Public

STROKE AWARENESS COMMUNITY EVENT on MAY 2 at SFL at 21 Main Street

~ Sawyer Free Library

The Sawyer Free Library is proud to present this important community event about stroke health, made possible by Encompass Health and Beth Israel Lahey Health.

Join us on Tuesday, May 2 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street and learn the warning signs of a stroke and how to help prevent one from occurring by knowing the risk factors. The presenter is Chris S. Burke, MD who is a Neurologist and the Stroke Medical Director at Beverly and Addison Gilbert Hospitals. Register at SawyerFreeLibrary.org.

Film Screening of “Lives Well Lived” on Thursday, 5/19 at the Sawyer Free Library

~ Sawyer Free Library

In collaboration with the Gloucester Senior Center, Sawyer Free Library is hosting a screening of the award winning documentary “Lives Well Lived” on Thursday, May 19 at 6:00 p.m. This event is part of a series of events being held in celebration of Older Americans Month.

In our society, the elderly are often overlooked. Lives Well Lived celebrates the incredible wit, wisdom, and life experiences of older adults living full and meaningful lives in their later years. Their stories are about perseverance, the human spirit, and staying positive during the great personal and historic challenges.

The stories told in this film will inspire people of every age to achieve the longevity of both health and spirit, and to realize that growing older can be a journey to be celebrated.

Screening to take place in the Friends Room of the Sawyer Free Library located at 2 Dale Avenue. No reservation required. For more information visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5500.

Gloucester’s 3rd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration – a festive community event!

~ chasnaz

Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration hosted by the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation

Monday, January 21st 2019, 2:00-6:00pm

In the historic (1806) Gloucester Meetinghouse (Unitarian Universalist Church)

Corner of Middle and Church Street

This is a free community event and all are welcome!

Free-will contributions to the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation towards the ongoing preservation of the building are requested.   Memberships, mugs, caps, totes, shirts and refreshments available.

Gloucester’s 3rd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration: an afternoon of presentations honoring Dr. King about African-American History including Sandra Ronan, Stephanie Buck, live music by Alvin Foster and his band Soul Eclectic, and Keynote Speaker award-winning  filmmaker/journalist Clennon L. King on MLK’s Boston years, followed by audio of Martin Luther King, Jr. accompanied by a slide show.  Audience invited to ring the Paul Revere bell at the conclusion for freedom.

More info at: www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org

SCHEDULE

2:00-2:15     Introduction: ‘Why Are We Here?                    Sandra Ronan

2:15-2:45     ‘Shadowed Lives,’ Effects of Slavery on Cape Ann                                                                                                            Stephanie Buck

2:45-3:00     Break with Refreshments

3:00-3:45     Alvin Foster and his band Soul Eclectic, music that underpinned Black people’s courage to be happy and celebrate life, love, spirituality and growth in the face of racism

3:45-4:00     Break with Refreshments

4:00-5:00     Keynote Speaker: Clennon L. King, ‘MLK’S Boston Years’ The award-winning documentary filmmaker and journalist Clennon L. King will present a slideshow, focusing on the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s movements in Boston and New England, from the fall of 1951 to the spring of 1954, to be followed by Q&A with the audience

5:00-5:15     Break with Refreshments

5:15-6:00     Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” accompanied by a slide show of period and present-day images

Conclusion:   Audience invited to join in ringing the Paul Revere Bell for freedom

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: CLENNON L. KING ON ‘MLK’S BOSTON YEARS’

A Filmmaker’s Granular Look at Dr. & Mrs. King’s New England Years a lasered look at the little-known years Dr. King and his wife, Coretta Scott spent in Boston and New England.  Award-winning documentary filmmaker and journalist Clennon L. King, will present a slideshow, focusing on the Kings’ movements in Boston and New England, from the fall of 1951 to the spring of 1954.

