Gloucester

Sawyer Free Library Announces 2024 Poetry Without Paper Contest Winners 

~ Sawyer Free Library

The Sawyer Free Library proudly announced the winners of the 2024 Poetry Without Paper contest during an inspiring awards ceremony held on Tuesday evening, June 11, 2024 at the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church. The event was marked by heartfelt readings from the award-winning students before a standing-room-only crowd of friends, family, and community members, all gathered to celebrate their achievements.

Former Poet Laureate of Gloucester, John Ronan, and newly retired Children’s Librarian, Christy Rosso, presented the awards. Christy Rosso, affectionately known as Miss Christy, was also honored for her 29 years of dedicated service at the Sawyer Free Library. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in developing, organizing and growing the annual poetry contest, fostering a love for writing among thousands of young Gloucester residents.

John Ronan, who co-founded the contest 22 years ago and continues to serve as its judge, shared some personal thoughts on Christy Rosso’s involvement in the program and years of service at the Sawyer Free Library, expressing the community’s deep gratitude for her unwavering dedication and nurturing presence. “Christy’s impact on our community’s children is immeasurable. Her passion and commitment have left an indelible mark on all who have had the privilege to know her,” said Ronan.  

Celebrating its 22nd year, Poetry Without Paper has inspired thousands of the community’s young writers to express themselves through poetry and prose. This beloved annual competition encourages local students from kindergarten through high school to share their love of writing and connection to Gloucester’s creative spirit. Each year, the variety and depth of the student poetry range from expected subjects like the beach, school, and family to just as many surprisingly deep, mature poems from these young writers concerned about issues facing the world around them.

From over 500 submissions, winners were selected from each age group: high school, middle school, and elementary school. The talented young poets were awarded certificates and shared over $1,000 in prizes. Additionally, all winning poets received an invitation to appear on 1623 Studio’s production, The Writer’s Block with John Ronan, and their winning work will be published online by the Library.

The Poetry Without Paper contest remains a cornerstone of the Sawyer Free Library’s mission to nurture and celebrate the literary talents of Gloucester’s youth. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and participants for their outstanding contributions and look forward to their future creative endeavors.

For more information about the Poetry Without Paper contest or other Sawyer Free Library programs, please visit www.SawyerFreeLibrary.org.

2024 Poetry without Paper Winners

Elementary School:

1st:       Helen Larabell, Plum Cove, 4th grade, “Believe”

2nd:      Kat Rowe-Joyce, West Parrish, 5th grade, “Last Time”

3rd:      Sophia Oliveira, West Parrish, 4th grade, “Perfect Life”

HM:    Freja McLanahan, Beeman, 1st grade “The Angry Guardians”

HM:    Adelia Crowell, Plum Cove, 5th grade, “The Cat of Lanesville”

Middle School:

1St:      Vivian Payne, O’Maley, 8th grade, “Regrets”

2nd:      Vivian Davies, O’Maley, 7th grade, “Pen to Paper”

3rd:      Matilda Bruce, O’Maley 7th grade, “Silence”

HM:    Iona Fishburn, Waring School, 6th grade, “My Cold Walk Around the Block”

HM:     Alivia Deyeso, O’Maley, 7th grade, “Silence Poem”

High School:

1St:      Johnny Sheridan, Waring School, 11th grade, “Elegy for the Impermanent”

2nd:      Emma Wilt, Essex North Shore Agr. & Tech, “Not Quite a Dream”

3rd:      Aleena Brown, GHS, 9th grade, “Ambcatcher31”

HM:    Hope Castelucci, GHS, 10th grade, “Yellow”

HM:    Phoebe Hone, GHS, 10th grade “What Redemption Feels Like”

Photo above of 2024 Poetry Without Paper Winners: Back row, left to right: Sawyer Free Library’s Christy Rosso, Vivian Payne, Vivian Davies, Alivia Deyeso, Matilda Bruce, Hope Castelucci, Phoebe Hone, Former Poet Laureate John Rosso; Front row: Freja McLanahan, Kat Rowe-Joyce, Adelia Crowell, Helen Larabell  Missing from photo: Sophia Oliveira, Iona Fishburn, Johnny Sheridan, Emma Wilt,  Aleena Brown

Local Author Talk: Nonna, What is Saint Peter’s Fiesta?

~ Sawyer Free Library

In celebration of the St. Peter’s Fiesta, the Sawyer Free Library is pleased to host a local author talk with Laura Ventimiglia on Thursday, June 27 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm as she discusses her book, Nonna, What is Saint Peter’s Fiesta? The fiesta is a longstanding tradition in Gloucester, Massachusetts that pays homage to Saint Peter, the patron saint of fishermen and it celebrates the town’s historic fishing industry

Laura M. Alberghini is a third-generation Italian American and a retired college educator, author, and administrator who established Buttieri press in 2015 to support the preservation of family histories and traditions. She released her first book, A Letter to My Children, An Italian American Family’s Heritage, in 2016 as a dual language book in English and Italian. She lives in Gloucester, Ma with her family.

