Tag: charity

Last few days to preview work by 54 artists in person before the Friends of the Sawyer Free Library Annual Art Auction 2021 moves on line #GloucesterMA

Posted on by Catherine

The Friends of the Sawyer Free Library Annual Art Auction 2021 is on!  54 artists donated original works of art to help the library.

To generate excitement and get the ball moving, a hallmark of the annual art auction is the group show featured in the lovely Matz Gallery, a remarkable main entrance venue. Temporary shows of work by living artists are rotated monthly. In Gloucester, Massachusetts, art at the threshold greets all library visitors. What a treat to walk though an art exhibit to enter a library! The library interior has boasted major bequests via philanthropists and local big wheels since the library’s namesake benefactor, Samuel Sawyer. Books, art, library and learning were essential and inseparable to the founders.

The contemporary Annual Art Auction group shows begin as silent auctions with starting bids set low (well below retail for some of the participating artists*) ahead of a LIVE event. The idea is the bidding will rise above opening reserves so that The Friends of the Sawyer Free Library Annual Art Auction fundraiser can be a success.

*scroll down for checklist and to view the lots

Preview | Silent Auction

DEADLINES APPROACHING – There’s still time to visit, enjoy, and leave a silent bid in person

During the month of September 2021, beautiful art works by 54 artists–which they’ve so generously donated to the Art Auction–were installed in the singular Matz Gallery. Casual, emerging and established creatives are united in their support of our local library. View the art in person. Take notes. You may recognize artists, neighborhoods, a favorite motif or medium. These auctions are a great opportunity for a first time original art buyer or for a collector that helps an artist with a first time sale.

Leave a bid and/or try again when the auction moves on line October 1-5. The highest September bid will be the beginning reserve for the online auction October 1 – 5, 2021.

Immediately followed by ONLINE AUCTION: October 1-5, 2021

Signs of the times – Covid 19 precautions and greater access have spurred the LIVE auction to move online. Visit www.sawyerfreelibrary.org October 1-5, 2021

Bonus- The art is framed and ready to take home and hang after the online auction concludes.

2021 participating ARTISTS | preview lots

Support our local artists and Friends of the Sawyer Free Library

Lot #, Artist Name, Title, Minimum opening bid

  1. Mary Rhinelander McCarl, Blue China Basket of Flowers, $100
  2. Katherine Coakley, Half Moon Beach, $200
  3. Ray Crane, Survivor (Paint Factory), $300
  4. Roy McCauley, Goin’ Fishing, $100
  5. Carole Loiacono, Gloucester Mooring, $150
  6. Fred Kepler, The Gardener, $100
  7. Nancy Alimansky, The Red Sail, $95
  8. Nancy Molvig, Wash Day in Farnesse, $250
  9. Mary Rhinelander, Eastern Point Lighthouse, $75
  10. Isabelle K. Brown, Schooner Thomas E. Lannon, $100
  11. Brenda Malloy, A Way Through, $50
  12. James G. Watson, Lynx and Adventure of Pavillion Beach, $100
  13. Jeff Weaver, Striper Fisherman, $400
  14. Karen Fitzgerald, Breezy Day, $75
  15. Marion Hall, Back Shore from Half Moon Beach, $100
  16. David P. Curtis, Summer Afternoon, $150
  17. Cynthia Asaro
  18. Charlotte Roberts, Morning – Little River, $100
  19. Ted Bidwell, Low Tide, $100
  20. Joy Halsted, America the Beautiful, $300
  21. Deanie Johnson, Autumn Marsh, $200
  22. Sandra Herdman, Hideaway Cove, $40
  23. Cynthia Dunaway, It’s Never Too Late, $200
  24. Patricia McCarthy, Our Lady of Good Voyage, $100
  25. Melissa Alibertie, Summer on the Annisquam River, $100
  26. Dina Gomery, The Red Barn, $200
  27. Pamela Burke, Good Harbor Sunrise, $40
  28. Sheila Farren Billings, Safe Harbor, $100
  29. Ann Mechen Ziergiebel, Dusk Ipswich Bay, $225
  30. Peter Tysver, Summer Sailing, $100
  31. Coco BeRkman, Dog Dog Dog, $80
  32. Susan W. Daly, Pink Sky, $100
  33. Jane Wolf, Wingaersheek Storm, $75
  34. Patricia Doran, Sunset in Magnolia, $1000
  35. Alyce Wherren, Sea and Shore, $95
  36. Michael Cangemi, The Shore, $95
  37. Susan M. Funk, Red Tractor, $150
  38. Michael DeCosimo, Autumn Leaves, $185
  39. Nancy Caplan, Morning Light, $195
  40. Jerry Ackerman, The Pantry Family, $120
  41. Linda Lea Bertrand, Pepperil Cove, $200
  42. Shirley Hamilton, Lanes Cove Shack, $300
  43. Anita Beloff, Becky’s Flowers, $90
  44. Lynda Goldberg, Sunflowers in Provence, $150
  45. Curtis Wilcox, After Life, $40
  46. Barbara Kremer, View from Plum Cove Beach, $175
  47. Phyllis Feld, Marsh Grasses, $100
  48. Jeffrey Marshall, Taking Inventory (Hiltz), $100
  49. Jessica “Jess” Semenaro, Rocks on Seaweed, $30
  50. Olga Hayes, Rudbeckia, $75
  51. James Formichella, Tokyo Racing, $70
  52. Daryl Jackson, Turbine, $30
  53. Ann Lafferty, Rip Tide, $125
  54. Roger Martin, Dig In, $100

