Cape Ann news in brief (2024)

Listings may be sent to: Goings On, Gloucester Daily Times, 36 Whittemore St.,Gloucester, MA 01930, or emailed to Joann Mackenzie at jomackenzie@gloucestertimes.com, at least two weeks prior to an event.

Speaker series

MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA — Manchester Museum’s Spring Speaker Series is filled with great history and stories. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for socializing and refreshments at the First Parish Community Hall, 1 Chapel Lane (behind Santander Bank), in Manchester-by-the-Sea. Free to members, $15 for non-members. Register at www.manchesterhistoricalmuseum.org. Questions? Call 978-526-7230.

Thursday, June 27, 7 p.m., Sharksmouth: A Brief History of the Longfellow, Dana, and Curtis families, iconic Gold Coast Curtis institutions, with direct descendant, Arthur Shurcliff.

Literary tours

The free Literary Gloucester Walking tour tours started in 2023 under the auspices of the Gloucester 400+ Literary Committee, and were so popular, they are continuing under the sponsorship of the Gloucester Writers Center on Saturdays, June 22 and 29, July 13 and 27, Aug. 10 and 17, and Sept. 7 and 21. Gloucester has been home to great writers since the 1700s when Judith Sargent Murray penned her feminist poems and essays. For T.S. Eliot, Nobel Prize winner, Gloucester was his boyhood summer home and the sea themes are a signature part of his poetry. Charles Olson and Vincent Ferrini maintained a poetic dialogue in the 20th century. Rudyard Kipling wrote “Captains Courageous,” while staying in Rockport, Henry Wordsworth Longfellow’s “The Wreck of the Hesperus,” was inspired by a ship that wrecked off Gloucester’s coast, to name but a few. Tours start at 10 p.m. in front of the Sargent House Museum and run till noon, guided by noted raconteur Phil Storey Rain or shine.

‘Cinderella’ auditions

Auditions for “Cinderella,” the next summer production of Annisquam Village Players, take place Monday, May 27, at Annisquam Village Hall at 36 Leonard St. in Gloucester. Many cast and crew are needed; children are encouraged to participate. Auditions will start at 5:30 p.m. for children 12 and younger; and 6:15 p.m. for adults. The Rodgers & Hammerstein musical is based on the fairy tale by Charles Perrault. For audition details, visit annisquamvillageplayers.com.

GOP to meet

The Gloucester Republican City Committee will meet Thursday, June 6, at the Gloucester Fraternity Club, 27 Webster St., Gloucester. Doors open at 6 p.m. Meeting starts at 7 p.m. All welcome. For questions, call 508-284-2418.

Longevity tree

MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA — Local Susan Halpern will teach tai chi: longevity tree on the front lawn of the Manchester-by-the-Sea Public Library, 15 Union St., from 9:45-10:45 a.m. Wednesdays starting in June. Longetivity Tree is a form that addresses the balance of mind, body and spirit by combining movement, deep breathing, and alertness. It was designed to move all of the body, both internally and externally. Please complete the Safety Release Registration Form on the Manchester-by-the-Sea lLibrary site, https://www.manchesterpl.org/tai-chi-form/, if you will be joining.

Sit ‘n Knit

ROCKPORT — The Rockport Public Library, 17 School St., hosts Sit ‘n Knit (formerly Which Craft?) on Mondays from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., New name and new time! In the Trustees Room. Pull up a chair, break out your needlecraft, and join the conversation. For more information, call 978-546-6934, or visit rockportlibrary.org.

Teen task force

High school students of all faiths are invited to join Lappin Foundation’s Teen Antisemitism Task Force. Students will hear from experts about ways they can combat antisemitism and all forms of hate, as well as put into action what they learn. There will be opportunities for teens to share their experiences and ideas as well. Meetings will be held Tuesdays from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., once a month. For the complete calendar and list of speakers, visit LappinFoundation.org. There is no cost to join the task force and students can attend meetings as their schedules allow. For more information email dcoltin@lappinfoundation.org. The Teen Antisemitism Task Force is supported by CJP and the Jewish Teen Initiative.