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“Americans know all about Dr. King relative to places like Atlanta, Birmingham, Montgomery, Washington, D.C. and Memphis, but virtually nothing about his time in Boston,” said Clennon L. King, (no relation) whose father was a lawyer for Dr. King in the Historic Albany Movement. “This slideshow seeks to fill in the blanks.”  Clennon L. King will present the compelling PowerPoint® slideshow to audience, before leading a spirited conversation and Q&A with the audience.

Clennon L. King writes, “In a city as historic as Boston, there are few signs that Martin Luther King, Jr. lived, worked and played here before heading to Montgomery to the world stage,” said the Boston-based filmmaker. “My goal was to reconstruct his time here before it is lost to history forever.”

Clennon L. King’s 45-minute slideshow and discussion program is entitled “MLK’s Boston Years”, and was presented to MLK Boston, which plans to build a $5 million monument to Dr. and Mrs. King on the Boston Common.  Boston’s NPR affiliate, WGBH 89.7 FM has twice interviewed King around his research on the Kings’ time in Boston. In April 2018, the filmmaker was featured on the Boston Edition of All Things Considered® with Barbara Howard, and in November 2018, he again was featured on ‘Under the Radar’ with Callie Crossley.

STEPHANIE BUCK: ‘SHADOWED LIVES’

Born and educated in England – degree from London University – married an American and moved to Gloucester in 1970 – became interested in local history through research on her house – which is just across the road from the Unitarian Universalist Church.  She retired as Archivist/Librarian of the Cape Ann Museum last May after 14 years.  The title of her presentation is “Shadowed Lives” – just skimming the surface of slavery on Cape Ann.

LOCATION, PARKING & ACCESSIBILITY

The Gloucester Meetinghouse (home of the Unitarian Universalist Church) is located on the green at the corner of Church and Middle Street.  Event parking is allowed on the green and is available at other parking lots and on-street nearby in the Historic District.   An elevator up to the Sanctuary level is available from the side entrance at 10 Church Street.

More info at www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org

 

SECOND ANNUAL GLOUCESTER MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY CELEBRATION

~ chasnaz

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WHAT: AN AFTERNOON OF PRESENTATIONS ON THE MLK HOLIDAY hosted by the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation

WHEN: MONDAY, JANUARY 15, 2018, 2:00-5:30pm

WHERE: The historic 1806 Gloucester Meetinghouse (home of the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church) on Meetinghouse Green at the corner of Middle and Church Street.  Accessible side entrance at 10 Church Street.  Parking on the Green or next door at St. John’s Church.

PROGRAM:

Mary Ellen Lepionka, Cape Ann Algonquians’ fate after European colonization

Lise Breen, history of black leaders of the Abolitionist Movement

GWC Fish Tales, first-hand stories from refugees about the promise of America

Reverend Janet Parsons, accountability and where do we go from here?

Mayor Sefatia Romeo-Theken, commentary on cultural diversity

Martin Luther King, Jr. delivering his final Christmas Sermon on interconnectedness

Closing, tolling of the Meetinghouse Paul Revere bell for freedom

WHAT’S SPECIAL?  A rare opportunity to gather in community to celebrate the legacy of Dr. King, learn about historical and present-day persons of color with diverse identities, initiatives to study the history of slavery on Cape Ann as well as the black leaders of the Abolitionist Movement and rededicate ourselves to the American creed that all persons are created equal.  This is the 50th anniversary of the tragic assassination of Dr. King, whose message on non-violence, opposition to war, drive to lift people of any ethnicity, country of origin or racial background out of poverty, and belief in the care of our natural environment is as relevant today as it was in the 60’s.

COST:  FREE with voluntary donations, all welcome.  Refreshments will be available.

MORE INFORMATION:  www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org

ABOUT THE GLOUCESTER MEETINGHOUSE FOUNDATION:  The mission of the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation is to preserve the 1806 landmark building, Gloucester’s last-surviving historic Meetinghouse, as a civic hub, entertainment venue and community action center.