NOTE NEW DAYS/HOURS at Sawyer Free Library: M-W 8-6; Th 10-7; F-S 10-5

Face masks required.

Taking care of seniors: 136 Eastern Ave. “Fishermen’s Home” 1911 gift of John Hays Hammond, Sr.; and 110 Prospect St. purchased by Gloucester, Mass., in 1887

Posted on by Catherine

House History then and now for two former ‘old age homes’:

136 Eastern Avenue (Rt 127) 1911 and today- was a retirement home for fishermen

 

 

1911, Gloucester, Mass. “WILL OPEN ON CHRISTMAS DAY Several Old Sea Toilers Will Eat Christmas Dinner There Monday: Everything is in readiness for the opening of the Fishermen’s Home, formerly the Colby House, on Eastern avenue, and on Christmas day, a gathering of aged and disabled fishermen who have toiled their best days on the banks, but are no longer able to follow this hazardous occupation, will spend one of the happiest days of their lives and eat their first dinner in the new home…It would be a rather difficult undertaking to find a happier man today than Judge York. Two years ago after a conference with Dr. John Dixwell of Boston, who becoming interested in the work raised a fund among his friends for the relief of this class of men, who without friends or home were obliged to seek shelter in the house of coreection. Judge York went to Ipswich and secured the release of eight old fishermen, who were brought to this city and cared for at boarding houses during the winter months. Last winter the work was continued through the efforts of Dr. Dixwell and Judge York, and lately, their efforts were further crowned by the splendid gift of Mr. Hammond, who presented the home. The seven men who will become inmates of the home on Christmas Day are John Ryan, Joseph Alcott, John Nichools, Harris Atwood, James Halley, Robert Fraser and Henry Gormley.” article in the Gloucester Daily Times

The prior year “J. Hammond deeded lots for indigent fishermen at Beechbrook Cemetery.”- 1910 Gloucester Archives 

After writing about his friendship with Captain Blackburn, “one of the most undaunted sailors America has ever had…I was proud to be one of the honorary pallbearers at his funeral…” John Hammond Sr. concluded his autobiography with more about Gloucester:

“I look back with the greatest pleasure on the hours I have spent with other old Gloucester fishermen. In the winter of 1910 several of these old fellow appeared before the district court and pleaded guilty to vagrancy. Without other means of gaining food or shelter, they were seeking some sort of sustenance  in the poorhouse for the winter. In Washington, I read about this in the papers and got in touch with Judge York, Dr. Dickswell, Fred Shackelford, and others who were interested. We established a home to provide for these old fishermen. I learned to appreciate the fine traits of these men who were given refuge there. Often it was exceedingly difficult to persuade them that they were too old to stand the hardships of deep-sea fishing. Their truck garden faced the sea, and from there they could watch with their telescopes for the fishing vessels as they left and entered the harbor.  Sailors, like miners, are notoriously spendthrifts and these of Gloucester were no exception. They would arrive at the Home in a destitute condition. Because they no longer went to sea, and there was no chance of their reaching the traditional sailors’ grave, they had a great dread of potter’s field. For that reason I provided a cemetery where all could be assured of decent burial. Above the gate is inscribed:

And here rest, brave toiler of the sea,
sleep undistrubed,
God’s peace be with thee. 

