On Monday January 15th at 2:00pm, the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation will present its annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration in the sanctuary of the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church, located on the green at the corner of Middle and Church Streets (GPS 50 Middle Street). There is an elevator available at the 10 Church Street side entrance for persons with disabilities. The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be available. Parking is allowed on the green.
Each year we strive to create a singular, thought-provoking and inspiring event to honor Dr. King’s legacy and vision. Please join us for an exciting afternoon of presentations, music and audience participation.
Program
Mayor Greg Verga, opening address
Renée Graham, Boston Globe associate editor and columnist, keynote speaker with audience Q&A
Michea McCaffery, Gloucester Racial Justice Team Chair, Gloucester survey presentation, conversation with Renée Graham, and audience Q&A
Gordon Michaels vocalist & ensemble, diverse music based on the Black experience
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in his own voice via audio recording
Paul Revere bell-ringing in commemoration as we depart the Meetinghouse
For those who cannot attend in person the event will be simulcast on the Gloucester Meetinghouse YouTube channel and will be available there afterwards. More information is available at: http://www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org
The Sawyer Free Library is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Lisa Ryan, who is returning to the Library as the new Assistant Director, and the promotion of Annalise Nakoneczny to the position of Young Adult Librarian.
Library Director Jenny Benedict expressed excitement about the appointments, saying, “We are delighted to welcome Lisa back to the Sawyer Free Library in her new role as Assistant Director. Her past contributions, extensive experience, and life-long connection to the Gloucester community make her an ideal fit for this position. Additionally, we are thrilled to see Annalise take on the role of Young Adult Librarian. Her passion for serving our community and her innovative approach to library services will undoubtedly enrich the experiences of our young adult patrons.”
Benedict also added, “Lisa and Annalise are an incredible addition to our talented and dedicated team, who each day continue the important work of elevating the Library’s impact on our community, especially with an eye toward all that the 2025 Sawyer Free Library will bring.”
Lisa Ryan, a familiar face to the Sawyer Free Library, rejoins the staff as the Assistant Director. The Gloucester native’s connection to the Library is deep-rooted, having previously worked at the Library for close to fourteen years, serving as the Information Service Librarian, Assistant Children’s Librarian, and Assistant Librarian. Her wealth of experience, and comprehensive understanding of the community’s needs make her an invaluable asset to the Library’s leadership team. Before rejoining Sawyer Free Library, Lisa spent seven years as the Head of Reference at the Beverly Public Library, where she further honed her skills in library management, program development, and community engagement. She has her Master of Library and Information Science from Simmons College and Bachelor of Science from American International College.
In her new position, Lisa will advance the Library’s public services for adults, teens and children. Her responsibilities include overseeing library operations, implementing innovative programming and educational initiatives, and enhancing the public’s experience.
In addition, the Library is pleased to announce the promotion of Annalise Nakoneczny to the crucial role of Young Adult Librarian. In her previous role as the Library Public Technology Assistant, Annalise demonstrated exceptional skills in facilitating learning that bridged technology and library resources. Her commitment to fostering a welcoming environment and her creative approach to engaging learners set her apart. Annalise’s promotion to the position of Young Adult Librarian reflects her dedication and the Library’s commitment to recognizing and nurturing talent within its team.
In her new role, Annalise will coordinate youth-focused initiatives, curate an engaging collection of young adult literature, and develop exciting programs that cater to the diverse interests of our community’s youth. She will work closely with local schools, community organizations, and, most importantly, Gloucester’s young people to create a welcoming space that promotes literacy, critical thinking, and personal growth. Annalise received her Master’s in Library Science from the University of Kentucky and her Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from Gordon College.
The Sawyer Free Library invites the community to welcome Lisa Ryan and congratulate Annalise Nakoneczny on their new roles. The Library, temporarily located at 21 Main Street in downtown Gloucester and online 24/7, remains committed to providing a dynamic and enriching environment for all and looks forward to officially opening its newly renovated, expanded, and modernized space in the Fall of 2025. For details on the 2025 Sawyer Free Library and the many ways to support this historic project, please visit sawyerfree2025.org.
Get your friends and family together and join us for a some strings of bowling, raffle prizes, and more — all for a great cause! Reserve a lane for up to six players ($120 per lane, teams of up to six people, includes 3 strings of bowling and shoe rental for all). Don’t forget to bring some extra spending money for raffles, games, food and drinks! Cape Ann Lanes has a great selection of food and beverages!
**If you want to participate but don’t have enough players to reserve a full lane, please choose the individual ticket to reserve your spot ($25/person) and we’ll place you on a team at the event (while space is available).**
Please email info@maritimegloucester.org with questions.
Join us at 1606 Restaurant & Oyster Bar on January 25th for our Portuguese Wine Dinner Pairing!
