John Gillis Named City of Gloucester’s Information Technology Director
GLOUCESTER – Mayor Greg Verga is pleased to announce the appointment of John Gillis as the City’s new Information Technology Director, following a competitive selection process.
Gillis, a Gloucester resident, brings over 30 years of experience in the private sector to the City’s IT Department. He joins the team following almost 25 years of IT managerial positions at Verizon Communications, most recently serving as Director of Systems Engineering at the telecommunications company.
Gillis holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the College of the Holy Cross and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Boston College.
“I am very grateful for the opportunity to join the City of Gloucester IT Team. I look forward to working across all departments to support their information technology requirements,” said Gillis.
His expertise includes application development, system consolidations, and capital budgeting—skills that will be invaluable in modernizing and strengthening Gloucester’s IT infrastructure.
“I am thrilled to welcome John to the team – he has already hit the ground running,” said Mayor Greg Verga. “Our City’s IT Department plays a role in a lot of work done across city departments, and I feel confident that John will be able to lead the department forward and help us all achieve our goals.”
His appointment will be forwarded to City Council for final approval in the coming weeks.
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We went to Salem recently just to have a walk around for the day and we found ourselves at the Salem Armory Regional Visitor Center on New Liberty St. What a cool respite in the middle of a city that can sometimes get a little overwhelming. There are guides to assist you with questions, several historic displays, AND a bathroom. Currently there’s a display demonstrating how close Salem came to being the start of the Revolutionary War (look up Leslie’s Retreat if you are intrigued). With the upcoming Bunker Hill re-enactment in Gloucester June 20-22, viewwing it makes for good background info. Cheers to our National Park Service.
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Four Libraries to host Community-Wide Celebration of Earth Day
As the world gets ready to celebrate Earth Day 2025, Cape Ann’s public libraries are joining forces to inspire environmental action and education. This year, four public libraries of Cape Ann—Gloucester,Rockport, Manchester-by-the-Sea and Essex – are proud to present bestselling author Sy Montgomery and renowned wildlife illustrator Matt Patterson for a special event exploring the wonders of turtles and the natural world.
On Saturday, April 19, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm, the libraries will welcome Montgomery and Patterson to the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport, MA, for an engaging discussion of their acclaimed book, Of Time and Turtles: Mending the World, Shell by Shattered Shell. The event will feature a 60-minute presentation, followed by a 30-minute Q&A session. Attendees can submit questions in advance through their library’s website.
This free event offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from two of the most passionate voices in nature writing and wildlife illustration. Tickets are available online through each participating library’s website—space is limited.
“A library is a portal not just to our own world, but to worlds unknown–worlds that have never been–worlds of imagination. A library holds the keys to every kingdom. And just think: all of us can step through this magical door right in our own neighborhood! For me, the library is an entryway, a refuge, a space rocket. Libraries show us we can dream anything, do anything, be anything. They are more essential today than ever before,” shares author Sy Montgomery about the importance of public libraries.
Cape Ann’s libraries are thrilled to bring this Earth Day program to the community as part of their ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental education. Montgomery and Patterson will share their experiences working with injured turtles, discuss their creative collaboration, and inspire audiences to see the world—and its wildlife—through a fresh, more compassionate lens.
As coastal communities, Cape Ann’s libraries recognize the critical importance of protecting the environment for future generations. With this special event, the libraries hope to encourage people of all ages to deepen their connection to nature and take meaningful action. In addition, each Cape Ann library will offer a variety of Earth Day programs throughout March and April, encouraging individuals of all ages to take meaningful steps to protect our environment – because every day is Earth Day.
Sy Montgomery is an internationally acclaimed author and naturalist, celebrated for her remarkable ability to bring the lives of animals and their ecosystems to readers of all ages. She has written over 30 books, including the National Book Award finalist The Soul of an Octopus, and has traveled the world researching rare and extraordinary creatures. Her latest work, Of Time and Turtles, explores the resilience and wonder of these ancient beings while offering profound insights into the mysteries of time itself.
Matt Patterson is an award-winning wildlife illustrator whose detailed, captivating artwork brings the beauty of nature to life. His illustrations in The Book of Turtles, a Robert F. Sibert Honor Award recipient, showcase the stunning diversity of turtles and highlight their crucial role in ecosystems worldwide.
