My View of Life on the Dock
Bloody Mary Day!
Date: Saturday, January 18, 2025
Time: noon to 5 pm
Featuring: Guest Expert Bartender
skilled with years of experience crafting delicious Bloody Marys. Come enjoy a perfectly mixed Bloody Mary and celebrate with us!
Seventy-five endangered North Atlantic right whales (NARW) were observed this week just off the western edge of Jeffreys Ledge, centered approximately near position 43° N, 70° 07’ W (Figure 1). Click here for an interactive right whale observation map. There is a substantial amount of lobster gear in the immediate vicinity that poses an acute entanglement risk to the whales. DMF strongly urges any lobster fishers with gear in the vicinity of Jeffreys Ledge to move their gear to another area as soon as possible and keep away from this area until surveys indicate that the whales have moved on. This large surface-active group of NARW’s is also at a substantial risk of a vessel strike. NOAA Fisheries recently initiated a voluntary slow speed zone (Figure 2), called a Dynamic Management Area (DMA), where mariners are requested to reduce their speed to 10 knots to protect the whales. The DMA is in effect through January 27. DMF strongly urges lobster fishers and all mariners transiting this area to use extreme caution and not exceed speeds of 10 knots.
Learn about important updates, major projects, and the vision shaping the future of our community at one of four citywide presentations.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 17, 2025
GLOUCESTER, Mass.— Mayor Greg Verga will host four in-person “State of the City” presentations across Gloucester in the coming weeks.
The presentation will provide updates on major projects and key initiatives, including updates on municipal infrastructure, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds spending, and progress on sustainable and coastal resilience efforts. Mayor Verga will address the changing financial landscape and goals for the year ahead.
Schedule of presentations:
32 Leslie O Johnson Rd
Thursday, January 30, 2025
6:00PM to 7:00PM
6 Manuel F Lewis St
Thursday, February 6, 2025
6:00PM to 7:00PM
138 Cherry St
Thursday, February 13, 2025
7:00PM to 8:00PM
10 Concord St
Thursday, February 20, 2025
7:00PM to 8:00PM
“The city has been able to accomplish a lot over the past year and I am looking forward to sharing some of these updates at the upcoming State of the City presentations,” said Mayor Greg Verga. “These presentations are an opportunity to share information across the city and set the stage for the year ahead. I invite the public to attend and look forward to answering any questions they may have.”
These presentations provide residents with an opportunity to stay informed about Gloucester’s progress and participate in shaping its future. All residents are encouraged to attend and bring questions for Mayor Verga during the Q&A session.
We hadn’t been to The James on Main St in Essex for a while (formerly The Village) so we stopped for lunch on a cold but sunny weekday. The atmosphere is cozy and the customers ranged from working people to senior citizens while we were there. I had the Salt and Pepper Wings and Jim ordered the classic Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup. Jim’s go-to dessert is carrot cake so he ordered that as well. The cake was not your typical carrot cake…he reported it was almost like fruitcake because it was dense and moist. He enjoyed his whole meal very much. I liked the wings because they are prepared a little differently. The skin was nice and crisp and lightly seasoned. These weren’t Buffalo wings, but I would certainly order them again. They offer an interesting variety of events and weekly specials. If you haven’t been, perhaps give it a try next time you’re in Essex.
Every book we read tells a story—not just of the characters on the page, but also of the community that chooses to read it. At Sawyer Free Library, these stories come to life every day, with a total circulation of over 180,000 in 2024, thousands of books across print and digital were borrowed by Gloucester residents. From poignant fiction to thought-provoking nonfiction, the Library’s most popular titles offer a snapshot of the interests, passions, and curiosity that define our city.
Whether escaping into Kristin Hannah’s deeply moving The Women, exploring James McBride’s vibrant The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store, or laughing with Jeff Kinney’s enduring Diary of a Wimpy Kid, these books inspired and entertained readers of all ages.
“The books our community borrowed in 2024 reflect a collective curiosity and a desire to explore diverse perspectives and experiences,” said Sawyer Free Library Director Jenny Benedict. “Whether escaping into fiction, gaining insights from nonfiction, or discovering new stories with family, these titles highlight the Library’s role as a place for growth, connection, and lifelong learning.”
