A JOURNEY THROUGH HISTORY, MYSTERY, AND ART AN EVENING WITH LOCAL HISTORIAN RICHARD CARLSON
The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck, 6 Wonson Street, Gloucester, MA
Date: September 10, 2025
Time: 6:30PM
Admission: Suggested donation: $10 to benefit the Rocky Neck Art Colony
Gloucester, MA – Join us for an unforgettable evening as speaker and historian Richard Carlson brings to life the rich and storied past of Ten Pound Island, one of Rocky Neck’s most iconic and intriguing landmarks. His engaging presentation promises a journey through centuries of history, mystery, and artistic inspiration.
Ten Pound Island has been a central figure in the area’s history since well before Samuel de Champlain chartered the coast in 1606. Rich will explore the island’s many chapters—from its early days as a fish hatchery, to its role as a Coast Guard airfield during Prohibition, to its enduring legacy as home to the beloved Ten Pound Island Light.
This lively talk will also dive into the island’s more enigmatic moments. Expect tales of sea monster sightings, the infamous Great Rat Flood, and the ways in which artists have been captivated by the island’s beauty over the years.
Whether you’re a history buff, maritime folklore lover, or simply curious about Gloucester’s hidden gems, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
Come uncover the captivating history and legends of Ten Pound Island—right in the heart of Gloucester. Free (or Suggested Donation of $10.00) and Open to the Public
Chief Edward Conley is pleased to report that the Gloucester Police Department is welcoming a new officer who just graduated from the police academy.
Officer Noah Dimaio is a lifelong Gloucester resident who graduated from Gloucester High School in 2018. He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminology and criminal justice from Merrimack College.
Officer Dimaio graduated from the Boston Police Academy on Aug. 22. The Boston Police Academy provides an intense, 29-week academy program that includes studies in procedural justice, physical and mental endurance training, de-escalation tactics, and more.
Outside of work, Officer Dimaio enjoys playing basketball, soccer, and riding motorcycles.
Officer Dimaio will now be assigned to work with a Field Training Officer for seven weeks before he begins to patrol on his own.
“I want to welcome Officer Dimaio to the Gloucester Police Department,” said Chief Conley. “I look forward to seeing where his career will take him, and am pleased to add yet another well-trained officer to our department.”
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$6,525 was raised! Thank you so much! Last month Holy Cow Ice Cream Cafe made a special limited edition flavor (Chris “Dough” Pher) to honor and celebrate the life of Chris Dailey. (read below). Thanks to their amazing generosity in donating 100% of Net proceeds to the Chris Dailey Memorial Fund….a phenomenal $5,760 was raised! Thank you to Holy Cow and thank you to everyone who purchased and enjoyed the ice cream. This community has shown repeatedly throughout this tragedy that it is here to support each other like none other.
“Last month, our community was shaken by the sudden and tragic loss of an extraordinary young man, Christopher Dailey. A Class of 2025 graduate of Gloucester High School, Chris was the passenger in a car struck by a wrong-way driver on Route 128 in Gloucester. It was a heartbreaking end to a weekend spent exactly how Chris loved to live—laughing with friends, embracing adventure, and making the most of every moment.
Chris never wasted a second. Known for his adventurous spirit, passion for fun, and the infectious smile that could light up any room, he touched countless lives. He will be remembered not only for his athletic achievements as GHS hockey co-captain (#18) and his academic success (National Honor Society, Magna Cum Laude), but also for his unwavering love for his family and friends. Most of all, Chris will be remembered for his generous soul and giving heart.
To honor Chris’ passion for making a difference, the Chris Dailey Memorial Fund has been established. Holy Cow is humbled to have worked closely with Chris’ parents and sister—who created both the flavor and its name—to celebrate his life and spirit.
Introducing CHRIS “DOUGH” PHER: Blue Vanilla ice cream, loaded with extra chunks of cookie dough and swirled with salted caramel.
“This flavor is a tribute to an adventurous spirit who loved the ocean, the rink, and every sweet moment in between. Bold, bright, and full of heart—just like him.”
100% of net proceeds from sales will go directly to the Chris Dailey Memorial Fund.
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I made my fist visit to the newly renovated Sawyer Free Libary on Dale Ave recently and…WOW! What a great job has been done for our community by the library staff and supporters. Three spacious floors filled with quiet nooks, research materials, meeting space and BOOKS! You might want to consider attending today’s ribbon cutting from 3-4:30 or tomorrow’s Open House 10-3. I have always loved our library and I didn’t think I could love it more…..but I do. Get yourself down there and check it out (librarian humor).
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Gloucester Police and Fire Respond to Multiple Fires, Arrest Made
GLOUCESTER — Police Chief Edward Conley and Fire Chief Eric Smith report that the Gloucester Police and Fire Departments responded to five reports of fires set in large metal trash receptacles on Wednesday, resulting in one arrest. On Wednesday, Sept. 3, at approximately 9:20 p.m., Gloucester Fire was dispatched to 50 Bass Ave. for reports of a fire in a trash receptacle. The fire was extinguished quickly. Within the next two hours, firefighters responded to trash receptacle fires at 63 Rogers St., 205 Main St., 287 Main St., and in an area near the Harbor Loop. All fires were extinguished. There were no injuries. A police investigation determined that the individual who appeared to have set the first fire is BRUCE NICHOLS, AGE 37, of GLOUCESTER. NICHOLS was arrested and charged with: Burning of Personal Property This is an ongoing investigation, and additional charges may be filed. Police believe these were isolated incidents and that there is no threat to the general public. The incidents remain under investigation by Gloucester Police and the State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
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It’s impossible for me to select just a few photos from over the course of the 2025 Schooner Fest, but here you go. I hope you can tolerate just a few more. So much impressive beauty! For additional photos and story details, check out Pat D’s Photos and Adventures on Facebook.
