The League of Women Voters of Cape Ann will jointly host a webinar, “Plastics: the Mounting Threat to Public Health,” on January 28, at 4pm. Our speaker will be Dr. Philip Landrigan, MD. For information and registration visit https://bit.ly/mounting-threat.
The League of Women Voters is a co-sponsor of this timely and informative event.
About the Speaker
Dr. Landrigan is a pediatrician and epidemiologist, and he directs the program for Global Public Health and the Common Good at Boston College and the Global Observatory on Planetary Health. Dr. Landrigan has collaborated with other scientists to study the health impacts of plastics throughout their life cycles. He will share the study’s results and give his recommendations for taking bold steps now to reduce plastics and mitigate their health impacts. Dr. Landrigan will also respond to questions from the webinar audience.
The Issue with Microplastics
Microplastics pose an increasing threat to our health. They last forever and are everywhere – in the food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe, and the products we use. More work is needed to fully understand the health impacts of plastics accumulating in our bodies, but scientists have linked the particles to serious health problems, including cancer, heart disease, asthma, and disruption of the endocrine and reproductive systems.
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I took a little walk around Stage Fort Park following the recent snowfall. Naturally I had to swing down to Half Moon Beach which is my very favorite. You could almost hear the summer laughter rising and falling with the gentle winter waves.
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Ice sculpture map for this weekend’s Gloucester So Salty Event-
Saturday, January 24, 2026 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Cape Ann Museum Lobby, Downtown Campus 27 Pleasant St, Gloucester, MA, 01930 Free and open to the public
Join us in celebrating the fish city’s recognizably salty character with the 5th Annual Gloucester’s So Salty, a festival sponsored by the Cape Ann Museum in partnership with Discover Gloucester.
This annual event brings over 2,000 people to the downtown area each January to shop at local stores, enjoy family friendly activities, visit the Museum Lobby, and find each of the ice sculptures sponsored by local cultural institutions and businesses.
Gloucester’s So Salty will take place on Saturday, January 24 and Sunday, January 25, 2026 from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm!
So Salty Brochure
While the downtown Museum is temporarily closed for renovations, we welcome you to visit us in the Museum Lobby to grab a Brochure map of the weekend’s activities and find all the ice sculptures downtown (Hint, three are in the Museum Courtyard!).
Stop by the Museum Lobby at 27 Pleasant St. to be entered into a drawing to win one of five family memberships to the Cape Ann Museum. Winners will be announced throughout the weekend.
Free Events
SATURDAY:
Live Music, performed by Steve Dennis, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. The Cut, 177 Main St.
Sea Shanties, performed by Three Sheets to the Wind, 2:00 p.m. Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church, 10 Church St.
Mayor Lundberg reads Katy and the Big Snow, plus kids’ activities. Gloucester Lyceum & Sawyer Free Library, 2 Dale Ave.
10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Elsa’s Frozen Ice & Snow show brings stories and the science of ice together for a fun morning of learning for children!
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on the Main Floor: Live Music Trio featuring a variety of wintertime fun including Gershwin, Disney, folk tunes, and classics.
1:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Mayor Lundberg reads Katy and the Big Snow by Gloucester’s beloved author and illustrator, Virginia Lee Burton.
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Get Salty with crafts by The Open Door and Pathways for Children.
Enjoy an Open Mic and shop vintage and hand-made clothing & hats, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.Lockwood Studios, 2-4 Eastern Ave.
SUNDAY:
Gloucester Student Band will be performing, plus enjoy games for all! 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. The Cut, 177 Main St.
Enjoy Poetry Readings & Jam Session and shop vintage and hand-made clothing & hats, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Lockwood Studios, 2-4 Eastern Ave.
Special Offers and Activities
Check individual listings for days and times.
