Day: January 18, 2025

Soft Landing…

Bloody Mary Day!
Date: Saturday, January 18, 2025
Time: noon to 5 pm
Featuring: Guest Expert Bartender
skilled with years of experience crafting delicious Bloody Marys. Come enjoy a perfectly mixed Bloody Mary and celebrate with us!

Seventy-five endangered North Atlantic right whales (NARW) were observed this week just off the western edge of Jeffreys Ledge, centered approximately near position 43° N, 70° 07’ W (Figure 1).  Click here for an interactive right whale observation map.  There is a substantial amount of lobster gear in the immediate vicinity that poses an acute entanglement risk to the whales.  DMF strongly urges any lobster fishers with gear in the vicinity of Jeffreys Ledge to move their gear to another area as soon as possible and keep away from this area until surveys indicate that the whales have moved on.  This large surface-active group of NARW’s is also at a substantial risk of a vessel strike.  NOAA Fisheries recently initiated a voluntary slow speed zone (Figure 2), called a Dynamic Management Area (DMA), where mariners are requested to reduce their speed to 10 knots to protect the whales. The DMA is in effect through January 27.  DMF strongly urges lobster fishers and all mariners transiting this area to use extreme caution and not exceed speeds of 10 knots.

Learn about important updates, major projects, and the vision shaping the future of our community at one of four citywide presentations.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 17, 2025

GLOUCESTER, Mass.—  Mayor Greg Verga will host four in-person “State of the City” presentations across Gloucester in the coming weeks.

The presentation will provide updates on major projects and key initiatives, including updates on municipal infrastructure, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds spending, and progress on sustainable and coastal resilience efforts. Mayor Verga will address the changing financial landscape and goals for the year ahead.

Schedule of presentations:

• Gloucester High School – 2nd Floor Lecture Hall

32 Leslie O Johnson Rd

Thursday, January 30, 2025

6:00PM to 7:00PM

• Rose Baker Senior Center – Multipurpose Room

6 Manuel F Lewis St

Thursday, February 6, 2025

6:00PM to 7:00PM

• Beeman Elementary School

138 Cherry St

Thursday, February 13, 2025

7:00PM to 8:00PM

• West Parish Elementary School

10 Concord St

Thursday, February 20, 2025

7:00PM to 8:00PM

“The city has been able to accomplish a lot over the past year and I am looking forward to sharing some of these updates at the upcoming State of the City presentations,” said Mayor Greg Verga. “These presentations are an opportunity to share information across the city and set the stage for the year ahead. I invite the public to attend and look forward to answering any questions they may have.”

These presentations provide residents with an opportunity to stay informed about Gloucester’s progress and participate in shaping its future. All residents are encouraged to attend and bring questions for Mayor Verga during the Q&A session.

We hadn’t been to The James on Main St in Essex for a while (formerly The Village) so we stopped for lunch on a cold but sunny weekday. The atmosphere is cozy and the customers ranged from working people to senior citizens while we were there. I had the Salt and Pepper Wings and Jim ordered the classic Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup. Jim’s go-to dessert is carrot cake so he ordered that as well. The cake was not your typical carrot cake…he reported it was almost like fruitcake because it was dense and moist. He enjoyed his whole meal very much. I liked the wings because they are prepared a little differently. The skin was nice and crisp and lightly seasoned. These weren’t Buffalo wings, but I would certainly order them again. They offer an interesting variety of events and weekly specials. If you haven’t been, perhaps give it a try next time you’re in Essex.

JANUARY 15, 2025 ~ SAWYER FREE LIBRARY ~ 

Library’s most-borrowed books give a glimpse into what Gloucester read in 2024

Every book we read tells a story—not just of the characters on the page, but also of the community that chooses to read it. At Sawyer Free Library, these stories come to life every day, with a total circulation of over 180,000 in 2024, thousands of books across print and digital were borrowed by Gloucester residents. From poignant fiction to thought-provoking nonfiction, the Library’s most popular titles offer a snapshot of the interests, passions, and curiosity that define our city.

Whether escaping into Kristin Hannah’s deeply moving The Women, exploring James McBride’s vibrant The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store, or laughing with Jeff Kinney’s enduring Diary of a Wimpy Kid, these books inspired and entertained readers of all ages.

“The books our community borrowed in 2024 reflect a collective curiosity and a desire to explore diverse perspectives and experiences,” said Sawyer Free Library Director Jenny Benedict. “Whether escaping into fiction, gaining insights from nonfiction, or discovering new stories with family, these titles highlight the Library’s role as a place for growth, connection, and lifelong learning.”

The Sawyer Free Library’s top checked-out books across print and digital were:

Top 5 Adult Fiction:

1. The Women by Kristin Hannah
2. The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
3. Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
4. The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
5. North Woods by Daniel Mason

Top 5 Adult Nonfiction:

1. How the Word is Passed by Clint Smith
2. The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder by David Grann
3. 101 All-Time Fantasy Baseball Teams by Jack Sweeney
4. Our Underwater World by Sue Lowell Gallion
5. The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson

Top Teen Fiction:

1. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
2. The Assassin’s Blade by Sarah Maas
3. Queen of Shadows by Sarah Maas
4. 1984 by George Orwell
5. Gwen and Art Are Not in Love by Lex Croucher

Top 5 Children’s Books:

1. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth by Jeff Kinney
2. I Am Going! An Elephant and Piggie Book by Mo Willems
3. Dog Man: Brawl of the Wild by Dav Pilkey
4. The Pigeon Will Ride the Roller Coaster! by Mo Willems
5. The Thank You Book by Mo Willems

Find these and millions of other books through the Sawyer Free Library. Visit the Library’s temporary space at 21 Main Street in downtown Gloucester or sawyerfreelibrary.org, where librarians are always ready to help you discover your next great read.

This fall, the Library eagerly anticipates welcoming the community back to its beautifully renovated and expanded spaces, designed to offer comfort, accessibility, and inspiration for all ages. The revitalized first-floor Main Library blends modern upgrades with familiar charm, creating a warm, well-lit environment ideal for reading, research, and connection. Two great rooms house the Library’s treasured physical collections, complemented by inviting furnishings for study and relaxation. The adjacent Quiet Reading Room features a nonfiction collection, modular desks, and cozy armchairs overlooking serene gardens, providing a tranquil space for study and reflection. With its stunning double-height arched windows and natural light, the Reading Lounge evokes an elegant living room atmosphere, perfect for enjoying magazines and newspapers in plush armchairs. Meanwhile, children and teens can explore their vibrant, redesigned spaces filled with age-appropriate materials, fostering a love of learning and discovery. Whether meeting friends, doing homework, or finding the next great read, these spaces offer something special for everyone.

With approximately 14,000 cardholders, Sawyer Free Library continues to be a cornerstone for education, connection, and cultural enrichment. Gloucester residents and students can obtain a library card for free by applying in person, online, or by mail. For more information, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5500.