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Celebrations to Kick Off with Public Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony, September 5
After nearly two years of renovation, expansion, and modernization, the Sawyer Free Library is proud to announce the grand reopening of its historic home at 2 Dale Avenue. To celebrate this major milestone, the Library will host a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony on Friday, September 5, followed by a Community Open House on Saturday, September 6.
All are warmly invited to attend and explore the newly revitalized space.
This once-in-a-generation transformation marks a bold new chapter in the Library’s nearly 200-year legacy as a pillar of civic and cultural life in Gloucester. The result is a vibrant and inclusive public space designed to support 21st-century learning, creativity, and community connection.
“The new Sawyer Free Library reflects the spirit of our city: rooted in tradition, driven by creativity, and focused on building an inclusive, dynamic future”, said Mern Sibley, President of the Library’s Board of Trustees.
“This represents one of the most significant civic investments in Gloucester in a generation,” said Gloucester MayorGreg Verga. “It reflects what’s possible when we invest in public spaces that serve everyone.”
“We are incredibly proud to welcome everyone back into a new Sawyer Free Library that is reimagined, renewed and ready to inspire,” added Library DirectorJenny Benedict. “This Library will serve our community as a launchpad for lifelong learning, innovation, and connection for decades to come.”
A Space Revitalized for All
Designed by Oudens Ello Architecture and Dore + Whittier Architects and built by W.T. Rich Company, the $28million construction project seamlessly blends the original 1913 structure and 1976 addition with a striking new 14,000-square-foot expansion. The project was guided by extensive community input and completed on time and within budget.
The transformed Library offers an expansive array of amenities and technologies to serve Gloucester’s evolving needs:
A light-filled Children’s Room and Early Learning Center
A vibrant Teen Room featuring a STEAM-focused Creation Space, gaming consoles, and study nooks.
A state-of-the-art Digital Learning Lab and Podcast Studios with media creation tools, digitization equipment, and soundproof recording rooms
A 100-seat Community Room with adjacent public-use kitchen
New study rooms, conference spaces, and quiet reading lounges
A dedicated Local History Research Center with an extensive collection of books and manuscripts, a robust digital archive, and an interactive 85” Gloucester History Timeline, alongside the preserved writing desk of historian Joseph Garland
In addition, visitors can enjoy a refreshed Matz Gallery for local art exhibitions and the soaring three-story Cape Ann Quarries mural by artist Leslie Bartlett. Outdoors, the grounds feature expanded outdoor gathering spaces, including the Fountain Plaza, covered Dale Avenue Porch and the Library Greenway with raised garden beds, as well as EV charging stations and bike/e-bike parking.
With over 66,000 items—including books, media, digital devices and book club kits—sections of the Library’s collection have grown alongside its physical footprint. New conveniences like after-hours pickup lockers extend access for all.
Built for the Future
The Library sets a new standard for sustainable public building design in the region. Built to Net Zero Ready standards and LEED Gold certification, the building features an all-electric HVAC system, smart energy systems, rainwater harvesting, and climate-resilient landscaping—demonstrating a strong commitment to long-term environmental stewardship.
“The long and challenging journey to restore, expand, and revitalize one of Cape Ann’s greatest public resources has reached a successful ending through the tireless work of dedicated trustees, donors, and a community that cherishes the tradition of a free public library,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester). “Now, its doors will open wide again to allow us all to begin our own countless journeys in the future, made possible by the resources and the inspiration inside its incredible new spaces.”
“As the daughter of a school librarian, I’ve always understood the power of libraries to open doors and bring communities together. The reopening of the Sawyer Free Library reflects Gloucester’s deep commitment to knowledge, creativity, and civic life,” said Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante (D-Gloucester). “The facilities in the expanded library will serve every generation — supporting early literacy, digital access, lifelong learning, and community gathering in one space. Thank you to the many partners who helped make this transformative project a reality.”
A Community Effort, A Shared Legacy
The $28 million construction transformation was made possible through generous public and private support, including over $10 million from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, $6 million from individual donors, $1.85 million from corporate donors, and $200,000 in local government and community partner grants. In addition, the Library Corporation contributed $2 million to the project during the design phase from trust funds. The capital project has reached completion on time and within budget.
To date, 65% of the Library’s capital campaign goal has been raised. Fundraising continues to fully cover construction costs and support the Library’s long-term vision. To contribute, visit: sawyerfreelibrary.org.
For nearly two centuries, the Sawyer Free Library has served as a trusted source of knowledge, creativity, and connection. The 2025 Library honors that legacy while boldly embracing the future—with a mission grounded in inclusion, sustainability, and lifelong learning.
“This is Gloucester’s library,” said Sibley. “And it belongs to everyone.”
To celebrate this milestone, the Library will host two public events:
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Friday, September 5, from 3:00–4:30 PM Featuring remarks, guided tours, a Cape Ann Youth Chorus performance, and light refreshments. Free and open to all. Rain or Shine.
Community Celebration & Open House Saturday, September 6, from 10:00 AM–3:00 PM A day of family-friendly activities and opportunities to explore the transformed space.
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Good Morning Gloucester 