Author: Joey Ciaramitaro

JULY 15, 2024 ~ SAWYER FREE LIBRARY ~

As a part of its exciting summer reading program, Read, Renew, Repeat, the Sawyer Free Library is excited to be presenting Magician Mike Bent Eco-Magic Show on Friday, July 19 at 10:00 am.

Children and their families will be wowed by the environmental-themed magic show with magic, comedy and fun! The conservation focused summer reading theme of Read, Renew, Repeat strives to bring attention to our natural world, and caring for the environment as well as the living creatures that call it home. 

This event will be held in the City Hall auditorium, 9 Dale Avenue in Gloucester. No registration is needed.

This summer’s reading program, titled “2024: Read, Renew, Repeat,” offers a diverse and enriching experience for the entire community. By focusing on conservation, the Sawyer Free Library encourages participants of all ages to discover the joy and power of reading while developing a sense of environmental consciousness. Through engaging activities, interactive workshops, reading challenges, and more, participants will learn about the critical role of conservation in maintaining the health and vitality of our planet. For more information on Summer at Sawyer Free Library visit, sawyerfreelibrary.org.

This summer program has been made possible with support from the Constance T. Rhinelander Fund.

These two would be all you need and the prices are crazy

Link to purchase- https://amzn.to/3YbSKWm

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Jackie Bennett Photo

Monday 7/15

$13.99 + tax Lobster Roll w/ Chips & Pickles

JULY 14, 2024 ~ SAWYER FREE LIBRARY ~ EDIT

On Tuesday, July 16 from 4:30 to 6:00 pm Tweens and Teens are invited to unlock their crafty side, learn about the centuries-old art of reverse glass painting and create their own reverse painting with Pop Up Art School at the Sawyer Free Library!

Participants can choose from three images, and paint it using acrylic paint on clear acetate.

Reverse painting techniques have been used since the 16th century. In reverse painting, the details are painted first and then the larger shapes. It’s the reverse order of how one usually paints on paper or canvas where we start with the background, add medium to large shapes and then details. Once the image has been painted, it is viewed from the opposite side through the clear acetate.

Rising 6th graders to graduated 12 graders welcome. Space is limited, please register at SawyerFreeLibrary.org to hold your spot.

Davey Spence with the save

JULY 10, 2024 ~ SAWYER FREE LIBRARY

The Sawyer Free Library is delighted to announce the appointment of Tricia Balsan as Children’s Librarian.

Jenny Benedict, the Library Director, expressed her enthusiasm for Balsan’s appointment, “We are thrilled to welcome Tricia to the Sawyer Free Library. Her expertise in children’s literature and commitment to fostering a love of reading and learning make her an invaluable addition to our talented and dedicated Children’s Services staff. We look forward to the positive impact she will have on our community. Tricia’s approachable and friendly nature surely will be embraced by Gloucester’s young people and their families.”

“I am so excited to join the team here at Sawyer Free Library. Everyone has welcomed me so warmly and has such enthusiasm for what they do. I can already tell how vital a part of the community the library is,” shared Tricia Balsan. “Gloucester clearly loves their library, and it’s such a wonderful feeling! I look forward to getting to know the children and families of Gloucester–both at our temporary location at 21 Main Street, and in our brand-new library building when it opens next year!”

Tricia Balsan, who recently graduated Magna Cum Laude with dual degrees—a Master of Arts in Children’s Literature and a Master of Science in Library Science—from Simmons University, brings a wealth of experience and passion to her new role. She has an impressive background in public libraries, having served in various roles from page to circulation clerk. Balsan’s extensive experience has equipped her with the latest best practices in the library and children’s literature fields, with a special focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and representation within children’s and young adult literature.

In her most recent position at the Eric Carle Museum in Amherst, MA, Balsan provided library services to children, including leading engaging and interactive story times. Additionally, her experience includes positions at the Oceanside Library, Malverne Public Library, Baldwin Public Library, and Hampshire College Library. Triciai holds a Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Studies from SUNY Empire State College, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude.

The Sawyer Free Library invites the community to come into 21 Main Street and congratulate Tricia on her new role while checking out its exciting summer calendar of fun and free events and programs designed to inspire, educate, and entertain people of all ages.

Sawyer Free Library’s summer operating hours at 21 Main Street are Monday and Wednesday from 8 am to 6 pm, Tuesday from 8 am to 6:15 pm, Thursday from 10 am to 7 pm, Friday from 10 am to 5 pm, and Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm, and 24/7 online at sawyerfreelibrary.org.

For more information about “Summer at the Sawyer Free Library” and to register for programs, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5500.

SFL Children’s Services Team: Jessica Laurie, Tricia Balsan and Justine Vitale

Submitted by

Emily Mercurio 

Event: William Shakespeare’s, A Midsummer Night’s Dream presented by Lanes Coven Theater Company

Dates: Saturday July 13th, 2024- Sunday, July 28th, 2024 *note- no show on Thursday, July 25th

Location: Windhover Center for the Performing Arts at the outdoor stage, under a tent

257 Rear Granite Street, Rockport MA, 01966

Price: $10.00- $45.00 

Lanes Coven Theater Co. of Gloucester, MA opens its 4th season with A Midsummer Night’s Dream, on Saturday 7/13 at 7:00PM. On Sunday 7/14 there is one matinee at 3:00PM, and one “$5 Buck Sunday” supported by “Creative County” of Essex County Community Foundation at 7:00PM. Midsummer runs Thursdays- Sundays at 7:00 PM until 7/28; *no show on 7/25.

Lanes Coven’s belief is that nature is a Shakespeare actor’s best tool (after an audience!) All productions this summer are performed under a tented stage on the peaceful grounds of Windhover Center for the Performing Arts in Rockport, MA. Director of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Co- Founding Artistic Director, Lily Narbonne, wrote in Quarto (published by Shakespeare Theatre Association):

“As a Director I’m asking, how can I help audiences get out of their own heads and, via Shakespeare, walk away wanting to take action for their community and the land around them?”

Cast & Crew:

Adrianna Mitchell (Fat Ham, Broadway) playing Titania/Hippolyta, and Kadeem Ali Harris (Amazon’s “Harlem” ) playing Bottom return to Lanes Coven from The Bronx, NY.

Justin Genna, Co- Founding Artistic Director will play the roles of Oberon/ Theseus.

Returning- after her memorable Mercutio in last summer’s Romeo and Juliet- is Eryn O’Sullivan in the role of Helena; Max Mcnamara as Lysander; and Malachi Rosen as Peter Quince.

New to Lanes Coven are Julia Herzberg as Hermia, Eliza Fitcher as Puck/ Egeus and Nate Stephenson as Demetrius. Stage Manager is Tara Hightower, and Assisting is Allie Nadeau. The newly instated Educational Acting Intern Company consists of all local Cape Ann emerging actors, Ella Mooradian, Mia Contilli, and Nate Oaks. Jennifer Greeke is this year’s costume designer.

Purchase your tickets here: https://windhover.org/event/lanes-coven-theater-co-presents-midsummer-nights-dream-by-william-shakespeare/2024-07-12/  Or go onto the Windhover.org website under the tab: “Performances “and follow the link.