RELATED MORNING EVENT:  The Unitarian Universalist Society of Rockport holds its annual Peace March commemorating the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. in which members and friends gather at 9:30 am for sign making, followed by a march through downtown Rockport at 10:00 am, and gather after the march for hot cider and goodies, followed by a short worship service.  For more information see:  http://rockportuu.org/

‘FOLLOW THE STAR,’ performed by the The Musicians of the Old Post Road in the Gloucester Meetinghouse, Saturday December 16th at 7:30pm.

~ chasnaz

Join us for a joyful celebration of the completed fire-sprinkler project with a magical Baroque chamber music concert!

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We will thank the key civic grant sources and private individual donors to the sprinkler capital campaign; especially Linzee & Beth Coolidge who provided the initial and capping gifts that made it possible

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The Musicians of the Old Post Road is a chamber ensemble based in the Boston area that specializes in the period instrument performance of dynamic and diverse music from the Baroque to early Romantic eras.  Founded by Artistic Directors Suzanne Stumpf (flute) and Daniel Ryan (cello), the ensemble also includes Sarah Darling (violin & viola), Marcia Cassidy (viola), and Michael Bahmann (harpsichord).

‘Follow the Star’ is a program showcasing music written for Epiphany and shining a light on the Magi’s journey toward Bethlehem. This festive concert includes selections by Telemann, Geist, and a modern day revival of a cantata by Graupner.  The ensemble is joined for this concert by distinguished vocal soloists: soprano Jessica Petrus, mezzo-soprano Catherine Hedberg, and tenor Jason Wang.

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LOCATION:  The historic 1806 Gloucester Meetinghouse (home of the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church), on the green at the corner of Church & Middle Street. Accessible side entrance with a lift at 10 Church Street, near the corner of Pine Street.

COST:  $45 Preferred Seating (reserved front rows & rear gallery), $30 General, $25 College Students & Seniors (65+), under 17 free.  Tickets may be purchased online at:

http://www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org

or at the door with cash, check or major credit card.

PARKING:  On Meetinghouse Green (enter at the curb cut between the granite pillars) or next door at St. John’s Church

THE EXPERIENCE:

“To attend an Old Post Road concert is to be transported back in time. Picture yourself sitting in the pews of a beautiful old church…with bold, graceful, or spritely music filling the intimate venue. The program that rests in your lap details the rich history of the music you are listening to, and the concert venue you are enjoying. In front of you, the ensemble charms on a variety of period wind, string, and keyboard instruments.”

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Symposium at the Meetinghouse: ‘PRESERVATION & SUSTAINABILITY?’

~ chasnaz

This is a community Symposium presented by the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation and its clean energy initiative TownGreen/2025 on Saturday afternoon November 11th, 2-6:00pm.

The event will explore whether preservation of our older homes and historic civic buildings is compatible the goal of becoming “green” through expert presentations, responses from a distinguished panel, and Q&A with the audience.

Cape Ann is actively pursuing two goals that are sometimes viewed as separate or opposed.  One is for the preservation of Cape Ann’s historic buildings and homes, especially as Gloucester’s 400th anniversary approaches in 2023.  The other is to seek alternate sources of clean energy, minimize consumption, and reduce our overall carbon footprint to counter the global forces of climate change.

We explore many aspects of the basic question:  Can preservation and sustainability can be complementary rather than competitive goals?

Some of the issues emerged recently in the controversy about whether the Sawyer Free Library should build an all-new structure or work within an existing building envelope that was purposely designed to complement the landmark buildings of the Historic District.

In a sequence of four 50 minute sessions with 10 minute breaks, the Symposium will provide a friendly and informative forum in which residents may interact with professionals to discuss how these two worthy goals sometimes conflict or may go together.

