Author: Joey Ciaramitaro

Merry Christmas, Joey. I just realized the bag of gifts my mother-in-law brought over says Goldman’s of Gloucester. Now we’re debating how old this bag could be. Is there a FOB out there that knows when Goldman’s closed its doors? Thank you to anyone who may have some insight.
Joanne Christopher

MAYOR KIRK IS RESIGNING. 
We’re doing a podcast with her on Sunday.  I’ll just simply state for now that I think she was the best Mayor we ever had and the only person with the balls to stand up to the nimbys was in fact a woman.

She was unwavering in her support for many projects that will and have vastly improved our City.  I didn’t agree with everything she did but I did agree with a whole lot.  I just hope we don’t end up with a Mayor that treats businesses large or small as if they are evil and encourages responsible growth rather than trying to extort and discourage potential future investment.
THANK YOU MAYOR KIRK FOR ALL THAT YOU HAVE DONE

Christmas Caroling Wheeler’s Point, Gloucester – photos from Anthony Marks

Christmas Caroling Wheeler’s Point, Gloucester – photos from Anthony Marks VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Kent Circle Christmas Tree, Glosta – photo from Anthony Marks

Thank you for your support.

Jude Abbe

@Gloucester_MA: Curbside Collection Of Christmas Trees – January 12, 2014 – January 16, 2014: Special curbside collection duri… http://tinyurl.com/nkzu353

Hey Joey – I’m wearing a different hat this afternoon:  perhaps you can post our Gloucester Lyceum & Sawyer Free Library 2014 Annual Appeal notice & invitation on GMG, when you think the time is right, before the year is over, so folks can still get their tax deductions !  The “Wordle” or “Word Cloud” was generated by the audience at our Annual Meeting in October, and reflects views of what our library will be in the future (Notice the large “AC” for Air Conditioning, next to “Welcoming”, and “Accessible”….).
Best,
Scott

Citizens of Gloucester,

You likely are aware that 2014 has been a time of progress at your Library. There’s much that’s new, and more to come. I am writing now to ask you to help us maintain the momentum by supporting our annual appeal.

The most visible change is the John and Dorothy Rando Memorial Garden and Amphitheater and its surrounding gardens and plantings, ready for events as soon as weather permits. A new parking lot awaits you, too, with easy access from School Street.  Your visits to the library are more convenient now, with self-service checkout available at the circulation desk and a handy book drop-off box in the parking lot. Many thanks to the Friends of the Library for both these service improvements.

In addition to all the physical changes, there have also been changes in our staff as we thanked retiring Library Director Carol Gray for her 16 years of faithful service and welcomed Deborah Kelsey in September as our new Library Director.  Deborah brings unusual energy, vision, and expertise to her new role. She is a past President of the New England Library Association and has held leadership positions at libraries in communities as diverse as Framingham and Medfield.

Look for more changes to come, as well, driven by the strategic plan developed collaboratively by community members, the Library’s Board of Directors and the staff.  One project already under consideration: a complete revamp of our heating and ventilation systems, including adding air conditioning.

Whatever the amount, your gift to the Sawyer Free Library is much like a good book – it will have lasting impact and enrich the lives of many.  I hope you will join me in adding your contribution to the bookshelf, knowing that your gift is an offering to our community.  Thank you for your consideration.

With thanks,

R. Scott Memhard, President
Board of Directors, Sawyer Free Library

P.S. Attached to this sheet is a “Wordle”, or word cloud, created from a list of words that came out of the recent Annual Meeting; attendees were asked to describe their vision of Sawyer Free Library in the days and years to come. The size of the word in the pattern reflects the frequency with which it appears on the list. 

Just a quick note to all to have a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season! Rest and relax and return with renewed energy to have a healthy New Year!

The exam schedule follows:

Mid – Year Exams
ABC           1/21/15
DE   Make-Up   1/22/15
FG    Make-Up   1/23/15

UPCOMING DATES OF INTEREST

Early Release ½ day for students on Tuesday December 23!

Holiday Vacation December 24 until January 2

School Re-Opens Monday January 5.

Martin Luther King Day January 19

“Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.”
Calvin Coolidge

“The two most joyous times of the year are Christmas morning and the end of school.”
Alice Cooper

Thanks Toby!
super K Photo