Revive Wellness 10% off all treatments. Walk-ins welcome. Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. & Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., 232 Main St. Joe’s Fresh Fish Prints Come see Fish Printing Demonstrations! Saturday & Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., 206 Main St. Happy Tails Shoppe 10% Off All Dog & Cat Treats. Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., 186 Main St. The Cut Enjoy a Magic Show for the whole family, Saturday, 1:00 p.m. Tickets from $9.50-$19.50 (+fees). Evening performance: The Beautiful Losers – A Tribute to Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet Band, Saturday, 8:00 p.m., Tickets are $25 (+fees). 177 Main St. Floating Lotus 10% Off storewide all weekend. Join us for a Drumming Class: Primal Roots Drumming—bring your own drum or rent one! For tickets visit: floatinglotus.net. Sunday, 1:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m., 169 Main St. The Dress Code Come in to warm up and enjoy 20% Off winter coats! Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., 159 Main St. Masshole & Co Pet Provisions $1 Doggie “Pawgaritas” with any purchase! A cucumber-based drink topped with whipped cream that pups can’t resist. Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., 137 Main St. Dogtown Books Create your own Salty poetry, expressions or silly phrases on our front window! Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., 132 Main St. Source Bakery 50% Off one Chocolate Chip Cookie! Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. & Sunday, 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Plus artist Elena Ododovsky will be giving away free coloring sheets of original artworks from her coloring books on Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., 3 Duncan St. Local Colors Come paint salt dough fish, while supplies last. View and shop work by local artists! Saturday & Sunday, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., 121 Main St. Sample This Shop our Winter Sale! Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., 123 Main St. Mark Adrian Shoes Icy, salty streets getting you down? Stay safe, dry, warm and fabulous in new winter boots! Lots on sale! Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., 103 Main St. Fireflies Boutique Stop in for a free piece of Saltwater Taffy! Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., 100 Main St. Toodleoos Free stickers, salty candy, & special offers! Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. & Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., 142 Main St. Sweats of Gloucester 20% Off storewide. Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., 85 Main St. Pop Gallery will be serving up Sales & Ales! Enjoy warming libations, shop fun new looks, and partake in a raffle for a special Gloucester-So-Salty prize. Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. & Sunday, 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., 67 Main St. Castaways Vintage Café $2 Salted Caramel Lattes! Saturday & Sunday, 6:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., 65 Main St. The Bookstore of Gloucester Festive window display, 10% Off select Salty books, plus special “salty” candles for sale, courtesy of A Tale of Two Candles! Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. & Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., 61 Main St. Cape Ann Olive Oil 20% Off all salts and salt-related products. Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., 57 Main St. Design of Mine 40% Off storewide! Saturday & Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., 33 Main St. Gloucester Apparel and Pat D’s Photos Buy 3, Get-One-Free Hat Sale (includes fleece lined caps)! Large banner flags discounted to $25 and $3 notecards available from Pat D’s Photos. Plus—free Salted Caramels! Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., 44A Main St. Saluti Visit Gloucester’s NEW Wine Bar to enjoy a $5 mug of mulled wine or spiked cider! Offer also available at The Salted Cod on Rocky Neck. Saturday, 4:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. & Sunday, 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., 272 Main St. Machaca Burger Special! Dine-in and try our Machaca Burger, Hawaiian Burger, or Smashburger. Saturday & Sunday, 12:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., 14 Rogers St. Cape Ann Lanes/Laneside Pub & Brewery Special Offer! Buy 1, Get-One-Free hot cocoa in our Winter Wonderland Beer Garden OR 10% off bowling and food after 4:00 p.m. Saturday & Sunday, 53 Gloucester Ave. Mile Marker One Enjoy a special Salty Cocktail, plus Igloos are still available for dining! Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. & Sunday, Breakfast 8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and Brunch 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., 75 Essex Ave.
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Did not spend much time walking Shore Road on Tuesday night. Temperature and wind were intense. This may sound crazy, but the fresh air does revitalize your spirit.
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Wednesday our weekly Celtic Seisiún in the restaurant starting at 6pm. This is intended to be a collaborative music experience so come grab a Guinness and enjoy the cozy neighborhood pub vibes! No cover.
Friday we have Dead to the Core returning to The Cut stage. These guys always put on an INCREDIBLE show! Seats are sold out, but there are still GA Standing tickets available. Doors at 7pm. Show at 8pm.
We will also have live music in the restaurant from 7pm-10pm with Soul Resonators. No cover.
Saturday is a busy one! We’ll be open at noon for a special So Salty Saturday!
We have a Magic Show with Robert Clarke – the perfect outing for the whole family. Tickets are going fast, so grab yours now! Doors at 12:30pm. Show at 1pm. Kids floor tickets (front and center where they’re gonna want to be) start at just $9.50 (plus fees).
Steve Dennis will also be playing in the restaurant from 1pm – 3pm as part of our FREE So Salty offering! Steve joined Ed Sheeran at his pop-up pub in Ipswich this past summer and we’re excited for him to bring that vibe to a Saturday at The Cut.
Saturday night we have The Beautiful Losers – A Tribute to Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band. Seats sold out FAST for this one, but there are still a limited number of GA Standing tickets available. Doors at 7pm. Show at 8pm.
And last, but not least, we are throwing it down with DJ Vito & Friends in the restaurant from 9 to close! DJ Vito Ferrara & Friends will be with us every Saturday night. No cover. Follow us on social media for guest DJ updates!
