I received an inquiry from Kim, an FOB wondering if I had any photos of Shellfish Warden Robert “Stubby” Knowles (1933-2004). I responded that I did not but that I recommend she try the Sawyer Free Library online digital newspaper resources. Then came the day I needed a post so I followed my own advice and here you see some of the results. I did find a couple of photos (obviously newspaper photos so not great digital quality) from the Gloucester Daily Times April 18 1987 and Oct 11 1978. My research also turned up notification that he had been awarded the NOAA Hero Award in 2005 honoring him for being a “patriarch of coastal wetland protection and restoration”. He himself reported having been threatened numerous times and having his home firebombed so extra kudos to him for his service to our City and the coastal wetlands.
I am including a photo of the icon you should use if you would like to do your own newspaper research using Sawyer Free Library resources. Fair warning, it can be a BIG time suck because it’s hard to turn it off once you hit your research mark. You may need your library card number for some of the resources but for the Cape Ann Newspapers 1827-1990 you do not. Happy hunting!
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David Benjamin, the Summer Music Director for the City of Gloucester announces The Antonio Gentile Bandstand 2025 Summer Concert Series. He offers eight free concerts beginning on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at 6:30pm with the Cape Ann Big Band and ending on August 24, 6:30pm with the Rico Barr Band. This year marks the thirty-ninth season of concerts at the bandstand.
A highlight of the season will be the Cape Ann Community Band Viet Nam 50th Anniversary Tribute; a musical salute to our Cape Ann Viet Nam veterans. The concert will feature patriotic music, military themes and popular tunes from the 1960’s and 70’s. A special commemorative piece entitled “Mekong” will center the program. The concert is sponsored by Bank Gloucester and the Gloucester Cultural Council.
The concert series is held at the Antonio Gentile Bandstand, Stage Fort Park, Hough Avenue, Gloucester. All concerts begin at 6:30pm. The bandstand was built in 1986, to honor Anthony “Tony” Gentile, who was the Director of the Gloucester High School Band for many years. His former students raised the funds to build the bandstand. The Gloucester Rotary Club helps maintain the bandstand and its landscaping. The concerts are ninety minutes in length. The rain dates for the Sunday concerts are the following Wednesday evening at 6:30pm.
The 202 series will also feature the return of the Compaq Big Band, the Continentals, 4Ever Fab and Martin and Kelly, Country Western Favorites.
Benjamin encourages all to attend. “Fantastic music overlooking the outer harbor; glorious sunsets; schooners sailing by; it doesn’t get any better than this in Gloucester!”
All programs are subject to change. Admission and Parking are free. Restrooms are ADA accessible. Bring a chair or blanket.
2025 Antonio Gentile Bandstand Schedule
July 6, 2025, 6:30pm Cape Ann Big Band; Jazz
July 13, 2025, 6:30pm Continentals; Rock & Roll
July20, 2025, 6:30pm 4Ever Fab; Beatles tribute
July 27, 2025, 6:30pm The Jantelles, Vintage Rock & Roll
August 3. 2025, 6:30pm Compaq Big Band; Jazz
August 10. 2025, 6:30pm Martin & Kelly; Country
August 16 (Sat). 2025, 6:30pm Cape Ann Community Band;
The other night of course, I went walking Shore Road. Seeing Boston in the background, decided to check how many miles. According to Google Maps, Magnolia Landing, Gloucester, MA to Boston is 29 miles. It may not be totally accurate due to the fact, that Boston skyline from Magnolia, is the Prudential, John Hancock building and the financial district. On clear evenings you can see the coastline of Quincy down to the South Shore. So lucky to live here.
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Feeling overwhelmed by clutter? It’s time to take back your space. Whether you’re clearing out your garage, organizing your home office, or sorting seasonal items, Grove Street Self Storage is here to simplify the process.
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John Gillis Named City of Gloucester’s Information Technology Director
GLOUCESTER – Mayor Greg Verga is pleased to announce the appointment of John Gillis as the City’s new Information Technology Director, following a competitive selection process.
Gillis, a Gloucester resident, brings over 30 years of experience in the private sector to the City’s IT Department. He joins the team following almost 25 years of IT managerial positions at Verizon Communications, most recently serving as Director of Systems Engineering at the telecommunications company.
Gillis holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the College of the Holy Cross and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Boston College.
“I am very grateful for the opportunity to join the City of Gloucester IT Team. I look forward to working across all departments to support their information technology requirements,” said Gillis.
His expertise includes application development, system consolidations, and capital budgeting—skills that will be invaluable in modernizing and strengthening Gloucester’s IT infrastructure.
“I am thrilled to welcome John to the team – he has already hit the ground running,” said Mayor Greg Verga. “Our City’s IT Department plays a role in a lot of work done across city departments, and I feel confident that John will be able to lead the department forward and help us all achieve our goals.”
His appointment will be forwarded to City Council for final approval in the coming weeks.
