Essex News Update Regarding ClamFest

Posted on by Pat D

We were riding around Essex recently and noticed the old police building is being demolished. This got us wondering about ClamFest status for this year. Although it had been scheduled for Oct 24, it has been cancelled for this year. This is apparently due to difficulties in the restaurant industry making it difficult to hold the chowder competition, which is the featured event for the ClamFest. We are sorry to hear this as it has been a favorite fall event prior to COVID but we will look forward to its return.

In the meantime, here are some pictures of the demolition along with the new station.

Poll- Your Boston Red Sox Are Advancing To The American League Championship Series To Face Either The White Sox Or The Cheating Astros. Who would you rather face- The Cheating Astros Or The White Sox?

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Reading Together! Book Clubs at Sawyer Free Library

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Sawyer Free Library's avatarCape Ann Community

For those of us to like to socialize, the act of reading can feel a bit solitary. Fortunately, the Sawyer Free Libraryoffers a range of book clubs to help make reading more of a social activity where you can connect with like-minded book lovers!

To join the fun, all you need is a library card! Book clubs’ featured books are available at the Sawyer Free Library’s Main Desk or, for most, download the eBook from OverDrive, Libby, or Hoopla.

Current groups include:

GLOBAL FORUM BOOK GROUP, Thursday, October 21, 6:30 pm at the Library Mezzanine

Join a lively discussion on international relations & history each month, moderated by Librarian Beth Pocock. October’s book is “Facing the Mountain” by author Daniel James Brown which tells the unforgettable story of the Japanese-American men who volunteered for the US Army’s 442nd Regimental Combat Team and displayed incredible courage on the brutal…

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CAPA Quick Draw — pat morss

Posted on by patmorss

After a year off for COVID, it was great to have the Cape Ann Plein Air Festival back this past week. It is now sought after by artists nation-wide. This year 200 applicants were judged for their work and the limit of 35 were accepted. The final event today, after the Gala, is fun because it gets all the artists together in one area to produce a painting in just 2 hours for the “Quick Draw.”

It took place this year on the waterfront at Harbor Loop, and Maritime Gloucester
Familiar sights were visible, like The Paint Factory
Russell and his wife, from South Carolina, stayed with us this year
Our neighbor’s brother was up from Maryland
I’m told the ages of the artists spanned from their 20s to their 80s
Painters painting together with the statue of Fitz Henry (Hugh) Lane
A painter painting the painters painting with Fitz
After the 2 hours, the artists framed their paintings and set them up for viewing
With hope for a sale, which is more frequent with ever increasing CAPA popularity
At the Gala, which capped off the the week of competition, Johnathan McPhillips took top honors

Magtoctoberfest a success

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

What a great time on October 10, 2021 at Magtoberfest was so fun.  Thank you everyone who came and participated.  A special thank you to the committee and sponsors and everyone who came.  Here is a couple of photos, because it was so busy, which was great, not many photos.  Had a great time. The antique cars, food, beer garden, vendors and music just made the day.  Thank you again for shopping

This photo is from Marshalls Farm stand, Angie’s Alpacas beautiful knitted wear.   Little Kayden fell asleep on the soft Alpaca mittens.

Hannah holding a snake

Nonnie and Riley at the Magtoberfest

Looking and Listening at the Cox Reservation

Posted on by Pat D

I was feeling a little out of sorts and prescribed myself some time outside enjoying the beautiful fall. Worked like a charm. I stopped at the Cox Reservation in Essex for these shots. I heard new-to-me bird and animal calls. One squirrel example here in the video. These vocals could be heard far and wide though I do not know what was going on for the squirrel (input welcome). It’s kind of amazing what you see and hear once you stop to look and listen!

Local Author and Activist Kate Ranta to Speak At Sawyer Free Library putting a spotlight on Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Sawyer Free Library's avatarCape Ann Community

Local Author to share her story of turning abuse and tragedy into transformation and triumph 

The Sawyer Free Library will present “Killing Kate: A Story of Turning Abuse and Tragedy into Transformation and Triumph,” Thursday, October 14, from 6:00 – 7:30 pm.

Manchester-by-the-Sea author KATE RANTA emerged from a severely abusive relationship to become a national leader in raising awareness about domestic violence. She will read passages and autograph copies of her book, “Killing Kate,” and engage in questions and answers about her first-hand experience of domestic and gun violence and her journey to empowerment in the aftermath. 

This important event hosted by the Sawyer Free Library is free and open to the public. Registration is not required. Copies of the book “Killing Kate” will be available. Face masks are mandatory for those attending. The Sawyer Free Library is located at 2 Dale Avenue in Gloucester.

For more information about…

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