Many of the inmates were choosey about the location of their graves. There were two in particular, bunkies since boyhood, who quarreled daily and, I fear, nightly, but who exacted from me a promise that they might be buried side by side.”

 

 

110 Prospect Street ca 1900 and today – was a former retirement home for senior women

 

Huntress Home 110 Prospect Street Gloucester Mass photo credit Ben and Sally D'Antonio for PHOTOGRAPHIC HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER VOLUME 3

 

 

Gloucester bought 110 Prospect Street in 1887 for $12,000 to establish the “Huntress Home for Old Ladies of Native Birth.” I’ll write more about this one later.

Here’s how both senior housing options were described in the 1913 Gloucester Directory (from Gloucester Archives):

Gloucester archives_Gloucester Directory 1913 charity

photos & research – C. Ryan

That Melissa Cox, She’s One of the Good Ones

Posted on by Nichole S.

Not only is she a good sport, but she’s generous too.

Melissa agreed, thanks to a $500 request, to be tossed into the pool in the name of charity.

That $500 will go to a charity set up to help the Orlando shooting victims and their families.

You just never know what you’re going to run into when you meet up with a friend for a drink in Gloucester.  While I missed the actual splash…I landed on the roof top deck in time to see a wet, chilly, but still smiling Melissa Cox spreading cheer the way she always does.

Thanks so much to Christopher Sicuranza for capturing and sharing the moment…and to Melissa for allowing me to post it.  Thanks also to Steven LeBlanc for “the push” and Sean Nolan for stepping up big with the $500 donation.

(and, how about that roof top pool area!)  #Beauport Hotel

giphy

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Closest Guess Wins!

Posted on by Nichole S.

No, no, no….you don’t win all of it, but here’s the deal…..

Over the course of the next couple of weeks, one of my “To Do” items is to count, roll, and cash in this water jug full of change.

Make your guesses as to how much $$ is in there and the closest guesser will score $100.  I’ll personally write two checks.  A $50 check to the winner….and a $50 check to the charity of their choice.

This will have to be somewhat on the honor system, but I promise to show a photograph of all of the rolled coins….and the receipt from the bank upon depositing the $.

Closest guess wins…whether over or under.  There may be some foreign currency in there….it won’t count.  Only guesses made within 48 hours of this post will count.  So, guesses made after 9:00 a.m. on 3/23 won’t count. I’ll keep you posted as I begin to roll…as it will surely take me several days.   I, personally, have NO idea what to expect upon counting this change….but, I’m excited to find out!  So, let’s play.

I will accept guesses from both comments here on GMG and from the GMG Facebook page.

Image 4

 

Second Glance, the biggest thrift shop in Gloucester

Posted on by Matthew Green

My first review in my series on second-hand stores in Gloucester is “Second Glance” (2 Pond Rd., Gloucester), the thrift shop of Open Door, a local hunger-relief charity.

sg1

It has a wide selection of items, including clothes, kitchen utensils, books, CD’s, toys (in small quantities, from what I’ve seen), dishes, knickknacks, furniture, etc.  It is well organized, clean, and affordably priced.

The place is often busy, so there is a fairly quick turnover of popular items. It’s worth checking back often – and if you see something you want, get it while you can!

They have ample hours, Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., both for purchasing and for donating.  Proceeds go to support the Open Door hunger relief efforts.  So whether you are looking for a useful item for your home or your wardrobe, or you have items in good condition that you want to pass on to another owner, this is a good place to go!

But just because it’s awesome, doesn’t mean it has everything all the time. The other locations I will be reviewing are well worth checking out too!