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We went to Salem recently just to have a walk around for the day and we found ourselves at the Salem Armory Regional Visitor Center on New Liberty St. What a cool respite in the middle of a city that can sometimes get a little overwhelming. There are guides to assist you with questions, several historic displays, AND a bathroom. Currently there’s a display demonstrating how close Salem came to being the start of the Revolutionary War (look up Leslie’s Retreat if you are intrigued). With the upcoming Bunker Hill re-enactment in Gloucester June 20-22, viewwing it makes for good background info. Cheers to our National Park Service.
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Four Libraries to host Community-Wide Celebration of Earth Day
As the world gets ready to celebrate Earth Day 2025, Cape Ann’s public libraries are joining forces to inspire environmental action and education. This year, four public libraries of Cape Ann—Gloucester,Rockport, Manchester-by-the-Sea and Essex – are proud to present bestselling author Sy Montgomery and renowned wildlife illustrator Matt Patterson for a special event exploring the wonders of turtles and the natural world.
On Saturday, April 19, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm, the libraries will welcome Montgomery and Patterson to the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport, MA, for an engaging discussion of their acclaimed book, Of Time and Turtles: Mending the World, Shell by Shattered Shell. The event will feature a 60-minute presentation, followed by a 30-minute Q&A session. Attendees can submit questions in advance through their library’s website.
This free event offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from two of the most passionate voices in nature writing and wildlife illustration. Tickets are available online through each participating library’s website—space is limited.
“A library is a portal not just to our own world, but to worlds unknown–worlds that have never been–worlds of imagination. A library holds the keys to every kingdom. And just think: all of us can step through this magical door right in our own neighborhood! For me, the library is an entryway, a refuge, a space rocket. Libraries show us we can dream anything, do anything, be anything. They are more essential today than ever before,” shares author Sy Montgomery about the importance of public libraries.
Cape Ann’s libraries are thrilled to bring this Earth Day program to the community as part of their ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental education. Montgomery and Patterson will share their experiences working with injured turtles, discuss their creative collaboration, and inspire audiences to see the world—and its wildlife—through a fresh, more compassionate lens.
As coastal communities, Cape Ann’s libraries recognize the critical importance of protecting the environment for future generations. With this special event, the libraries hope to encourage people of all ages to deepen their connection to nature and take meaningful action. In addition, each Cape Ann library will offer a variety of Earth Day programs throughout March and April, encouraging individuals of all ages to take meaningful steps to protect our environment – because every day is Earth Day.
Sy Montgomery is an internationally acclaimed author and naturalist, celebrated for her remarkable ability to bring the lives of animals and their ecosystems to readers of all ages. She has written over 30 books, including the National Book Award finalist The Soul of an Octopus, and has traveled the world researching rare and extraordinary creatures. Her latest work, Of Time and Turtles, explores the resilience and wonder of these ancient beings while offering profound insights into the mysteries of time itself.
Matt Patterson is an award-winning wildlife illustrator whose detailed, captivating artwork brings the beauty of nature to life. His illustrations in The Book of Turtles, a Robert F. Sibert Honor Award recipient, showcase the stunning diversity of turtles and highlight their crucial role in ecosystems worldwide.
The community is invited to celebrate Earth Day with an unforgettable conversation about wildlife, conservation, and the timeless lessons turtles can teach us. This special program is made possible through the collaborative efforts of Cape Ann’s public libraries —Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester-by-the-Sea and Essex – and their shared commitment to fostering a love of nature, literature, and lifelong learning.
For those interested, Susie’s Stories in Rockport will be offering to purchase signed copies of Sy Montgomery’s book Of Time and Turtles: Mending the World, Shell by Shattered Shell through their website.
Are you thinking about selling your home? Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or relocating, now is the perfect time to put your home on the market. With strong buyer demand, low inventory, stunning coastal appeal, and a thriving local real estate market, selling on Cape Ann offers incredible opportunities.
Cape Ann is at High Demand!
Cape Ann isn’t just a place to live, it’s a lifestyle.With breathtaking ocean views, vibrant maritime culture, and access to some of the best beachesin New England, buyers are eager to call this coastal gem home. Did you know there are 7 buyers for every home?
2. Home Values are Strong
The housing market on Cape Ann has remained resilient and competitive, with home values steadily appreciating. Sellers are seeing strong returns, and well-priced homes are selling very quickly.
3. Buyers are Looking for More Than Just a Home
Buyers are prioritizing space, outdoor access, and quality of life, all things Cappe Ann naturally provides. Whether it’s a waterfront escape or a charming New England-style home, these properties check all the boxes.
4. A Smooth Selling Process with the Right Expert
Selling your home doesn’t have to be stressful. As a local expert, I understand the market trends of Cape Ann andhow to position your home for success. With a team of experts from home stagers, home organizers, attorneys and lenders, we can guide you through the process step by step.
5. Is Now the Right Time for You?
Timing is everything! If you’re considering selling, let’s chat about market conditions, pricing strategies, and how to maximize your home’s value.
For a free home valuation and personalized selling strategy. Let’s make your next move a successful one!
Roof work underway last fall and exterior reno in progress now on the stately Hopper-esque Second Empire home with a tower on the corner of Prospect and Elm in Gloucester, Ma. (83 Prospect Street)
Here’s how it looked in 2012, 2020, 2024 (Dec. roofing), 2025 (March)
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Good Morning Gloucester 