Gloucester Lyceum and Sawyer Free Library
2 Dale Ave
Gloucester, MA 01930
978-325-5500
www.sawyerfreelibrary.org
Gloucester Lyceum Committee
Thursday, July 9, 2026, 5:00- 6:30 pm
Sawyer Free Library, 2 Dale Ave, Gloucester, MA
Conference Room
As the recent amendments to the open meeting law allows, this committee will continue to hold meetings remotely.
Adequate alternative access to the meeting is provided through the zoom link below.
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86207455773
Dial in at 646-931 3860 US
Minutes
PRESENT: Julia Brotherton, Steven Lewis, Martha Kurz, Stan Franzeen, Stephen Foley, Doug Richardson, Bill Waller, Rebecca Aliberte, Meredith Fine, Ann Ziergiebel, Leora Ulrich,
Also Present: William Falcetano and six members of the Gloucester Republican City Committee
ZOOM: 3 unidentified community members
-
Call to order √
-
Approval of Minutes for June 4 and June 25, 2026 June 4th Doug motions, Leora seconds, Meredith notes that minutes need to have actual votes and roll call vote if anyone is on Zoom. Stan suggests a more condensed version.
Motion fails. Steven motion to redo and send next week. Meredith seconds. Unanimous approval.
Approval of minutes for Jun 25, 2026 Meredith Moves, Stephen second, Unanimous approval.
-
William Falcetano—suggestions for future programming. 9 guests observing (3 on Zoom). Mr. Falcetano, representing the Gloucester Republican City Committee (GRCC), expressed support for the Lyceum but requested a balanced follow-up program to rebut Dr. Levitsky's presentation. He proposed a 40-minute return for Dr. Levitsky alongside an opposing speaker "of equal stature." Decision deferred to the August 13 meeting. The GRCC group departed. While appreciating Mr. Falcetano's presentation, the Lyceum consensus was that a program based on these objections does not warrant their time and resources. Meredith will draft a response letter for the August 13 agenda, advising the GRCC to contact Dr. Levitsky directly to pursue the event.
-
Working group updates:
- Fundraising: Julia, Bill, and Meredith had a meeting with Jenny. We will apply to Institution for Savings, but we're on hold on other efforts because of overlap with the library and not ready for a big ask.
- Membership/Bylaws Amendment: Stan, Meredith, Doug, and Julia met to outline the structure of a new Lyceum Membership program, noting that the organization would benefit from a dedicated volunteer feeder group. To advance this initiative, Meredith and Julia presented the membership concept and a proposed bylaws amendment to the Library Board for feedback. In response, the Library Board suggested simplifying the amendment and supplementing it with a separate document detailing specific Lyceum procedures.
Meredith's edits of the original proposal were discussed. Meredith will bring another revision to the August 13 meeting.
-
2027 Program Topic Selection—(Doug) Members allot points to their top choices among proposed topics for 2027. Doug tallies the points.
-
November 21 Program Discussion
Julia raised a question regarding the event venue and the relationship with the Meetinghouse Foundation, specifically whether the event is a joint program or a use of their space.
Members discussed the risks of associating with a church or partisan organization so early in the Lyceum's formation. While acknowledging this concern, attendees reviewed practical considerations and the Norman Rockwell Four Freedoms framework as an alternative potential template for the event.
Following a discussion of alternative venue options, a straw poll showed a lack of support for holding the fall event at the Meetinghouse.
- 2027 Program Topic selection, results–Doug presents the group's top choices:
1) Artificial Intelligence
2) What democracy means
3) State of World Health
Motion to shift the fall event to Artificial Intelligence: Rebecca. Second: Stan.
Vote: unanimous.
Working group on AI: Doug, Stan and Julia.
"Celebration of Freedom" working group for Spring: Meredith, Ann, Stephen, Martha, Stan
-
Steven Moves to adjourn, Stan seconds. Vote: unanimous.
Meeting Adjourned 6:40 pm
-
Next Meeting: Thursday, August 13, 5 pm
The listing of matters is those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may, in fact, be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.