The event is open to all at 21 Main Street in downtown Gloucester. No registration needed.

For more information or question, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or 978-325-5500.

Gloucester Genealogy Group: Genealogy & Deeds

~ Sawyer Free Library

On Saturday, June 15 from 10:30 to 11:30 am the Sawyer Free Library will host the Gloucester Genealogy Group to discuss the topic of Genealogy and Deeds.

Join Nancy Fitzgerald Doherty from the Southern Essex Registry of Deeds for a presentation on how to use and search the records of the Salem Deeds. The Southern Essex District Registry of Deeds maintains and provides access to land records for Southern Essex District and all of Essex County prior to 1869. The Salem Registry has the oldest continuous land records in the country dating back to 1639. Many older documents contain information on the people who owned the land, including professions, family members, and sometimes wills and estate listing. The Registry also maintains the Old Norfolk Deed Books, Ipswich Deed Books, Books of Executions and Depositions, historic city and town atlases, historic assessor maps, city directories and microfilm copies of early probate records. All of which can be helpful when trying to trace history within Essex County.

All interested are welcome to attend. Registration required at sawyerfreelibrary.org.

SFL to host Wellspring Inc.’s presentation of History Lives Here: The Freeman Family of West Gloucester

~ Sawyer Free Library

The Sawyer Free Library is pleased to host its community partner Wellspring, Inc. on Thursday, June 13 at 5:30 pm as they present HISTORY LIVES HERE and share the information they uncovered about the Freemans of West Gloucester, a prominent Black American family. 

Born in 1731, Robin was enslaved to Captain Charles Byles, a mariner whose property was located across the street from Wellspring House. In his struggle to self-emancipate, Robin paid Capt. Byles 1# and 12 schillings in 1769 to secure his freedom. This was 21 years before there would be no recorded enslaved people in Massachusetts. When he died , Capt. Byles left Robin 40 schillings in his will.

In 1826, Robin’s son, Robert purchased this house and land and made it his family home. We will share with you the Freeman family stories of opportunity and resilience and learn more about their contributions to the Greater Cape Ann community. Your presence and interest honors Robin Freeman his family and their legacy.

All are welcome. No registration required. For more information, visit: sawyerfreelibrary.org

Where: Sawyer Free Library, 21 Main Street, downtown Gloucester

When: Thursday, June 13 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm

DIY with SFL: Flower Crowns and Boutonnieres

~ Sawyer Free Library

Whether you’re getting ready for prom or you just like flowers, enjoy this crafty program with the Sawyer Free Library on Thursday, May 30 from 2:30 to 4:00 pm at the Cape Ann YMCA.

Together we’ll be making flower crowns and boutonnieres using fresh flowers. All materials will be provided. The fun event is open to students in 6th through 12th grade. You do not need to be headed to a prom to attend this program – everyone is welcome.

Space is limited, please register at sawyerfreelibrary.org to hold your spot.

For questions, contact: anakoneczny@sawyerfreelibrary.org or 978-325-5500.

Local Author Talk with Sally Goldenbaum on Thursday, May 30

~ Sawyer Free Library

The Sawyer Free Library is pleased to welcome local author Sally Goldenbaum of the best-selling Seaside Knitters mystery series inspired by Gloucester and Cape Ann on Thursday, May 30 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm at 21 Main Street.

Sally will discuss the most recent installment in the series, and the next in the series releasing in November. She’ll delve into what cozy mysteries are and how they differ from other sub-genres, how and why she began writing them, and the process of writing itself.

When: Thursday, May 30 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm

Where: Sawyer Free Library, 21 Main Street, Downtown Gloucester

No registration required. For more information or questions, contact:  lsvensson@sawyerfreelibrary.org or 978-325-5500.

Sawyer Free Library’s Gloucester Genealogy Group: Using DNA in Family History Research

~ Sawyer Free Library

As part of its Gloucester Genealogy Group Series, the Sawyer Free Library will present “Using DNA in Family History Research” on Thursday, May 16 from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. Registration is required at sawyerfreelibrary.org.

This lecture by Senior Genealogist, Melanie McComb, will introduce participants to the value and use of DNA in family history research. Basic DNA principles, types of tests, testing companies and key terminology will be introduced. Discussion includes interpreting your results and evaluating the matches found by the testing company. Organizing your results will also be covered.

