Tag: politics

Sawyer Free Library to Host Film Screening and Panel Discussion: “Timeline Cape Ann: Sawyer Free Library”

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

 ~ Sawyer Free Library ~

Ever wonder how Gloucester’s public library came to be? The Sawyer Free Library invites the community to a special evening celebrating nearly two centuries of local history, innovation, and civic spirit. On Thursday, November 20 from 5:00 to 6:30 PM, the Library will present a film screening and panel discussion of Timeline Cape Ann: Sawyer Free Library in its Community Room.

Produced by Kory Curcuru of 1623 Studios, Timeline Cape Ann: Sawyer Free Library traces the remarkable story of Gloucester’s public library—from its 19th-century beginnings in the Gloucester Lyceum to its role today as a vibrant civic and cultural hub. The short documentary explores how a small-town vision grew into a cornerstone of learning, access, and community connection.

The film situates the Sawyer Free Library within the broader story of American public libraries—beginning with Benjamin Franklin’s 1731 subscription library, which sparked a movement for shared knowledge and free access to books. By the early 1800s, the “Lyceum movement” swept New England, bringing citizens together for lectures, debate, and education. Gloucester quickly joined in. In 1830, residents established the Gloucester Lyceum, which merged Franklin’s ideals with this new spirit of civic learning.

The Library’s evolution accelerated under the leadership and generosity of Samuel Elwell Sawyer, a Gloucester native and philanthropist who made access to books free for all. His lasting legacy includes the donation of the Saunders House, which remains part of the Library campus today, and the 1872 incorporation of the Gloucester Lyceum and Sawyer Free Library, with a charter promising it would remain free forever.

Timeline Cape Ann also highlights the Library’s continued resilience and innovation—surviving fires, embracing technology, and expanding services through the 20th and 21st centuries. From WPA murals and children’s programs to its newly completed, state-of-the-art renovation and expansion, the Sawyer Free Library remains a living institution shaped by generations of readers, learners, and citizens.

Following the screening, Curcuru will be joined by Sawyer Free Library Local History Librarian Julie Travers and local historian and author Wayne Soini for a panel discussion and audience Q&A exploring the Library’s enduring role in Gloucester’s civic life.

This free public event offers a fascinating look at how one man’s generosity and a community’s shared commitment helped shape the heart of Gloucester.

Space is limited; registration is requested at SawyerFreeLibrary.org.

Film Screening and Panel Discussion:
Thursday, November 20, 2025
5:00–6:30 PM
Sawyer Free Library, Community Room (Ground Floor), 2 Dale Avenue, Gloucester, MA

Mayor Verga Announces Completion of Gloucester’s Comprehensive Plan: A Community Roadmap for the Next Decade

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Gloucester, MA — Mayor Greg Verga is proud to announce the completion and official adoption of the City of Gloucester’s Comprehensive Plan 2025–2035,  a forward-looking, community-driven roadmap that will guide growth, priorities, and investment over the next 10 years.

“This is more than just a document, it’s a promise to our community,” said Mayor Verga. “It’s aspirational, actionable, and attainable. And it reflects what thousands of Gloucester residents shared with us about their hopes for the future of our city.”

The Comprehensive Plan was developed over two years through robust public engagement, with nearly 4,000 community participation touchpoints through surveys, meetings, workshops, and events. The result is a visionary plan centered on local values and goals, Gloucester’s unique identity, natural beauty, working waterfront, creative economy, and iconic neighborhoods.

Key highlights from the plan include:

  • Upgrading infrastructure,  including roads, water, sewer, schools, and recreational facilities, to support evolving community needs.
  • Expanding housing options for residents at all life stages and income levels.
  • Supporting economic growth by strengthening Gloucester’s marine economy and attracting innovation-driven industries.
  • Creating safer, healthier connections through walkable neighborhoods, expanded bike and transit access, and public health investments.

Mayor Verga plans to appoint an Implementation Committee, composed of community members, city staff, and representatives from boards and commissions, that will be tasked with ensuring meaningful and transparent progress on the plan’s goals. The following phase will include annual reporting, performance tracking, and continued public involvement.

“This effort has been central to my vision for Gloucester since day one,” said Mayor Verga. “It’s deeply gratifying to see this plan finalized and I’m incredibly proud of the team effort it represents. From the Planning Board and City staff to our partners and residents, Gloucester showed up and helped shape this together. Now, the real work begins: turning vision into action.”

The Community Development Department will present the plan to the City Council on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.

The full plan is available on the City of Gloucester’s website at https://tinyurl.com/gloucestercompplan.

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. 

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GloucesterCast 10/13/13 With Guest Paulie Walnuts and Host Joey Ciaramitaro

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

GloucesterCast Taped October 13, 2013 With Guest Paulie Walnuts and Host Joey Ciaramitaro

podcast_icon

Topics Include: GMG FOB’s lobbying to change the GMG official mascot, anyone want a huge bag of old cassettes, not talking politics, cyclocross, Paul Frontiero Sr. art exhibit at State Of the Art Gallery.

To listen to past GMG Podcasts click here for the episode listings

If you enjoy the podcast could you help get it recognized in the iTunes directory by rating ithere in the iTunes store

Last day for the Tragabigzanda Political Theatre Festival

Posted on by Matthew Green

I’ve been wanting to go since it opened, but various circumstances have made it impossible. I’m hoping to go tomorrow afternoon!

The GloucesterCast Podcast Episode 13

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

GloucesterCast Podcast Episode 13

Click here to play or save the podcast

Taped January 30, 2012 with hosts Joey Ciaramitaro from GoodMorningGloucester.org and Kenny MacCarthy from www.CapeAnnInfo.com

Show Notes:

Restaurant news, Tacos Lupita, Passports Wine Dinner, George’s Coffee Shop, the Patriots, Vermin Supreme and politics, Bikini Speedo Dodgeball update, Kenny points out a special property, Kenny searches for a local vet.