The Sawyer Free Library’s top checked-out books across print and digital were:
Top 5 Adult Fiction:
1. The Women by Kristin Hannah
2. The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
3. Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
4. The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
5. North Woods by Daniel Mason
Top 5 Adult Nonfiction:
1. How the Word is Passed by Clint Smith
2. The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder by David Grann
3. 101 All-Time Fantasy Baseball Teams by Jack Sweeney
4. Our Underwater World by Sue Lowell Gallion
5. The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson
Top Teen Fiction:
1. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
2. The Assassin’s Blade by Sarah Maas
3. Queen of Shadows by Sarah Maas
4. 1984 by George Orwell
5. Gwen and Art Are Not in Love by Lex Croucher
Top 5 Children’s Books:
1. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth by Jeff Kinney
2. I Am Going! An Elephant and Piggie Book by Mo Willems
3. Dog Man: Brawl of the Wild by Dav Pilkey
4. The Pigeon Will Ride the Roller Coaster! by Mo Willems
5. The Thank You Book by Mo Willems
Find these and millions of other books through the Sawyer Free Library. Visit the Library’s temporary space at 21 Main Street in downtown Gloucester or sawyerfreelibrary.org, where librarians are always ready to help you discover your next great read.
This fall, the Library eagerly anticipates welcoming the community back to its beautifully renovated and expanded spaces, designed to offer comfort, accessibility, and inspiration for all ages. The revitalized first-floor Main Library blends modern upgrades with familiar charm, creating a warm, well-lit environment ideal for reading, research, and connection. Two great rooms house the Library’s treasured physical collections, complemented by inviting furnishings for study and relaxation. The adjacent Quiet Reading Room features a nonfiction collection, modular desks, and cozy armchairs overlooking serene gardens, providing a tranquil space for study and reflection. With its stunning double-height arched windows and natural light, the Reading Lounge evokes an elegant living room atmosphere, perfect for enjoying magazines and newspapers in plush armchairs. Meanwhile, children and teens can explore their vibrant, redesigned spaces filled with age-appropriate materials, fostering a love of learning and discovery. Whether meeting friends, doing homework, or finding the next great read, these spaces offer something special for everyone.
With approximately 14,000 cardholders, Sawyer Free Library continues to be a cornerstone for education, connection, and cultural enrichment. Gloucester residents and students can obtain a library card for free by applying in person, online, or by mail. For more information, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5500.
About an hour before a cloudy sunset in Gloucester Harbor.
I Think I Can…
We were driving through Essex a day or so ago and noticed the dredging project underway. So we watched it for a bit. Pretty interesting…..
I’m convinced wrestling is the most underrated sport in the high school lineup of sports. These kids are elite athletes!
The sunset is different every night. We are so grateful to experience mother nature at her best.
Tempest…
Good Morning Cape Ann 🥯 Lovers!
We’ll be OPEN this Sunday (01/19) at 8:00 am in Rockport!
📍 Location: 1 Whistlestop Mall, Rockport
🚗 PLENTY OF PARKING with easy access!
Fresh 🥯🥯🥯 include: Plain, Sesame, Poppy, Everything, Salt and Rosemary Salt. Freshly Whipped Schmears will also be at the ready.
MANY THANKS TO:
▪️ Our incredible pop-up customers in Gloucester who believed in us from the get go.
▪️ Our family and friends who have rolled up their sleeves to help every step of the way.
▪️ The community of Rockport for welcoming us to the Whistlestop
▪️ The Cape Ann Shared Kitchen (for supporting our early days)
▪️ Everyone who has followed our bagel journey on social media
Special thanks to a handful of Cape Ann culinary pros who generously offered their support, advice, and even helped us equip our new kitchen. Your expertise and kindness have meant the world to us.
We can’t wait to see you all!
The Team at Salty’s
www.saltysbagels.com
We stopped by the Lowell’s Boat Shop on Main St in Amesbury this week for something to do on a cold January day. It’s an unassuming exterior but inside is PACKED with boat building paraphernalia, history and sawdust. We were warmly greeting by docent Patty when we entered through a very small entryway, but the rest of the time that we were there opened up a world of craftsmanship, education and (again) sawdust. It’s a working museum which was orginally established in 1793 and stayed in the same family for almost 200 years. Ownership transferred but the traditions remained to crown it the oldest working wooded boat shop continuously operating in America. This National Historic Landmark mostly features dories, but other boat styles are also featured as well as wooded boat repairs. There is a close tie to Gloucester dories.