Sunday we’ll continue our So Salty offering with The Gloucester Student Band up on the stage in the venue from 12pm – 2pm. The bar will be open and we’ll have some games out etc.
Plus we’ll have the NFL AFC and NFC Championship games on in the restaurant (and we might have special surprise showing in the venue for the Pats game at 3pm – stay tuned on social media to get the details). You still have a chance to enter to win a VIP Super Bowl Party experience in the venue for you and your crew. All you have to do it watch a game at The Cut.
BRAVO2 is now officially up and running serving their killer Detroit Style pizzas along with a full menu of other delicious salads, sides, and mains. Come on by and check them out! Updated hours are below. Their winter hours are: Wed 5pm – 9pm Thu 5pm – 9pm Fri 5pm – 10pm Sat 5pm – 10pm – THIS SATURDAY ONLY WE’LL OPEN AT NOON Sun 12pm – 9pm Closed Mon & Tue
BRAVO2 IS OPEN AT NOON ON SUNDAY! COME WATCH FOOTBALL WITH US!! We have NFL Sunday Ticket and we’re the only bar in town that has enough TVs to show ALL the games. You can also scan in each game day for a chance to win a VIP Super Bowl Party Experience! We’ll be hosting the best Super Bowl Party on the North Shore back in the venue!!
Our 2026 The Cut Memberships are now on sale. Sign up for exclusive presales, perks and privileges!
I get that ducks “stay warm” in the winter thanks to all sorts of design features such as waterproof outer feathers, a down layer, and even some cool heat exchange deal in their legs but, you’ll never convince me not to be sad when I see them in the ice cold water. And, yes, I realize they’d get out of the water if they were truly miserable………
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We met friends for lunch at Kalamata on Main Street yesterday. This little place is a definite win-win. We had a lovely atmosphere in which to catch up unhurriedly as well as delicious food and friendly service. Rose and GMG Jim had the chicken gyro sandwich, Rick had the pork gyro sandwich and I had the chicken gyro salad. The salad is FULL of chicken, fresh veggies and feta with plenty enough to take home. It’s a favorite lunch when I am at the shop, but even better when we can meet friends and chat. Try their soups!
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What did the greater Gloucester community read in 2025? According to annual circulation data from the Sawyer Free Library, readers once again gravitated toward powerful storytelling, beloved series, and nationally celebrated bestsellers – across all ages and formats.
Topping the adult fiction list for the second year in a row is Kristin Hannah’s deeply moving novel The Women, which continues to resonate strongly with Sawyer Free Library patrons. Readers also followed national reading trends, checking out popular titles such as We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes and Three Days in June by Anne Tyler.
As in years past, graphic novels and favorite series dominated youth reading. Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man titles once again proved wildly popular with younger readers, alongside cherished picture books by Mo Willems.
“The books our community borrowed in 2025 reflect a shared curiosity and a love of reading that spans generations,” said Sawyer Free Library Director Jenny Benedict. “With the exciting opening of our newly reimagined library, we’re seeing renewed energy and engagement from readers of all ages, as people return to discover new stories, connect with one another, and make the Library a part of their everyday lives.”
Sawyer Free Library’s Most Checked-Out Books of 2025
Top 5 Adult Fiction
The Women by Kristin Hannah
We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout
Three Days in June by Anne Tyler
Top 5 Adult Nonfiction
The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin
Gloucester’s Own: Stories From America’s First Fishing Village by Andrew Joyce
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War by Erik Larson
The Forever Young Cookbook: More Than 100 Delicious Recipes for Living Your Longest, Healthiest Life by Mark Hyman
Top Teen Fiction
Surprisingly Sarah by Terri Libenson
The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
Betting on You by Lynn Painter
The Squad by Christina Soontornvat
Top 5 Children’s Books
Dog Man: The Scarlet Shredder by Dav Pilkey
The Thank You Book by Mo Willems
Dog Man: Fetch 22 by Dav Pilkey
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Big Shot by Jeff Kinney
Five-Way Tie:
Can I Play Too? by Mo Willems
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Diaper Overload by Jeff Kinney
Dog Man: Grime and Punishment by Dav Pilkey
I Will Surprise My Friend by Mo Willems
Should I Share My Ice Cream? by Mo Willems
While top checkouts offer a snapshot of reading trends, they represent only a small portion of the wide range of materials borrowed by the community in 2025. Sawyer Free Library offers thousands of books, e-books, and audiobooks; materials in many world languages; and accessible formats – ensuring there is something for everyone.
