Link to purchase- https://square.link/u/D

Hibernating…

Link top purchase- https://square.link/u/JCKeTY9f

Ann-Margaret Ferrante passed away peacefully at her home in Gloucester on November 27, 2025, after a long journey with pancreatic cancer.

A lifelong resident of Gloucester, Ann-Margaret was born at Beverly Hospital on June 26, 1972, to Joseph and Frances (Giacalone) Ferrante. Her parents’ Sicilian backgrounds and the jobs they held during her childhood had a big influence on Ann-Margaret; Joseph was a fisherman, and Frances was a school librarian.

Ann-Margaret’s childhood was spent growing up in a tight-knit neighborhood of immigrant and immigrant-descended families and the kids of the “churchyard gang.” As a child, she enjoyed playing many sports, a love that carried into adulthood when she watched the Patriots and Celtics games with her mother.

After graduating from Gloucester High School as a member of the Class of 1990, she attended Tufts University, graduating with a double major in economics and international relations. She then earned her juris doctor at Suffolk Law School. Later, during her time as state representative, she attended the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and earned a Master’s in Public Administration.

Ann-Margaret’s legal and public service career prior to being elected began with working in State Senator Bruce Tarr’s office. She initially practiced law with Dwight Ware, whose office was on Pleasant Street in Gloucester. She then joined with Bob Visnick and Kevin Kiely to form the law firm of Kiely, Visnick, and Ferrante, later reforming as Kiely and Ferrante. She also practiced law on behalf of the Gloucester Seafood Auction and served with distinction as the first Executive Director of the Massachusetts Fisheries Recovery Commission.

Ann-Margaret was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 2008. During her tenure, she served on a number of committees, eventually chairing the Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses, and serving as the vice chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, the highest ranking committee in the House of Representatives.

Throughout her legislative career, Ann-Margaret worked to ensure that Cape Ann always had a seat at the table in legislative matters. She was focused on her fishermen, jobs and economic development, and helping those in need.

Ann-Margaret’s connection to the fishing industry through her father led her to be a lifelong advocate for the fishermen. She led the charge to end abusive practices taken by the federal government against fishermen and never stopped proposing and passing policies to support the fishing industry and the working waterfront.

Her mother’s job as a school librarian instilled a lifelong love of reading in Ann-Margaret. This love resulted in her paying for books to be distributed by the First R Foundation, bringing Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to Cape Ann’s children, and passing a law that would make a statewide Imagination Library possible.

One of Ann-Margaret’s proudest achievements was the creation of the Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute and Gloucester Biotechnology Academy. GMGI is the prime example of her focus on economic development and job creation. She was delighted that cutting edge fisheries and life science research was being conducted on Cape Ann and that students from Cape Ann were being trained for well-paying careers in the field.

Ann-Margaret is survived by her mother Frances, aunt Grace Ann (Douponce) Giacalone, godparents John and Gerry Willette, many cousins and 14 godchildren. She was predeceased by her father Joseph, aunt Kathleen Giacalone, and uncle John Giacalone.

A visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in St. Ann’s Church, Holy Family Parish, 74 Pleasant Street, Gloucester on Thursday, December 4, 2025, followed by a Funeral Mass celebrated at 1:00 p.m. A private burial will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ann-Margaret’s name to the Hale Family Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research at https://labs.dana-farber.org/halecenter/donateor the Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute to support the Ferrante Postdoctoral Fellowship at http://gmgi.org/donate-now/.

November 30, 2025 ~ Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce ~ Edit

Kick off the season in festive Rockport style! Join us for Holiday Shopping Night and enjoy an evening of cheerful lights, local treasures, and holiday spirit. Start at Dock Square, where shoppers can pick up a free Christmas in Rockport tote bag filled with a list of participating businesses, special coupons valid all season long, and a bonus raffle ticket. As you explore Rockport’s charming shops, you’ll find festive treats and refreshments offered by many local retailers and be serenaded by strolling musicians bringing holiday magic to the streets. Every purchase at a participating store earns you an extra raffle ticket for a chance to win one of three exciting prizes. End the evening at the after party and live raffle drawing at Brackett’s Oceanview Restaurant where the celebration continues with good company, great prizes, and plenty of holiday cheer!

Rockport Holiday Shopping Night

Dear Gloucester Cultural and Civic Center board members, former board members, donors, supporters, allied professionals, and those who opposed our endeavor,       

After valiant efforts and due consideration, the Board of Directors of Gloucester Cultural and Civic Center, Inc. have decided to cease pursuit of the organization’s dream of building and operating a cultural and civic center in the heart of Gloucester and to close our non-profit organization.