The community is invited to celebrate Earth Day with an unforgettable conversation about wildlife, conservation, and the timeless lessons turtles can teach us. This special program is made possible through the collaborative efforts of Cape Ann’s public libraries —Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester-by-the-Sea and Essex – and their shared commitment to fostering a love of nature, literature, and lifelong learning.
For those interested, Susie’s Stories in Rockport will be offering to purchase signed copies of Sy Montgomery’s book Of Time and Turtles: Mending the World, Shell by Shattered Shell through their website.
Are you thinking about selling your home? Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or relocating, now is the perfect time to put your home on the market. With strong buyer demand, low inventory, stunning coastal appeal, and a thriving local real estate market, selling on Cape Ann offers incredible opportunities.
Cape Ann is at High Demand!
Cape Ann isn’t just a place to live, it’s a lifestyle.With breathtaking ocean views, vibrant maritime culture, and access to some of the best beachesin New England, buyers are eager to call this coastal gem home. Did you know there are 7 buyers for every home?
2. Home Values are Strong
The housing market on Cape Ann has remained resilient and competitive, with home values steadily appreciating. Sellers are seeing strong returns, and well-priced homes are selling very quickly.
3. Buyers are Looking for More Than Just a Home
Buyers are prioritizing space, outdoor access, and quality of life, all things Cappe Ann naturally provides. Whether it’s a waterfront escape or a charming New England-style home, these properties check all the boxes.
4. A Smooth Selling Process with the Right Expert
Selling your home doesn’t have to be stressful. As a local expert, I understand the market trends of Cape Ann andhow to position your home for success. With a team of experts from home stagers, home organizers, attorneys and lenders, we can guide you through the process step by step.
5. Is Now the Right Time for You?
Timing is everything! If you’re considering selling, let’s chat about market conditions, pricing strategies, and how to maximize your home’s value.
For a free home valuation and personalized selling strategy. Let’s make your next move a successful one!
Roof work underway last fall and exterior reno in progress now on the stately Hopper-esque Second Empire home with a tower on the corner of Prospect and Elm in Gloucester, Ma. (83 Prospect Street)
Here’s how it looked in 2012, 2020, 2024 (Dec. roofing), 2025 (March)
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Do you have great photos that showcase the beauty of Rockport? The Rockport Rotary Club will be producing a 2026 photo calendar as a fundraiser this year and is requesting amateur and professional photographers alike to submit their best high-quality photos of Rockport to be entered into our contest. The photography winners of each month plus the cover will receive $50. The photos are to be of Rockport and emphasize qualities that make Rockport a special place to live, work and visit in each season. Examples include featuring the fishing industry, town events, parades, pets in a quintessential Rockport scene, quarries, architecture and ocean scenes. The contest will run from now through April 30, 2025. Please submit your high-quality digital photos to rockportrotaryphotos@gmail.com and include your name, mailing address and phone number so we can notify you if you have won. Photos should be in landscape (horizontal) with a high resolution, a minimum of 2-3 MB or higher. Photographers will be featured no more than twice in the same calendar. Please do not include recognizable photos of people who have not given their permission to be in a published photograph. Questions can be submitted to the same email address.
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Bentley Women’s Basketball made it to the 2025 NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Championship Elite Eight and their first game is today. Pittsburgh is hosting the tournament.
Respect and kudos to these amazing athletes! Their camaraderie and teamwork on and off the court is a joy to witness. Here’s what it looked like when the Falcons won last week– at home in front of a jubilant crowd on St. Patrick’s Day. Congratulations to the team, coaches and staff and here’s to back to back Monday wins 🙂
Women’s Elite Eight Seed List
Grand Valley St.
BENTLEY
Cal St. Dom. Hills
Pittsburg St.
Lubbock Christian
Coker
Union (TN)
Gannon
2025 Division II Women’s Basketball Championship Bracket
BOWL TO BUILD SCHOOL GARDENS with us at Cape Ann Lanes
Join Backyard Growers for family fun at Cape Ann Lanes to support all eight Backyard Growers-managed school gardens in Gloucester this spring. We’ll be planting fresh spring crops with 2,000 students in March and April to harvest together in June, and enjoy in cafeteria taste tests.