With approximately 14,000 cardholders, Sawyer Free Library continues to serve as a cornerstone for education, connection, and cultural enrichment in Gloucester. Residents and students can obtain a Sawyer Free Library card by applying in person, or apply online for a NOBLE eCard, which provides access to Libby, Hoopla, and other digital resources from home, as well as the ability to place holds on print materials.
Readers are invited to explore these popular titles – and discover countless others – by visiting the Library’s newly renovated, modernized and expanded spaces at 2 Dale Avenue in Gloucester, or online at sawyerfreelibrary.org, where librarians are always ready to help patrons find their next great read.
Heidi Dallin with the news from Cape Ann Symphony, a great theme from Musicians Unleashed for their next program.
Alexandra Dietrich
“Cape Ann Symphony continues the Musicians Unleashed Concert Series with Moods of the Sea Concert, on Sunday, February 8, 2026 at 3:00 PM at The St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1123 Washington Street, Gloucester. The ticket price for Moods of the Sea Concert is $40. Call CAS at 978-281-0543 or go to www.capeannsymphony.org to purchase tickets.
Premiering in 2019, The Cape Ann Symphony’s Musicians Unleashed Concert Series are small intimate chamber concerts performed by members of the Cape Ann Symphony and guest artists at unique performance venues on Cape Ann. The Musicians Unleashed Concerts have become a wonderfully popular series with an overwhelmingly enthusiastic audience response.
The Moods of The Sea Concert combines music, literature and poetry performed by five string players and 2 vocalists. The program ranges from English poet John Masefield’s Sea Fever about longing for the freedom of life on the open sea set to music by John Ireland to Anton Dvořak’s String Quintet No. 2 in G Major, Op. 77, 2nd Movement written for the unusual combination of string quartet and double bass and in the lively joyful style of folk dance.
Moods of the Sea captures the stylistic choices of these works, with undercurrents and rippling chords. The program brings together motifs from folk traditions that expand to create full movements of beautiful sounds.
The concert program includes:
Salina Fisher’s Mata Au; Edward Elgar’s Sea Pictures, Op. 37; Gustav Holst’s St. Paul’s Suite, Op. 29; Sea Fever, Music by John Ireland, Lyrics by John Masefield; and Anton Dvořak’s String Quintet No. 2 in G Major, Op. 77, 2nd Movement.
“Audiences can expect an eclectic afternoon of music, ” says Barbara Cox, Director of Marketing on the CAS Board, ” from beautiful vocals to soaring strings to joyful folk dances! We are excited to spotlight not only our CAS String players but also CAS Chorus member and Gloucester resident baritone John Fortado! Veteran Boston Mezzo soprano Alexandra Dietrich and cellist Taylor Stobinski make their Musicians Unleashed debut in Moods of the Sea. “
The musicians of Moods of the Sea are Cape Ann Symphony Principal Bass Richey Tally, a position he has held since 2009; CAS Violinists Margaret Cerjan and Oliver Klein, CAS Violist Brandon White and Greater Boston based teacher, recording artist and Cellist Taylor Stobinski.
Vocalists performing in Moods of the Sea are CAS Chorus member Gloucester’s John Fortado and mezzo soprano Alexandra Dietrich. A lifelong resident of Gloucester, MA, John Fortado has been singing as a tenor/baritone soloist and in multiple choirs, among them Chorus North Shore, Share the Music, and Cape Ann Symphony Chorus. He studies with Rockport’s Wendy Betts. He is an active soloist at the Orthodox Congregational Church in Lanesville as well as other churches and venues on the North Shore. Alexandra Dietrich, a Puerto Rican American originally from Freeport, Maine, has performed with opera companies and orchestras including the Boston Pops, Odyssey Opera, Juventas New Music Ensemble, Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra, the North Shore Philharmonic Orchestra, the Charlemagne Orchestra of Belgium, the Longy Chamber Orchestra, and MassOpera. “
The Musicians Unleashed Concert, Moods of the Sea is Sunday, February 8 at 3:00 PM at The St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1123 Washington Street, Gloucester. The ticket price for Moods of the Sea is$40. Call Cape Ann Symphony at 978-281-0543 or go to www.capeannsymphony.org for tickets.
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OPEN ON A SUNDAY?!?! Your shake and tea dreams just came true, this weekend we’re getting salty and opening on Sunday too!! Come out and support your favorite local businesses downtown!! You don’t want to miss our special ice sculpture
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Good Morning Gloucester 
