Harbor Loop Concert Series 2025

Posted on by Pat D

And right on the heels of the Antonio Gentile Bandstand Concerts, comes the Harbor Loop Concert Series starting next week July 10. Again, mark your calendars as we share the info from their Facebook page:

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Sawyer Free Library Kicks Off Summer with Reading Program and Exciting Lineup of Free Events

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

 ~ SAWYER FREE LIBRARY ~ 

Summer is a time for discovery—and at Sawyer Free Library, the adventure is just beginning.

Sawyer Free Library invites the community to celebrate summer with the launch of its 2025 Summer Reading Program: Level Up at Your Library. This year’s theme is all about playful learning—spotlighting puzzles, games, and hands-on fun designed to spark curiosity and creativity in readers of all ages.

With a vibrant lineup of free events–from live animal visits and magic shows to garden story times and interactive challenges–Level Up encourages young readers to power up their imaginations and discover new worlds. 

The Summer Reading Program is open to children and teens who can register in person at any Summer Reading Program event or online through August 1. Participants are encouraged to read (or be read to) for at least 500 minutes over the summer. With their “Level Up at the Library” reading logs, kids can earn prizes including Topsfield Fair tickets and a chance to win a signed Boston Bruins hockey jersey courtesy of the Boston Bruins Foundation. 

The summer fun kicks off on Friday, July 11 at 10:00 a.m. at Gloucester City Hall with a live animal presentation by Wildlife Encounters Ecology Center. Children and families will meet exotic creatures and learn about their habitats, adaptations, and roles in the ecosystem.

Beginning July 10, Thursday mornings bring gardening and story-sharing with Backyard Growers in the library’s raised beds on the Saunders House Lawn. 

A summer highlight comes on Monday, July 28 at 10:00 a.m., when The Poop Museum arrives at City Hall. This interactive science program, led by “poop expert” Susie Maguire, is packed with fun facts, hands-on learning, and plenty of laughs as kids explore the surprising world of human, animal, and insect poop.

The library will also host Ed the Wizard and his Reading is Magic Alchemy Laboratory on Friday, August 8, an interactive magic show that uses storytelling and everyday objects to demonstrate the transformative power of reading. Then, on Tuesday, August 12 at 10:30 a.m., Rick Roth and the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team will introduce kids to real snakes and share fascinating facts about their habitats and behavior.

Tweens and teens have a summer program of their own to look forward to at Sawyer Free. Students entering grades 6–12 can earn a free half pint of Holy Cow Ice Cream just by reading one book and filling out online form. They’re also invited to special events like the Teen & Tween Whale Watch on July 10 and Henna Tattoos on August 11. Youth are encouraged to get involved in the Teen/Tween Advisory Board (TAB), where they can help shape library programs, earn volunteer hours, and connect with friends and community.

Summer reading isn’t just for kids. Adults can join in by submitting book ratings, earning entries into prize draws for $25, $50, or $75 Cape Ann Gift Certificates. Submissions can be made online or at the library. In addition, the library will host a full schedule of virtual author talksthroughout the summer. All adult library programming, in-person services, programs, and special events will resume in September. Library cardholders can also continue to enjoy free or discounted passes to local cultural attractions. 

All summer programming is free, thanks to the support of the Massachusetts Library System, the Boston Bruins, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, and the Gloucester Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Mass Cultural Council. 

The Sawyer Free Library is excited to officially open its newly renovated, expanded, and modernized space this September. In the meantime, the Library’s digital resources are available 24/7 at sawyerfreelibrary.org.

To learn more about Summer at the Sawyer Free Library and to register for programs, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org.

🔥 Get Holiday-Ready with a Prime IV Drip! 🇺🇸💧

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Heading into the 4th of July festivities? Don’t let the summer heat or party planning wear you down!

Stay energized, hydrated, and ready to celebrate with a pre-holiday IV drip. Whether you’re hitting the beach, hosting a BBQ, or enjoying fireworks, our vitamin-packed hydration therapy will help you:

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🎆 Book your IV session before the 4th and show up refreshed, recharged, and ready for fun.

Spots fill fast—schedule yours today! 

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Greasy Pole Sunday Bloopers

Posted on by Nichole S.

Greasy Pole Sunday Bloopers. While we all love to see the winner grab the flag…and none of us want any of the walkers to get hurt, the bloopers are always a fan favorite as well.

Gloucester Fire Department Responds to Head-On Crash That Injured Five People on Route 128

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

 Chief Eric Smith reports that the Gloucester Fire Department responded early Monday morning to a head-on crash on Route 128 that injured five people. 

On Monday, June 30, at approximately 1:45 a.m., the Gloucester Fire and Police Departments, as well as Massachusetts State Police, were called to the Route 128 Bridge over the Annisquam River for a report of a head-on collision with one vehicle having rolled over.