This four-course intimate dining experience will feature our Chef’s creations paired with a different varietal of Portuguese Wine for $120++. Dinner begins at 6:00PM.
1st Course: Pan Seared Monkfish, paired with Castello d’Alba Reserva White 2nd Course: Crispy Octopus, paired with Fonte do Ouro Reserva Red 3rd Course: Grilled Wild Boar, paired with Dona Maria Grande Reserva Red 4th Course: Filo Crusted Cheesecake, paired with Van Zellers & Co. 20yr Tawny Port
++ MA State Tax & 20% Gratuity will be collected on-site in addition to the $120 price of the dinner experience. Cancellations and no shows will be charged the full amount.
The GMGI Science Hour returns for the first talk of 2024, featuring the fascinating work of Revive & Restore, a wildlife conservation organization whose mission is to enhance biodiversity through the genetic rescue of endangered and extinct species.
Ryan Phelan, the organization’s co-founder and Executive Director, joins us on Thursday, January 18th to discuss her work with the world’s leading molecular biologists, conservation biologists, and conservation organizations. Together, they envision and develop pioneering projects that apply cutting-edge biotechnologies to seemingly intractable conservation challenges. Challenges such as:
Genetic diversity loss Invasive species Coral bleaching Climate change
You can register for Ryan’s talk, “Bringing Biotech to Wildlife Conservation” at the link below.
Join Heather Atwood as she presents her video series “The Color of Light” on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at 2 pm at the Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street in downtown Gloucester.
Cape Ann’s past and present swells with important artists who have responded both to history’s artistic movements and to this region’s specific inspiration. Many of these artists’ works are represented in museums and collections around the world, but history has dimmed our awareness of them. “The Color of Light” is a series of videos telling the lives and exploring the works of many of these artists, making certain their influence and significance on Cape Ann endures.
Artists have been coming to Cape Ann for over 200 years, inspired by its alchemical mix of rock, sea, and air. In “The Color of Light,” Atwood tells the stories of some of Cape Ann’s most talented artists, some of whose influence has been at the national level but about whom little is known. By sharing these stories, Atwood seeks to demonstrate how rich and significant the Cape Ann artistic tradition has been and continues today.
Celebrate the transition from 2023 to 2024 in unparalleled style by gathering your friends in the opulent setting of our Castle’s Great Hall. Prepare to dance the night away to the sensational beats curated by DJ JRM of Scape Audio New England, all while being charmed by our master of ceremonies for the evening, the incomparable Bruce Jacques! Check out Bruce’s reel herefor a sneak peek into the infectious energy and unparalleled entertainment he brings to every event. Indulge your palate with a selection of enticing hors d’oeuvres crafted by Creative Catering, and raise your glass for a complimentary champagne toast as we collectively countdown to the magic moment at the stroke of midnight, marked by our dazzling New Year’s illumination.
But the festivities don’t end there! Embark on a journey through Hammond Castle Museum’s many rooms, each possessing its own unique charm and rich history, enhancing the layers of delight woven into your New Year’s Eve celebration. Join us for an unforgettable night of music, laughter, and exploration, creating memories to carry into the promising dawn of the new year.
Celebrate the beginning of New Year’s weekend on Friday, December 29th at 7:30pm in the historic Gloucester Meetinghouse with the Good Old Salty Jazz Band playing New Orleans Jazz tunes of the holiday season. This group of legendary local musicians will delight you with their fantastic sound!
Robert Tuffley, cornet & trumpet John Cameron, piano Jimmy Favazza, drums John Hicks guitar & banjo Dave Sag, bass Robert Landoni, sax & clarinet Rikki Razdan, sax & clarinet Ben Tuck, trombone
Last year’s New Year’s concert in the Meetinghouse sold out, so purchase your seats early! Light refreshments will be served. The Meetinghouse is located on the green at the corner of Middle and Church Streets.There is a side entrance with an elevator at 10 Church Street.
Unable to attend in person?The concert will start at 7:30pm and will be simulcast on the Gloucester Meetinghouse YouTube channel, where it will be available afterwards.
Tickets are available online at www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org or at the door by cash, check or credit card. General seating $30; students $10; children under 12 free.
It is Downtown Gloucester’s Men’s Night this Thursday evening, December 14! Come visit downtown businesses and shops, including the Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street. The first 20 men who come to the Library between 4:00 -6:00 pm will receive a swag bag with a free book! While there, be sure to browse the shelves, including our Season’s Readings selections, Festive Films on DVD, and holiday music albums.
For more information, or to learn more about the fun happenings, services and more at the Sawyer Free Library check out sawyerfreelibrary.org!
Genetic diversity loss
Cape Ann Community 