Until December 15, 2025, you can still view our website and plan, at which point it will be taken down.  

We will be going through the legal process of closing our non-profit corporation with distribution remaining funds to a worth organization or organizations that will carry on our mission of enhancing the cultural and civic life of Gloucester.

I thank you all for your support and loyal opposition to our project over the last 6 years.

Very best wishes,  

Tom Burger

It’s almost here! Makes time to come downtown anytime Thursday December 4 to check out downtown merchants and restaurants. 44 Main St will be open by 11 am for the duration.

November 28, 2025 ~ Sawyer Free Library ~ 

Wildlife Out Your Window with Brad Timm
Thursday, December 4 | 5:30–6:30 PM
Community Room | Sawyer Free Library, 2 Dale Avenue, Gloucester

Discover the extraordinary wildlife hiding in plain sight! Join the Sawyer Free Library for a lively and educational presentation with author Brad Timm, who brings the natural world to life through surprising insights and engaging stories inspired by his book Wildlife Out Your Window.

During this fun, family-friendly talk, Timm will share fascinating wildlife factoids, including:

• Blue Jay feathers aren’t actually blue
• Some foxes can climb trees
• Certain frogs create their own natural anti-freeze

He’ll also explore simple ways we can support and protect the wildlife that lives all around us — in our yards, neighborhoods, and city green spaces. You’re guaranteed to walk away seeing the natural world with fresh eyes!

After the presentation, Brad will be available to chat with attendees, answer questions, and sign copies of Wildlife Out Your Window, which will be available for purchase.

All are welcome. Registration requested at sawyerfreelibrary.org.

“Wildlife Out Your Window with Brad Timm” at the Sawyer Free Library

Meet Mister Misty, a gentle 3-year-old soul in search of a very special kind of home. This sweet boy was surrendered after his owner had to move and couldn’t bring him along, a heartbreaking change has left him feeling unsure, shy, overwhelmed, and a bit shut down here at the shelter. Underneath that worry, though, is a cat who truly wants to feel safe, understood, and loved again. Mister Misty is hoping for a quiet, calm environment-ideally a single-person home where he can take his time and hopefully one day build a deep bond with one special human. He has previously lived with another cat, and may do well in a single-person home with a calm feline companion he can eventually befriend. What he needs most is someone who will offer him consistency, gentleness, and, above all, patience.The most important part of his next journey will be patience-lots of it.

The 3/3/3 rule is an essential guide for Mister Misty’s transition:
· 3 days to decompress
· 3 weeks to adjust to a new routine
· 3 months to settle in and feel truly safe

Mister Misty knows it may take a lot of time for him to build trust, but he’s hopefully on his way to finding the one person who understands him. With a calm home, gentle routines, and someone who’s willing to move at his pace, he can slowly begin to feel safe again. It won’t happen overnight-but for the right person, watching him grow braver, settle in, and finally choose to trust will be an incredibly meaningful experience. Hopefully, with patience and love, Mister Misty will one day feel truly home.

If your willing to give Mister Misty the patience & time he needs apply here today at: capeannanimalaid.org/catapp

4BreedDomestic Longhair/Mix Age3 years 26 days GenderMale SizeMedium ColorBlack Spayed/NeuteredDeclawedNo HousetrainedYes Adoption Price$175.00 

Thank you so much!

______________________________________
Cape Ann Animal Aid

Christopher Cutler Rich Animal Shelter
4 Paws Lane
Gloucester, MA 01930

(978) 283-6055

www.CapeAnnAnimalAid.org

www.facebook.com/CapeAnnAnimalAid

Call your cummare! Get together and come say hey! One of the best nights of the year downtown! Pat Dalpiaz and I have free gift bags with purchase, “refreshments” and great deals for you at 44 Main St!

Weather Sky…

Need the Perfect Gift?

Stop by Route 133 Auto – 209 Essex Ave Gloucester

this holiday season and pick up a gift certificate for any amount!

From new tires and new brakes… to tinting and detailing…

We offer it all!!

978-283-3331

Don’t be the dope that waits to bang out your holiday shopping. Come party for Ladies Night and Bang it Out with Us!

Pat D’s Photos will be joining other local vendors at the Minglewood Market today. I hope you’ll stop in to say hello. Otherwise we’ll be at 44 Main St Thursday Dec 4 for Ladies Day from 11-close; Friday 11-5; and Sunday 11-3. Saturday Dec 6 we’ll be at the very popular Elks Holiday Show on Atlantic Road. Remember Saturday is also the cookie contest at St. Peter’s Club beginning at 6. It’s a fun busy week ahead.