Join the Sawyer Free Library this Thursday, September 19 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the North Shore Arts Association (11 Pirates Lane, Gloucester) for an evening filled with creativity and connection—all in support of the Sawyer Free Library 2025 Capital Campaign.
Take a Sneak Peek HERE at some of the stunning artwork up for grabs in our silent and live auctions from artists such as Jeff Weaver, John Terelak, Robert Gruppé, Coco Berkman, Charles Movalli, Jon Sarkin, and many more. Every bid brings us closer to restoring, expanding, and modernizing Gloucester’s beloved historic library.
The excitement begins at 7:15 p.m. when Walt Kolenda from Cape Ann Auction kicks off the live auction. Be sure to place your bids early—our silent auction closes promptly at 7:00 p.m.
Enjoy light refreshments, snacks, and live music while mingling with fellow art lovers and community members.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the art world, the 2025 Sawyer Free Library Benefit Art Auction promises to be a thrilling event. It’s a chance to enjoy a fun evening, connect with friends, and take home an original piece of art, all while supporting the future of the Sawyer Free Library. We hope to see everyone there for this exciting and meaningful and free community event!
Register HERE to let us know you are coming to the auction or for more information, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5500
Join the Sawyer Free Library for an evening of art, music, and community in support of the 2025 Sawyer Free Library on Thursday, September 19 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. It is free and open to all!
Set against the picturesque backdrop of the North Shore Arts Association, the 2025 Sawyer Free Library Art Auctionwill showcase an impressive selection of works from both emerging local talents and established artists including Jeff Weaver, John Terelak, Robert Gruppé, Coco Berkman, and many more. Participating artists generously contribute half or all of the proceeds from their auctioned pieces to the building project to restore, expand, and modernize Gloucester’s historic library.
Walt Kolenda of Cape Ann Auctionwill lead the live auction, which kicks off at 7:15 pm. Don’t miss out on the silent auction, closing at 7:00 pm. Enjoy refreshments and light bites while live music sets the perfect ambiance for a night of creativity and philanthropy.
Come, contribute, and be a part of something truly special! This is more than just an art auction—it’s a unique chance to support this beloved vital community institution poised to make a lasting, transformative impact on downtown Gloucester for generations to come. All proceeds from the auction benefit the Sawyer Free Library 2025 Capital Campaign. RSVP HERE.
ARTISTS interested in submitting their work for consideration for the juried auction, click HERE for details.This is a great opportunity for artists to exhibit and sell their work to new audiences and support their community!
RSVP HERE for this special evening. It is open to all to attend.
For those interested in learning more about or how to invest in the Library project, visit 2025 Sawyer Free Library
RSVP HEREto 2025 Sawyer Free Library Benefit Art Auction and Reception
Operating in its temporary location at 21 Main Street in downtown Gloucester, the Sawyer Free Libraryis a vibrant hub where the future comes alive through education and cultural enrichment and where knowledge is accessible to all, free of charge. From early literacy programs nurturing the youngest minds to cutting-edge STEM after-school programming for students to assisting digital learners in finding their way in the online world to a plethora of local community events for every age, the Library plays an integral role in shaping Gloucester’s educational, cultural, and social fabric.
The Sawyer Free Library relies on this important yearly fundraising effort to provide a wide range of new collections and resources, technology, innovative programming, and critical services to respond to the changing needs of the greater Gloucester community.
“The Library enriches, informs, and strengthens every corner of our city,” said Mern Sibley, President of the Library’s Board of Trustees. “We hope the community will carefully consider our appeal and join us in supporting the vital work of the Sawyer Free Library. Every contribution ensures that the Library can be exceptionally agile, relevant, and inventive while remaining completely accessible and free of charge.
“We provide library services that make a significant difference in the lives of our patrons and our community,” said Sawyer Free Library’s Director Jenny Benedict. “Every contribution to the Annual Appeal is a direct investment in the Library’s meaningful programming, diverse resources, and crucial services that create opportunities for individuals of all ages to connect, learn, grow and thrive throughout Gloucester and beyond.”
Contributions to the year-end Annual Appeal can be made online at www.sawyerfreelibrary.org or by check to the Sawyer Free Library, Annual Appeal, P.O. Box 415, Gloucester, MA 01930.
Tickets: $50. Click here to purchase tickets and learn more. All ticket fees and additional donations are tax deductible. Proceeds support Backyard Growers’ programs connecting low- to moderate-income households to fresh produce through school, backyard, and community gardens.
