On Thursday, March 10 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., as a part of the series, Of Sound Mind, the Sawyer Free Library is presenting Dr. Andrew Budson, chief of cognitive and behavioral neurology at VA Boston Healthcare System and co-author of the book Seven Steps to Managing Your Memory.
Based on his award-winning book, Dr. Andrew Budson will explain how individuals can distinguish changes in memory due to Alzheimer’s versus normal aging, what medications, diets, and exercise regimes can help, and the best habits, strategies, and memory aids to use, in seven simple steps. He will also discuss his newest book, including how caregivers can manage issues with memory, language, vision, behavior, driving, incontinence, sleep, and more.
Registration is not required. The event is free and open to all. It will take place on the Main Floor of the Sawyer Free Library located at 2 Dale Avenue, Gloucester.
Andrew E. Budson, M.D. is Chief of Cognitive & Behavioral Neurology, Associate Chief of Staff for Education, and Director of the Center for Translational Cognitive Neuroscience at the Veterans Affairs (VA) Boston Healthcare System, Associate Director for Research at the Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Professor of Neurology at Boston University School of Medicine, and Lecturer in Neurology at Harvard Medical School. He is also the Medical Director of the Boston Center for Memory, located in Newton, Massachusetts.
The Sawyer Free Library offers drop in technology help!
Every Tuesday from 11:30am – 1:00pm
The weekly technology help session begins with a mini-lesson on a typical technology question. The remainder of the time is devoted to assisting with individual technical issues.
Bring your device and passwords, and SFL Tech Librarian will help you solve the problem!
Thank you to everyone who helped make 2021 a year of impact and growth for GMGI. As we look forward to 2022, I see a bright and exciting road ahead with activity from the first two months of the year paving the way:
GMGI was honored with a visit by U.S. Representative Seth Moulton who came to see first-hand our transformative workforce development activities and marine genomics research. Renowned marine genetics scientist Dr. Stephen Palumbi joined GMGI’s Science Advisory Board. At the Academy, we have a record number of internship opportunities to offer our Academy students.
GMGI is demonstrating that Gloucester is a great location to conduct cutting-edge scientific research and offer a new model for educating our young people.
None of this would be possible without the enthusiastic support of our community. Thank you for your belief in GMGI’s potential — we are committed to maintaining this momentum, and look to the future with confidence.
In gratitude,
Chris Bolzan Executive DirectorCongressman Seth Moulton Visits GMGI
U.S. Congressman Seth Moulton visited GMGI in January along with State Senator Bruce Tarr, State Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante, and the new mayor of Gloucester, Greg Verga. Donald G. Comb Science Director Andrea Bodnar toured the group through the research institute at 417 Main Street with Executive Director Chris Bolzan, and GMGI Board Member Bill Kane. The group finished the visit at the Academy where Education Director John Doyle and Lead Teacher Stephen Anderson walked them through the new biomanufacturing learning lab and previewed the new curriculum.
“This is fantastic,” Moulton said afterward. “This is exactly what we need to see more of in terms of education, but also in terms of our economy. There’s a synergy between the economic lifeblood of Massachusetts and tremendous educational opportunities for our students. This is incredible.” Moulton said he hopes other communities in the Commonwealth learn from our model.
GMGI welcomes Dr. Stephen Palumbi to our Scientific Advisory Board A native of Baltimore, Steve Palumbi has long been fascinated by how quickly the world around us changes. His research on the genetics of marine organisms focuses on basic evolutional questions, and on practical solutions to questions about how to preserve and protect the diverse life in the sea. Steve has lectured on human-induced evolutionary change, has used genetic detective work to identify whales, seahorses, rockfish, and sharks for sale in retail markets, and is developing genomic methods to help find ocean species resistant to climate change. His work on corals in the American Samoa and Palau has identified corals more resilient to heat stress, and his work at the Hopkins Marine Station focuses on how kelp, sea urchins, abalone, and mussels respond to environmental changes.
In addition to hundreds of published scientific research papers on a wide variety of marine organisms, Steve has published several books for non-scientists and has appeared in many film and TV documentaries to share his fascination with the world’s oceans.
Steve holds a Ph.D. in Marine Ecology from the University of Washington and started his career as a Professor at the University of Hawaii before moving to a Professorship at Harvard University. He then joined the faculty of Stanford University and is now the Jane and Marshall Steel Jr. Professor of Marine Sciences and Senior Fellow at the Woods Institute for the Environment. Steve is a Fellow of the California Academy of Sciences, a member of the National Academy of Science, and a Pew Fellow in Marine Conservation.
“Steve is a world-renowned marine biologist and leader in the field of marine genomics, and we are thrilled to have him as a member of our Scientific Advisory Board,” said Andrea Bodnar, Donald G. Comb Science Director.
