Author: Joey Ciaramitaro

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.

Only tonight only in-store for the Downtown Gloucester Block Party. Uuuuuge sale! $50 striped women’s hoodies half off to $25. Cape Ann navigational chart(not to be used for navigation) coozie sets, nautical chart dog harness/leash/collars, microfiber sand repellent Drinking town towels, caps and @patdsphotos is having promotions as well! @realtor_katelyn will be joining me to man our shop at 44 Main St.

$50 = Three meal tickets 🎟️

Purchase tickets HERE: https://bit.ly/2024BitesByTheSea

July 30, 7:00pm, at Salem Willows

The North Shore Concert Band will play a Viet Nam Fiftieth Anniversary Concert on Tuesday, July 30, at 7:00pm at the Salem Willows bandstand. The thirty-five piece concert band, under the direction of David Benjamin will salute Viet Nam veterans with a program designed to recognize their sacrifice and to give thanks for their service. Musical selections will include music of the sixties, patriotic medleys, commemorative pieces and a special performance of “Mekong”, based on a traditional Vietnamese folk song entitled “The Wounded Soldier”. The piece replicates the sound of Jet fighters and military helicopters in battle.

“We are excited to dedicate this concert to those who served in Viet Nam and to have an opportunity to thank and recognize them with this concert. We’re encouraging individual veterans and veterans groups to attend this concert.” said Music Director David Benjamin. Please help us extend an invitation to our veterans and encourage them to take part in this important anniversary celebration.”

The concert is sponsored by Ira Toyota and Rockland Trust. The rain date for the concert is Thursday, August 1, at 7:00pm. The concert is free and restrooms are ADA compliant.

For more information please visit: Nortshoreconcertband.com or DavidLBenjamin.com or call 978-281-2286