Melanie McComb, Senior Genealogist at American Ancestors, assists library visitors, both on-site and online, with their family history research. She is an international lecturer who teaches on a variety of topics. Melanie holds a B.S. degree from the State University of New York at Oswego. She previously served as the social media coordinator for the NextGen Genealogy Network, a non-profit that creates a community for younger genealogists, where she managed the Facebook and Twitter accounts. She continues her interest in helping younger genealogists get involved at American Ancestors by assisting with educational programs from local schools, scout groups, and universities. Her areas of expertise include Irish genealogy, DNA, Atlantic Canada, Jewish genealogy, and military records.

This special event will take place at the Sawyer Free Library located at 21 Main Street in downtown Gloucester. Registration is required at sawyerfreelibrary.org.

For more information or questions, email jtravers@sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5500.

Help the Sawyer Free Library by Sharing Your Stories!

~ Sawyer Free Library

Did you hear the news? The Sawyer Free Library has been named a finalist for the prestigious 2024 National Medial for Museum and Library Service by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)!!

This prestigious award honors institutions for their extraordinary public service and remarkable community contributions. Congratulations to all 30 finalists! The winners will be announced later this month.

But first we need the community’s help!  The Library would greatly appreciate it if you would show the IMLS how the Sawyer Free Library has made a difference in their lives. Or what is your favorite memory or experiences from your visits to Sawyer Free Library? Please share these memories and thoughts on your social media (Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter). Feel free to include photos and videos too. And be sure to tag @US_IMLS and @SawyerFreeLibrary with the hashtags #ShareYourStory #IMLSmedals 

The Library is trying to get as many people as possible to help share their stories by THIS FRIDAY, May 19! If you have any questions, please call the Library at 978-325-5500. In advance, thank you everyone for your help! We appreciate you!

Calling all local Teens and Tweens! Sawyer Free Library hosting Teen Advisory Board Open House

~ Sawyer Free Library

The Sawyer Free Library is excited to be hosting an Open House for its new Teen Advisory Board on Monday, May 13 from 5:00 to 6:00 pm at Cape Ann Lanes located at 53 Gloucester Avenue.

All local teens and tweens are welcome to join the Sawyer Free Library Teen Advisory Board and help lead their library! This is the kick-off event, but in the future participants can expect: 

* A monthly meeting with volunteer hours available

* Planning fun events

* Preparing for the 2025 Sawyer Free Library Teen Zone

So come, bring a friend and learn more! No registration required.

Questions? Contact Annalise Nakoneczny at anakoneczny@sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5500

‘FINDING ARMENIA,’ a film by Nubar Alexanian

~ chasnaz

On Saturday, May 18th at 3:00pm the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation will present the premiere North Shore screening of ‘Finding Armenia’ by noted Gloucester resident, documentary photographer and filmmaker Nubar Alexanian in the sanctuary of the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church.

The program will include remarks with an audience Q&A with the filmmaker.  After the screening, a reception with the artist will be held in the Church’s historical room for those who may want to support the completion of the film project as donors.

An intimate portrayal of one man’s search for his Armenian identity, Nubar Alexanian’s ‘Finding Armenia’ not only provides a vital history lesson for those unfamiliar with the Armenian Genocide, but also challenges its viewers to grapple with the profound questions that influence all of our identities. What does the healing of inter-generational trauma look like? What does it mean to regain control of our ancestral narratives? How can these narratives be reconciled with a hostile world? And what responsibility do we have to painful histories, even when they are not our own?

Tickets ($13.50 General, under 12 free) are available at the door and in advance online, with more information, at www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org

The Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church is located on the green at 50 Middle Street, at the corner with Church Street.  Note: the green is closed for renovation but the main entrance is open. Please seek parking on the street and in lots nearby. A side entrance with an elevator is located at 10 Church Street.

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ABOUT THE FILMMAKER

Nubar Alexanian is an acclaimed photojournalist and filmmaker who, for the past 50 years, has worked for magazines in the U.S & Europe including Life Magazine, The New York Times Magazine, Fortune, Geo, Time & Newsweek, National Geographic and many others. He’s also produced & directed long and short form videos for organizations and companies such as Bose Corporation, The Conversation Project, MTV and others. Nubar has six books in print, including JAZZ with Wynton Marsalis and Nonfiction Photographs with filmmaker Errol Morris.

Since October 2012 he has been working on a feature documentary film which deals with the powerful legacy of the Armenian genocide and the ways that a century of silence and denial has shaped him and his family. His production company, Walker Creek Media, LLC was created in 2006 and produces short documentary films for non-profit organizations. He is President of the Board of Directors at Atlantic Public Media, Woods Hole, MA and formerly Board Chair at Project SAVE Armenian Photograph Archives, Inc.

Solo exhibitions of his work include the Walker Art Center, the Corcoran Gallery of Art, the Burden Gallery; the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center, the LOOK3 Festival of the Photograph and Clark University with prints in private and public museum collections internationally.