Author: Joey Ciaramitaro

Photos from Caitlin Smith

JANUARY 25, 2026 ~ SAWYER FREE LIBRARY

Discover how the Schooner evolved from a pinnacle of North Atlantic design into a lasting symbol of literary endurance and independence in a presentation at the Sawyer Free Library by Ken Riaf, John Day and Emily Pearce on Thursday, January 29 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. 

For more than a century, Gloucester’s schooners have shaped the city’s identity, inspired generations of writers and artists, and embodied both the peril and poetry of life at sea. In this richly illustrated lecture, we explore how the schooner—especially the Schooner Adventure—has served as a powerful creative catalyst for author Jonathan Bayliss and for Gloucester’s cultural imagination at large.

The hour-long program highlights Schooner Adventure—launched in 1926 and celebrated as the “Queen of the Windjammers”—as a rare, fully restored vessel that keeps Gloucester’s maritime heritage vibrantly alive. Set against this historical backdrop, the program also explores the literary imagination of Jonathan Bayliss, whose childhood experiences with Gloucester’s schooners became central to his writing. Through Bayliss’s memories, historical imagery, and hands-on examples, the program demonstrates how schooners fuel creativity, bridge fantasy and realism, and inspire new generations to connect with maritime history.

This event will be hybrid taking place at the Sawyer Free Library and online. If you wish to participate online please include this in your RSVP at sawyerfreelibrary.org. 

For more information contact Meg O’Neill or Julie Travers at 978-325-5500.

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⚠️❄️
Gloucester Parking Ban declared on all city streets.
🚨 No parking at East Veterans Elementary School 🚨
➡️Starting at 1:00PM Today, Sunday January 25th
➡️ Now ending 6:00PM Monday, January 26th.
All cars must be removed from school parking lots by 8:00PM on Monday, January 26th to ensure proper snow removal before school resumes on Tuesday.
🗑️ Trash is delayed one day.
🏢 City Offices & Schools are closed on Monday.
💻❄️Snow Center: https://gloucester-ma.gov/1133/Snow-Center

https://square.link/u/lWPKQg7B

DANGEROUS COLD is here this weekend and early next week. Your safety is our #1 priority. Take immediate action to

IMMEDIATE WARM SHELTER
The Cape Ann Motor Inn is offering a FREE two-night stay for anyone needing shelter from the cold this weekend.
📞 CALL 978-281-2900 NOW to reserve your warm room.☕ WARMING CENTERS ARE OPEN
Our City designated centers are open to provide a safe, warm place to escape the cold.Sawyer Free Library (2 Dale Ave.): 10 AM – 5 PM (Sat & Sun)The Grace Center (264 Main St.): Sunday: 11 AM – 4 PM (Also Mon-Fri 8:30-4, providing meals, showers, and more!)Gloucester Community Impact Unit (5 Center St.): Sat & Sun: 8 AM – 12 PM (Hot coffee available!)West Gloucester Trinity Congregational Church: CALL 978-283-2817 for access.NEIGHBOR SAFETY: Please check on your elderly neighbors and those who may be vulnerable. Do not risk exposure to this extreme cold.
LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY? Dial 911.
#GloucesterMA #StayWarm #ColdWeatherSafety #EmergencyAlert