Rescuers arrived to discover a two-vehicle crash on the A. Piatt Andrew Bridge, with one of the vehicles on its roof.  Two people in the vehicles were trapped and had to be extricated by Gloucester Firefighters using hydraulic rescue tools.

One of the trapped occupants, an 18-year-old man, was taken to a nearby landing zone, and flown to a Boston hospital by medical helicopter in critical condition.

Three other individuals in the vehicles, two 19-year-old women and a male in his 80s, were taken to Beverly Hospital by Gloucester Fire Department and Beauport ambulances. A fifth individual, an 18-year-old man, was taken to Addison Gilbert Hospital by a private vehicle. 

One of the 19-year-old woman was later transferred to Tufts New England Medical Center, where she is listed in critical condition. The other 19-year-old woman was treated and released from Beverly Hospital. The man in his 80s was later transferred to Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington, where he is in critical condition. The condition of the 18-year-old man who went to the hospital in a private vehicle was not immediately available.

“Last night’s serious crash on the Route 128 bridge has deeply affected our community. My thoughts are with all those involved, and with their families, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” said Mayor Greg Verga. “This hits especially close to home, as several of those involved are not only from Gloucester, but are young members of our community. We are a city that cares deeply — we’re all holding those impacted in our hearts right now.”

Since the crash occurred on the highway, it is under investigation by Massachusetts State Police. Additional inquiries about the crash and investigation should be directed to the State Police. 

###

Jimmy Dalpiaz Reviews Sclafani’s Apricot Pecan Chicken Salad

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Reviewing @sclafanis_bakery_and_deli Apricot Pecan Chicken Salad. What may be the ultimate beach move. Get a container of this, a couple figure 8 rolls and prepare the sandwiches on the beach to protect the integrity of the bread! Nice job Jimmy

The sudden brilliance of St. Peter’s Fiesta: crowds beaming on the wave of great good humor. #GloucesterMA

Posted on by Catherine

photos: Scenes from Sat & Sun. Fiesta 2025 flashed by. Summer is established now. Greasy Pole from Stacy Blvd., Seine Boat races, walkers, storefronts on Main (Stone’s Pub and Salon One), and a Tiramisu pop up at Mutha Shuckas.

Crowds were out walking in the streets downtown—especially Main St., Roger, and Stacy Boulevard—funneling to St. Peter’s, Beach Court and Pavilion Beach. Police in blue shirts and Beauport Hotel valets in red were stopped or moving among them. Gloucester harbor was equally knotted with boats and a wide of variety of water sport conveyances darting in and out. As ever, St. Peter’s Fiesta 2025 was a tremendous success. the next St. Peter’s Fiesta is scheduled June 24-28, 2026. The 100th Anniversary is a mere two years away!

Sunday Mass and beautiful procession

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

On Sunday, Mass at St. Peter’s Park was crowded and wonderful.  After the Mass, the procession did not disappoint.  It is wonderful to see the traditions continue.  Thank you to The Fiesta Committee and the first responders who keep everyone safe.

Surfside Subs Monday 6/30 🍔🍕🦞

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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🍕Buy any 16” Pizza get a 16” Cheese for $5

🎉Additional Specials for today!
🦞$13.99 Lobster Rolls
🍔 $4.99 cheeseburgers w/ Chips & Pickles

Magnolia 525 Brings Home Jr. Mens Seine Boat Championship Fiesta 2025

Posted on by Pat D

The final sporting event of Championship Sunday was run under sunny skies and perfect conditions following the heavy fog that delayed the earlier race but Tonno, WarriOars and Magnolia 525 put on a great display of teamwork and talent. Magnolia 525 won a squeaker just edging out the WarriOars to bring home the Junior Mens Championship for 2025. Well done!

Margarita Monday At Fleur Cuisine

Posted on by Pat D

Last Monday was Fleur Cuisine’s turn to shine for Margarita Monday. Boy, did that bet pay off in a big way for us. Not only did we get to say hello to Daphnee but we were also treated to DELICIOUS food and drink. First of all, I like to take the bartender’s recommendation for a margarita especially if I don’t see something on the menu that jumps out for the purpose of a Margarita Monday post. This watermelon margarita was recommended by the outstanding bartender (who’s name I forgot to note..apologies). I normally avoid watermelon flavored drinks because I expect them to taste like watermelon candy from childhood (blech) but this is not the case here! This margarita was light and refreshing on a warm day so thanks for the tip! We had plantains, steak salad and pineapple rice bowl which were PERFECT. I had to take an order of the Caribbean Wings appetizer because I can’t leave Fleur Cuisine on the T Wharf in Rockport without them. As an added note, Daphnee informed us the outdoor pergola is nearly finished on their deck which will make outdoor dining that much nicer! Awesome idea.

By the way, I write the Margarita Monday posts mostly to highlight establishments that are open on Mondays as well as to taste-test margaritas in our area. Generally we will visit a location on Monday then post the outcome the following Monday. We have several more weeks to go so if you have suggestions, we are open to them.