Academy Students Interview for Internships
The internship process for the Class of 2022 has been like no other in the Academy’s six-year history. Academy students began their internship journeys by participating in (virtual) mock interviews on January 13th. On the day of these interviews, 20 individuals representing 11 local biotech companies provided our students critical practice and feedback.
“The mock interviews were really good practice and helped me feel more prepared for the real interviews. Mentors from the mock interviews gave feedback on what I should focus on in terms of my interests and what questions the interviewers might ask,” an Academy student explained. Real interviews with employers began the week of January 20th.
Students are benefitting from an unprecedented 26 companies offering 41 internship positions. In just six years, the demand for Academy students has far outpaced the supply.
“Part of the demand this year due to our new biomanufacturing curriculum and the additional skills it gives our students. These skills are in high demand right now,” said Education Director John Doyle.
In the second semester students learn how to insert DNA necessary to create green fluorescent protein (GFP) into bacteria. The bacteria are then grown into high density in a fermenter, producing equally high concentrations of GFP inside the bacteria. In the image shown above, a student learns how to successfully operate a homogenizer, an instrument used to break open bacterial cells and release the GFP, which is glowing after being exposed to a UV light source.
Stefan Abramo and Barbe Ennis-Abramo are donors and passionate volunteers at GMGI — Stefan lending his time and experience as an Academy volunteer and Barbe as a GMGI committee member. A rich life of professional and personal experiences has taken them around the world (and continues to do so), but it is here in Gloucester they now call home… Click here to read more.
GMGI Science Hours
Unable to attend one of our recent Science Hours? Click the links below to watch!
Musician Jeff Snow combines magical sounds from instruments with vocals and his love and knowledge of Celtic history.
This Saturday, March 5, 2022 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., the Sawyer Free Library is presenting The Softer Side of Celticwith Jeff Snow who combines the music, stories and a wee bit of history from Scotland, Ireland and England. The interactive concert will have singing, laughing, clapping and foot stomping featuring music on the guitar, bouzouki and autoharp.
Fun for all ages! No registration necessary! It is taking place on the Main Floor of Sawyer Free Library located at 2 Dale Avenue, Gloucester.
LEAP for Education is running a FREE 2022 Summer Internship Program for Gloucester Teens!
Work virtually or in person on a project 9 hours per week July 11 – August 18 with a mentor/company where you will gain important workplace skills
Start to build a resume for college and future endeavors – examples of internships include; assistant teaching a Pathways for Children; assisting with youth art classes at Art Haven; project assistance at Gloucester Education Foundation; teen council/community representative for local nonprofits, teller positions at BankGloucester, internships at Appleton Farms, and many more
Receive GHS credit and a salary or $500 stipend
Attend regularly scheduled workplace skills workshops on topics such as job interviewing, searching for college/post high school options, stress management, financial literacy, and resume writing
For more information, to set up an interview to discuss your interests, or to register, please email JoAnn Leavitt, Program Coordinator, at jleavitt@leap4ed.org
MAKE GREAT USE OF YOUR TIME THIS SUMMER!APPLY NOW! ALSO, THIS IS AN 11 HOUR PER WEEK COMMITMENT, SO YOU WILL STILL HAVE PLENTY OF TIME TO HOLD ANOTHER SUMMER JOB, OR DO OTHER SUMMER ACTIVITIES!
In this online workshop, Backyard Growers will guide you through the process of starting your own vegetable seeds indoors, including a materials list, dos and don’ts, and a live Q&A.
FREE for Backyard Growers Program participants (e.g. Community Garden, Backyard Garden, GrowBag Garden Programs)
As reported by the Gloucester Daily Times, the Saunders House’s grand WPA are currently being restored by the Sawyer Free Library.
Come learn more about the historic murals and the restoration process from the project’s professional conservator Lisa Mehlinthis Saturday, February 26 from 2 to 4pm on the Main Floor of the Sawyer Free Library.
Registration not required. For details, go to: sawyerfreelibrary.org or 978-325-5500.
Ms. Frizzle is visiting theSawyer Free Libraryon Saturday, February 26 at 10:30am with science, stories & fun! Explore the solar system and space travel with your favorite wacky science teacher, Ms Frizzle!
Join actress & performer Carole Finn-Weidman for this very interactive program for children of all ages. It is out of this world!!!
No registration needed, however space is limited! For more information visit SawyerFreeLibrary.org or call Children’s Services at 978-325-5551.
Bring the Cape Ann Museum with you wherever you go by following us on social media! Stay up to date on upcoming events and Museum news, get a daily dose of art and history, and encounter something you’ve never seen before.
Join Sawyer Free’s Children’s Librarian MARISA for a fun morning of music, movement, fun facts, and some picture book favorites this Saturday, February 19 from 10-11am!
It’ll be a morning of Family Fun that is great for children of all agesat the Sawyer Free Librarylocated at 2 Dale Avenue in Gloucester!
For questions contact Marisa Hall at mhall@sawyerfreelibrary.org or 978-325-5505.
Cape Ann Community 