In particular an interesting artifact is the hand carved record of the year and the dories built in those years….hundreds of them each year! (Check out the photo). The staff provides education in many ways including the after school apprentice program, adult classes and programs open to the public. It was really quite a delight and I recommend you take the short ride to this little gem along the Merrimack River. Thanks to director Graham and Patty for the intense and interesting lesson in the history of the boat shop and dory building. So many photos because there are so many intriguing spots within.
Free and open to the public
Celebrate the fish city’s recognizably salty character with local cultural institutions and businesses during the 4th Annual Gloucester’s So Salty festival on January 25 and 26, 2025 from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm! Over 1,800 people came out last year to share their salty pride while enjoying free ice sculptures and cultural activities around Downtown Gloucester.
The Cape Ann Museum is partnering with Discover Gloucester and several local cultural institutions and businesses to offer two full days of free programming in the coldest part of the year. Inspired by the annual Salem’s So Sweet event, this two-day event will include ice sculptures, live music, salty treats, free kids’ art activities, and much more.
Find all 10 ice sculptures around downtown Gloucester!
Grab a map from the Cape Ann Museum Information Tent, 27 Pleasant St., and find all 10 salty sculptures!
Offers and Activities:
All Weekend (Saturday, Jan. 25th & Sunday, Jan. 26th)
Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner, or a Sweet & Salty Cocktail, in an Igloo at Mile Marker One, 75 Essex Ave Route 133
25% discount on room rates, Blue Shutters Beachside Inn, 1 Nautilus Road, Gloucester
20% off all salt grinders and salt cellars, Goodlinens Studio, 130 Main St.
20% off salt and select products, Cape Ann Olive Oil, 57 Main St.
Buy one, get one free chocolate chip cookie specially topped with Maldon Salts! Source Bakery, 3 Duncan St.
Grab a piece of saltwater taffy + 20% – 50% Off sale Fireflies Boutique, 100 Main St.
Add larger-than-life magnetic words to make Salty Poetry Snippets + check out a free and $1 book cart, Dogtown Books, 132 Main St.
10% off select ‘Salty Books,’ The Bookstore of Gloucester, 61 Main St.
$2 Salted caramel lattes and $20 Salty Crew Necks, Castaways Vintage Café, 65 Main St.
Stay warm and cozy with our amazing socks! All socks Buy 3, Get 1 FREE! Mark Adrian Shoes, 103 Main St.
15% off ALL fine art at the Jon Sarkin Studio, 39 Main St.
Free fish gibbet or shark sticker, $20 Gloucester Lobster or Tuna SPF Hoodie, $30 Puffer Jackets & salty treats at Gloucester Apparel, 44 Main St.
Open mic poetry readings at Lockwood Studios, 2 Eastern Ave.
Free stickers (New designs!) & free candy at Toodeloos, 142 Main St.
Paw-Garita with purchase (Dog friendly cucumber drink) at Masshole & Co. Pet Provisions, 137 Main St.
25% off select items at The Cave, 44 Main St.
40% off storewide and complimentary prosecco at Design of Mine (New location!), 33 Main St.
25% Off sale on select items + fun giveaways and treats at the Pop Gallery, 67 Main St.
Saturday, Jan. 25th
Sea Shanties by Three Sheets to the Wind, with Sing Along, at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 2pm – 4pm, 10 Church Street
Make a “Salty Craft,” Maritime Gloucester, 10am – 4pm, 23 Harbor Loop
Seasoned Snowman Popcorn Bags with The Open Door at Sawyer Free Library, 10:30am-12:00pm, 21 Main Street
Open Mic Poetry Readings, Lockwood Studios, 3pm – 5pm, 2 Eastern Ave.
Vintage Filagree Treasures Embedded – an “Eye spy” search and find hidden items, at Lockwood Studios, 2 Eastern Ave.
Sunday, Jan. 26th
Make a “Salty Craft,” at Maritime Gloucester, 10am – 4pm, 23 Harbor Loop
Paint saltwater dough fish, while supplies last, Local Colors, 121 Main St
Open Mic Poetry Readings with light refreshments, Lockwood Studios, 3pm – 5pm, 2 Eastern Ave.
20$ Salty Suncatchers with Saltwater at Pat D’s Photos, 44 Main St.
Raffle + One day only Special Drinks (Frosty Tide, Salty Beach) at Shore Nutrition, 139 Main St.
Vintage Filagree Treasures Embedded – an “Eye spy” search and find hidden items, at Lockwood Studios, 2 Eastern Ave.
Good Morning Gloucester 