Opens April 8

~ Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce

Proceeds from Sale of 11 Remaining Low-Number Plates Will be Used to Support Local Charitable and Community Initiatives

The 11 remaining low-number Cape Ann license plates will be made available to the highest bidders through an online auction beginning Monday, April 8, with all proceeds going to the Cape Ann Community Foundation (CACF), which supports local charitable initiatives and organizations.

The auction will conclude on Patriot’s Day, Monday, April 15. Any Massachusetts resident who wants to display their love and support for Cape Ann will have a chance to secure the 11 remaining Cape Ann license plates between 1-100. The remaining plates are numbers 4, 8, 55, 66, 78, 79, 87, 88, 90, 91 and 92.

In addition, this year CACF will for the first time allow those who make a donation to the foundation to choose available 3-digit and 4-digit license plates.

For more information on the auction and to register to bid, visit www.lovecapeann.com. The site also has information on how to request a specific plate through the foundation and the easy steps to order a random Cape Ann license plate through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles.

Visit bit.ly/CALP24 to bid today!

April 8th Public Roundtable on Expanding Local Solar Production

~ Cape Ann Climate Coalition

Weigh in with your thoughts and perspectives on local solar. The Cape Climate Coalition (CACC) and the MIT Renewables Clinic are co-hosting a public roundtable discussion at Gloucester City Hall on Monday, April 8 at 5:30 p.m.  All are welcome to attend and discuss the potential for developing new solar energy projects in Gloucester.  This is a time to raise questions and express your initial reasons for why and where you would support or oppose new projects.

An expansion of solar energy capacity on Cape Ann could reduce energy costs and carbon emissions and support a shift to “electrify everything”, as well as provide for economic development and local energy security. The CACC in its recent webinar with Senator Bruce Tarr has added to concerns about the vulnerabilities in the current National Grid transmission and distribution electric grid serving Cape Ann. We need more local energy production, but we also need to learn more about how this could be achieved.  And the community needs to weigh on in where they would support locating solar projects and what other factors they think would be important in decisions to develop new projects. 

Students, through interviews and two public meetings, the first of which is on April 8th, will assess with our help the relative potential of expanded solar capacity with rooftop solar on buildings, on municipal properties, with floating solar panels on reservoirs, in open spaces, over parking lots, in industrial parks, along roadways, and blended with public art. We would like to hear about where and on what basis you would support such projects.


MIT’s Renewable Energy Facility Siting Clinic trains MIT students who work alongside a professional mediator to help communities resolve local conflicts around the siting of renewable energy facilities. By providing a neutral independent forum, the Clinic brings together all relevant stakeholders involved in a siting dispute to identify key concerns and interests and support consensus building.  MIT’s Clinic focuses on providing a formal stakeholder assessment, and facilitating a joint fact-finding and problem-solving process. The Clinic does not promote a specific siting outcome.

Workshops: Plan Your Vegetable Garden with Backyard Growers

~ backyardgrowersgloucester

Workshop: How to Plan Your Vegetable Garden

Dates & Times: April 10, 10am-12pm & April 16, 5:30-7:30pm

Location: Backyard Growers HQ, 103R Maplewood Ave, Gloucester

Event Summary: Learn the Square-Foot Gardening Method in this vegetable gardening workshop with Backyard Growers. Backyard Growers will introduce attendees to this growing approach which maximizes small spaces and crop yields. The organization uses this method across school gardens, backyard gardens, and community gardens all over Gloucester. Learn to plan your vegetable garden according to what you like to eat, the space you have for growing, and the amount of time you have to spend tending to it, with time at this workshop to map out your individual garden alongside Backyard Growers and your neighbors.

Tickets: Free for Backyard Growers Program Participants. $15 general admission. Proceeds support Backyard Growers’ work empowering people to grow their own food. Backyard Growers is a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization.

Reserve your spot

Workshop: How to Grow Vegetables in Containers

Date & Time: Thursday, May 2, 2-3pm

Location: Backyard Growers HQ, 103R Maplewood Ave, Gloucester

Event Summary:  Container gardens are great when space or sunlight is limited or as a way to easily control the height and placement of your garden to eliminate bending over or to ease other mobility concerns. Join Backyard Growers to learn the nuances of container gardening so that you’re set up for a successful (and space-efficient) season. Attendees will receive free vegetable seeds and the option to purchase GrowBags from Backyard Growers to start or add to their vegetable garden.

Tickets: Free for Backyard Growers Program Participants. $15 general admission. Proceeds support Backyard Growers’ work empowering people to grow their own food. Backyard Growers is a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization.

Reserve your spot