LOCATION:  The historic (1806) Gloucester Meetinghouse, home of the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church, on the green at the corner of Church & Middle Street.  Parking is available on the green, next door at St. John’s Church, and at the Sawyer Free Library.  Accessible side entrance with an elevator is at 10 Church Street.

ADMISSION:  Free (offerings gratefully accepted), refreshments available all afternoon

More information is available at www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org

THE GREAT KRASINSKI, MAESTRO OF THE PIPE ORGAN, IN ‘THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME’ AT THE GLOUCESTER MEETINGHOUSE FRIDAY THE 13TH!!!

~ chasnaz

Peter Krasinski, organist extraordinaire, performs ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ on Friday, October the 13th at 7:30pm

World-famous pipe-organ maestro Peter Krasinski accompanies the silent horror film classic ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ starring Lon Chaney and the comedy short ‘The Haunted House with Buster Keaton on the pipe-organ in the Gloucester Meetinghouse.

Krasinski begins the program with a thrilling organ prelude followed by the hilarious film “The Haunted House” starring Buster Keaton.  The Maestro will play the grand 1893 Hutchings-Fisk pipe-organ in the darkened Sanctuary, improvising the accompaniment to the 2 great silent film classics.

ADMISSION:  $20 General, $15 Students & Seniors (65+), kids under 12 free.

Proceeds benefit the ongoing Fire-Sprinkler & Deterrence Project in the Meetinghouse.  Special thanks to our sole corporate Sponsor for this family-friendly, community event: the Cape Ann Savings Bank

Located on the green at the intersection of Church & Middle Street, the historic (1806) Meetinghouse is the home of the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church.  Parking is available on the green and next door at St. John’s Church; a side entrance for persons with disabilities is at #10 Church Street.

Maestro Krasinski is presented by the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation in collaboration with the Cape Ann Community Cinema.  Our mission is to preserve this treasured building as a civic hub, cultural venue and community action center.  For more information about how you can help or about our events please visit: http://www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org

Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation, Inc., is a nonprofit Massachusetts corporation qualified by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. With this designation, contributions to the GMF are tax-exempt to the extent of the law with no goods or services received in exchange.

GRAND FINALE FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 8TH! MUSIC ON MEETINGHOUSE GREEN 2017

~ chasnaz

Last event in the free summer concert series: Music on Meetinghouse Green 2017

The Cape Ann Big Band ensemble called Jumbalaya Horns is playing this Friday September 8th 2017, from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. This is the last concert in a free Summer Series called ‘Music on Meetinghouse Green’ hosted by the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation.  Each of the nine events features a different musical group and highlights the work of a North Shore non-profit organization that works for the good of the whole community.  Free-will offerings from the crowd support their work as performers transform the front steps of the Meetinghouse into a concert hall stage.

This final event is also a celebration by the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation as your free-will donations will benefit the fire-sprinkler & deterrence system now being installed in the historic 1806 Universalist Meetinghouse.  Through public and private gifts nearly $500K was raised for this project, helping to preserve the Meetinghouse as a landmark on the Gloucester skyline…our City’s largest and last surviving example.  This magnificent building,  home of the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church and civic programs such as The Grace Center, has been a beacon of hope for over 200 years at the corner of Church & Middle Street.  Come celebrate with us!

The Cape Ann Big Band swing orchestra made their debut in 2014, under the direction of Carlos Menezes Jr. Inspired by the sounds of New Orleans jazz, swing, soul, rock ‘n roll and a musical ‘gumbo’ of the Mississippi Delta, the band delivers a foot stompin’ fusion of Jambalaya Horns. The group features Tom Madore (trombone); Zach Gorrell (sax); Carlos Menezes Jr (vocals/horns); Joe Wilkins (vocals/guitar); Anthony Prestigiovanni (vocals/trumpet); Gary Wolsieffer (bass/tuba), and Rick Geraghty (vocals/drums).