– Matthew Green

Food Drive and Bake Sale – St. Vincent de Paul Society

Posted on by Matthew Green

Don’t forget this note from Helen Downey:

Come join us at Shaw’s Plaza, 127 Easter Ave., Gloucester, as the members of Holy Family Parish’s St. Vincent de Paul Society conduct a “Food Drive and Bake Sale” on Saturday, August 11 from 9am to 3pm.

The Society, through dedicated volunteer efforts, services the needs of many families here on Cape Ann.  We succeed in doing this only with  donations of monetary value or food donations for our emergency pantry.

Shaw’s is a great supporter of community projects and we have been chosen to be the recipient of any profits received through their participation in this event. So come on over and have lunch at the concession or perhaps a home-baked goodie from the many delicious items made by our members.  Hope to see you there on August 11th to support our fund raising event.

If you have any questions, contact helen at 978-283-7391. Thank you for your support!

– Fr. Matthew Green

Food Drive and Bake Sale – St. Vincent de Paul Society

Posted on by Matthew Green

This just in from Helen Downey:

Come join us at Shaw’s Plaza, 127 Easter Ave., Gloucester, as the members of Holy Family Parish’s St. Vincent de Paul Society conduct a “Food Drive and Bake Sale” on Saturday, August 11 from 9am to 3pm.

The Society, through dedicated volunteer efforts, services the needs of many families here on Cape Ann.  We succeed in doing this only with  donations of monetary value or food donations for our emergency pantry.

Shaw’s is a great supporter of community projects and we have been chosen to be the recipient of any profits received through their participation in this event. So come on over and have lunch at the concession or perhaps a home-baked goodie from the many delicious items made by our members.  Hope to see you there on August 11th to support our fund raising event.

If you have any questions, contact helen at 978-283-7391. Thank you for your support!

– Fr. Matthew Green

Cameron’s Feast

Posted on by Matthew Green

“Cameron’s Feast”, a benefit dinner organized by Henry Allen at The Annie for to support both The Annie and the Brain Candy Foundation, was a great success on Monday night.  The food was great, and the performances of song, dance, and poetry (by Henry and his friends, colleagues and students) were inspiring!

The event was held on what would have been Cameron’s birthday.  He died from brain cancer four years ago, but his courage, hope, and desire to make a difference in the world, are still alive through the “ripple effect” he has had. Henry spoke movingly about Cameron and the initiatives that were born during and after Cameron’s fight with cancer. Great things are happening thanks to Cameron!

For a slideshow of photos, click here:

Blue Shutters Taste Of Latin America Charity Open House

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Blue Shutters Beachside Inn

invites you to join us for a

Taste of Latin America

Charity Open House

in support of the work of

Por Cristo

Sunday November 14   2 – 5pm

Be our guest for a special charity open house at the Blue Shutters Beachside Inn to spotlight the work of Por Cristo, a Massachusetts-based non-profit organization that has been providing healthcare to the poor in Ecuador for the past 30 years.

Those who join us for this open house on the afternoon of Sunday November 14 — from 2pm – 5pm — will be able to enjoy a menu of Latin American delicacies courtesy of our guest chef, Mark Sapienza of the Langham Hotel, and a selection of wines from South America . 

image

The team from Por Cristo will have for sale a collection of artisan-crafted sterling silver jewelry and items made from sustainable resources of the Amazonian rainforest and elsewhere in Ecuador .

For more information Blue Shutters Blog

Blue Shutters: 978-283-1198   email: info@blueshuttersbeachside.com

Por Cristo: 617 562 7924   email: porcristo@caritaschristi.org

Gloucester Pride Stride

Posted on by Sharon
pridestrideThe 22nd Annual Gloucester Pride Stride Walk will be held on Sunday, April 26, 2009 at Stage Fort Park.  We look forward to your participation on behalf of your favorite Cape Ann Non-Profit.  If you are unable to join us on the 26th, you can still collect pledges for your Cape Ann Non-Profit and mail them to us, or a donation may be made to the Gloucester Pride Stride Committee to help defray the costs of the annual walk.