Join us for a LIVE virtual cook-along and fundraiser for Backyard Growers with Ken Duckworth. Ken is a renowned local chef and restaurateur. Since landing in Gloucester from Boston 16 years ago to open Duckworth’s Bistrot, Ken and his wife Nicole have created community at their restaurant through their relationships with their customers and partnerships with local farmers, fishers, and makers.
In this interactive cooking class, Ken will demonstrate how to prepare fish cakes with remoulade sauce inspired by Gloucester’s seafood traditions and the freshest ingredients.
Cook alongside Ken at home and enjoy a question and answer session with this seasoned chef. You will not need any fancy, specialized equipment or prior experience to take part in this interactive class. Attendees will receive a link to join the class as well as recipes and an ingredient list. Please consider shopping for your ingredients at Common Crow (200 Eastern Ave., Gloucester), a generous Backyard Growers partner.
“I’m proud of our city volunteers, students and residents who came together to help raise awareness of this American artifact that has history to our country and to our local community,” said Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken. “With this SHRAB grant, as well as Awesome Gloucester and online fundraising monies, the education and heritage will live on for years to come.”
Both Charles and George King joined Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken and Director of Communications and Constituent Services Christopher Sicuranza in late January for a conference call with Archivist Dr. Warner to reveal the grant award, which was the culmination of months of work for advocacy and awareness for the conservation project. In addition to the monies provided by the SHRAB program, Charles and George led efforts across Gloucester to raise awareness through local media and manage fundraisers through online sites and the Awesome Gloucester program.
Charles and George high-fived upon hearing the approval of their grant proposal from Commonwealth Archivist Dr. Warner in Mayor Sefatia Romeo-Theken’s office.
Plans to create an innovative and attractive display case are currently being developed, but a special emphasis on mobility was factored into the funding request so that the artifact can be easily transported to other museums, including the aim of bringing the feature at a Smithsonian National Museum as part of a regional or national ambassador program.
About Civil War Coat
Over 80 years ago, the Civil War coat was installed in the then new Gloucester High School through Albert W. Bacheler who fought in the Civil War and later served as principal of Gloucester High from in 1884-1914, using the coat in his lessons. Years later, a former student , noted businessman and philanthropist, Roger Babson, donated an enshrinement memorial at the school to help preserve the coat, but over the years the coat’s condition became fragile. One parent, Kim Minnaugh, asked Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken to assist with recovery efforts, which gained assistance, support and financing through various offices including Chief Administrative Officer Jim Destino, City Archivist Sarah Dunlop, Veterans Affairs Director Adam Curcuru, Sawyer Free Library Assistant Valerie Marino, Catherine Ryan and The Committee for the Arts, Massachusetts Historical Commission Director of Preservation Planning Michael Steinitz, Superintendent Dr. Richard Safier, Principal Cook Gloucester High School, and Allison Cousins and Principal Lucey at O’Maley Innovation Middle School.
Rockport Cub Scouts’ Pack 55 are hosting their second annual Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner Fundraiser on Saturday, March 12 from 4-7PM at Spiral Hall on the corner of Broadway & School street in Rockport. Dinner, Beverage and Dessert is $10 for adults and $7 for children under 12. Carry-out will be available. Cash, Local Checks & Credit Cards accepted. All proceeds will support Cub Scouting in Rockport. E-mail pack55rockport@gmail.com for more info.
Rescheduled from last month due to an erroneous weather forecast, this Saturday Rockport Scouts will be hosting a Traditional New England Ham & Bean Supper at and to raise funds in support of Rockport’s historic Scout Hall. Parking at the hall is limited, but on-street and T-Wharf Parking is available.
Let Rockport Boy, Girl & Cub Scouts serve you a delicious Ham & Bean Supper at and to support our Scout Hall Meetinghouse. At one time in disrepair, Scout Hall was renovated to its current state for the use of all scouting organizations in Rockport. It is only through public support that this mission is possible. So, please be our guests, enjoy a delicious traditional New England Dinner and meet some of your local scouts.
Parking at the hall is very limited. Please park on T-Wharf or use on-street parking, so we may use our parking lot for our lesser-abled guests.
Adults $10
Children: $6 (5th Grade and under)
Ham (or Hot Dogs), Beans, Brown Bread, Salad, Beverage & Dessert Included
Cape Ann Community 