Bring a blanket or beach chairs, a picnic, or conveniently purchase food from our on-site food vendor The Common Crow, and enjoy a rollicking fun evening on Meetinghouse Green.  Dancing is encouraged under the old-fashioned strings of fair lights.  Events go forward rain or shine, moving indoors if it rains into the coffeehouse atmosphere of the Meetinghouse downstairs social hall.  Parking is available in the Library and St. John’s Church lots.  For more information visit:  http://www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org

Mayor Sefatia Romeo-Theken will be on hand to thank our Sponsors: Linzee and Beth Coolidge (matching gift); Tom and Susan Andresen; J.J. and Jackie Bell; Michael and Mary Ann Bresnan; Joanne Hart and Gordon Baird; Harry and Mary Hintlian; Dick and Doris Prouty; Charles Nazarian, Sandra Ronan; and our Corporate Sponsor Cape Ann Savings Bank. 

We hope you can join us for this opportunity to thank them for supporting a uniquely Cape Ann program…a mini Tanglewood in the heart of the Historic District…Music on Meetinghouse Green!

Jambala Band

‘Leven & Sorellanza Valentine’s Concert

~ chasnaz

leven-sorellanza-poster-for-feb-11-2017-concert-at-the-gloucester-meetinghouse

WHAT TO EXPECT:  ‘Leven and Sorellanza performed in concert together for the first time at the Gloucester Meetinghouse in February 2015 and return this year with the Valentine’s Day theme.  They began their debut by flying a long banner over the audience as they produced ethereal sounds that set a magical tone to the whole evening.

The varied repertoire of these talented women and their evident exuberance for singing a cappella was hugely entertaining as well as moving for the audience with playful solos, duets and rhythmic gymnastics adding spice to their superbly blended ensembles.  Prepare to relax, laugh, remember, and allow the theme of love to permeate your soul with music sung from the heart. 

WHAT’S SPECIAL? Two Cape Ann a cappella  women’s vocal ensembles raise their voices in songs of Love…and Home…and Love…and Work…and Love…and Life…and Love…and Strength…and Love…and Peace…and Love some more…

WHEN:  Saturday, February 11th 2017, 7:30pm

WHERE:  The historic 1806 Gloucester Meetinghouse (home of the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church), corner of Church & Middle Street, with accessible side entrance at 10 Church Street.

COST:  Free admission.  Voluntary donations gratefully accepted for the two womens’ ensembles and the Meetinghouse Preservation Fund.

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‘Leven is an enduring ensemble of Cape Ann womens’ voices founded in 1991 inthe eleventh month, at 1111 Washington St., under the leavening influence of Dawn Pratsonand ten similarly enlightened ladies.

Various combinations of ‘Leven singers have continued to bring powerful, poignant and eclectic a cappella repertoire to Cape Ann audiences for the past 26 years.  In this Valentine season they sing songs for the love of “home” – whether keeping the home fires burning, departing for far off places, or returning back home again.

‘Leven members: Sue Bonior, Pat Maloney Brown, Caroline Haines, Anne Hyde, Kristina Martin, and Sheryl Reed

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Sorellanza is a women’s a cappella group based on Cape Ann and directed by Rockport resident, Patti Pike.  Founded in 2006, Sorellanza draws enthusiastic audiences with varied and upbeat repertoire.  For this concert many songs are a blend of old and new: ancient lyrics set to modern music, a blend of Rumi text with Psalms, and homage to our grandmothers.

Their eclectic repertoire includes a love song from West Side Story, a Lullaby from Billy Joel, an honoring of the One, and some just plain fun songs.  Songs from the Heart is a unifying theme that includes them all.

Sorellanza members:

Patti Pike – choral director, Karen Koerth, Jen Fuller, Peggy Duff, Jenny Sonia, Andrea Coates-Vinson, Kate Stevens, Ruth Maassen, Jane Woodman, Kathy Eckles, Marianne Thompson, Caitlin Cannon, Nancy Goodman