Your ticket will include all-you-can-bowl for two hours and exciting raffle prizes. Make sure you enjoy the on-site arcade and in-house brew pub. We’ll be collabing with Laneside Pub to create a special Backyard Growers brew for the event.
It’s going to be an awesome night!
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“My name is Jim Tarantino and I have been rowing dories in Gloucester Harbor for over 40 years! Now that I am retired, I am fulfilling a dream to build, and make available to the public, the “Heart o’ Gloucester”, a traditional Grand Banks Dory, for adventures and to honor the Maritime Heritage of Gloucester’s great fishing history!
Summer of 2025, follow along as we take her from Gloucester, MA to Lunenburg, Nova Scotia!
Every penny of funds raised will go to:
– Trailer and transportation
– Maintenance & dockage fees
– A webpage and provisions, where you will get updates on the 600-mile maiden voyage and future trip”
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We stopped for lunch at the Brown Dog on Central St in Ipswich recently because we were looking for a welcoming sit down pub like atmosphere. This fills the bill. Friendly service, varied menu and welcoming atmoshere are my top 3 parameters. I tried the (new to me) Northern End style sausage and pepper sandwich and Jim had a yummy fish sandwich. My sandwich was excellent and I think Jim agreed as there were no leftovers. The place is adorned with dog pictures and not just brown dogs either! I finished off with an Irish coffee which was a perfect ending to a lovely lunch.
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While we’re waiting for spring foliage and fauna to become more active, here are some favorite Eastern Point storm photographs.
Some of us remember the “Great Blizzard of ’78” [and of course, The Perfect Storm].But our storms occur often. Thacher Island, from Brace Rock. [2001]Winter surf at sunset. [2003]Wave fireworks. [2013]Exciting day at the Eastern Point lighthouse; the shed is no longer there. [2013]Spring waves. Caribbean colors. [2016]The Gloucester fishing fleet has always challenged the weather. [2018]Looking up at wave crests, from the Audubon sanctuary. [2020]The sea working itself into a frenzy at Brace Cove. [2021]Ominous weather conditions outside Brace Cove. [2022]A wave with personality, Eastern Point lighthouse. [2022]Colliding waves. [2022]This duck is unperturbed by the Northeast storm. [2022]Double-decker wave. [2024]
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Thanks again so much for helping to get more eyes on these animals! This week we have a special TRIO (yes that’s right, a bonded trio of cats) who are looking to find their fuuuurever home. These sweet cats have had a tumultuous past couple weeks and it can be difficult to find bonded pairs a home together let alone three, so this kitty crew could use an extra boost!
Meet Baxter!BreedSiamese/Mix Age6 years 8 months 19 days GenderFemale SizeMedium ColorBrown/Fawn Adoption Price$50.00 Meet Higgins!BreedSiamese/Mix Age5 years 8 months 2 days GenderMale SizeLarge ColorGrey/Buff
Adoption Price $175.00
and last but not least,
Meet Lady!BreedDomestic Shorthair/Mix Age10 years 7 months 20 days GenderFemale SizeMedium ColorTan/Brown Adoption Price$50.00
Meet Baxter, this girl has the most beautiful eyes and she knows it! Baxter is 6 years old and came to the shelter with her two siblings: Higgins and Lady. Baxter loves to greet people by giving them head butts and loud purrs. She can be a little nervous with new people but she seems to follow what her sister Lady does and follows suit. This gal loves getting her cuddles in with her brother Higgins and will snuggle up to him after they eat breakfast. This trio is looking for a home together. We know it’s not easy taking on 3 cats but we are hoping to find a family who can give these siblings their forever home. If these cuties sound like the match for you, apply online for them today.
______________________________________ Cape Ann Animal Aid
Christopher Cutler Rich Animal Shelter 4 Paws Lane Gloucester, MA 01930
The Rockport Garden Club and the Rockport DPW are again arranging Discounted Rain Barrels for purchase through the Great American Rain Barrel Program (produced in Massachusetts!)
Place your order online BEFORE March 30th at www.greatamericanrainbarrel.com/community Select “Massachusetts” then “Rockport” on the drop down menu. Together, we can help protect our water.
Gloucester Residents are cordially invited to participate.
Good Morning Gloucester 