For job seekers

If you need help with your resume, cover letter, or some job searching advice, contact jobseeker@sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5500 to make an appointment for in-person resume and cover letter assistance with a librarian. Computers, Chromebooks, tablets, Wi-Fi Hotspots, printing, photocopying, scanning, and saving via email and flash drive are all free at the Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main St. Questions? Visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or 978-325-5500.

Meditation for Beginners

ROCKPORT — Meditation for Beginners is for people interested in learning ways to quiet a busy mind and develop a practice of greater awareness. The group meets Thursdays from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Morgan Room at the Rockport Congregational Church, 12 School St, entrance. Curt Williams will facilitate the group, which is free to all. Attendees will experience stillness and silence and focus on mindfulness, non-judgmental awareness of the present moment.

Cribbage

Cribbage nights take place Wednesdays, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Magnolia Library Center. Players are asked to be a library member. For more information, email dotsieradzki@gmail.com.

A local Gloucester-based cribbage league is looking for new members. The league plays Thursdays at 7 p.m., at the Pilot House, 3 Porter St, Gloucester. Cost is $5 a week and each round lasts ten weeks. For more information, call 978-491-8660.

West Gloucester Trinitarian Congregational Church, 488 Essex Ave. in Gloucester, hosts a monthly cribbage tourney. The next tourney is June 17 at 6:15 p.m. Entry fee is $10 per person. For questions, please contact the church at 978-283-2817 or wgtccucc@gmail.net. All are welcome.

History of Rockaway

On June 1, at 7 p.m., the Rocky Neck Cultural Center, 6 Wonson St., Gloucester, takes you on a deep dive into history of the Grand Dame of Rocky Neck — the Rockaway Hotel — by current resident Rich Carlson. Since the 1890s when it got its start as a boardinghouse, the Rockaway has been a fixture on Rocky Neck. Carlson will take you from its founding to its heyday as a premier summer hotel of East Gloucester, to the seedy years when it was known as “the Rot-Away.” Drawing from memories of people who worked its bar and bolstered by historical photos and illustrations, he’ll recount its many near-death experiences and discuss its graceful retirement as the condominium complex it is today. The talk is free, but there’s a $10 suggested donation to the Cultural Center.

At Rockport library

ROCKPORT — Rockport Public Library, 17 School St., offers programming for one and all. Zoom and in-person events require registration on the library event calendar at https://rockportlibrary.org/events/. Questions? Call 978-546-6934.

ESOL English Conversation on Zoom, Mondays from 3-4:15 p.m., Wednesdays from 7-8:30 p.m., and Thursdays from 2-3:15 p.m. Requires basic English; must be a resident of Massachusetts. To register, email literacyservices@bpl.org, or leave a message at 617-859-2446.

LEGOs and Crafting, 3:15-4:15 p.m. Mondays, in the Brenner Room to build with the library’s collection of LEGO bricks, or create with crafting supplies. Children under 9 must be accompanied by a caregiver. Registration required.

Modern Drama Discussion Group, 4 p.m. Mondays, on Zoom and in the Trustees Room. Questions? email: baudano@rockportlibrary.org.

Preschool Storytime, Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. (note new time), with Miss Emily in the Brenner Room for stories and songs. This program is for preschool-aged children, with caregiver.

Essex Regional Social Worker Open Office Hours: with Jessie Palm, social worker for the Eastern Essex Regional Public Health Coalition, every first and third Tuesday of the month (note date change) from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Trustees Room. Support, information. No appointment necessary.

Tuesdays at Two Movie Matinee, 2 p.m. in the Brenner Room.

Play to Learn Playgroup (new time), Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Caregiver-and-child group meet in the Children’s Room for stories, songs, sensory activities. Registration required.

Games People Play, Wednesdays, 2-3:45 p.m. in the Trustees Room. Checkers, cards, Monopoly, Cribbage, Yahtzee, or yours, for adults but kids OK with a guardian. Just drop in.

Dungeons & Dragons, Wednesdays, 4:30-6 p.m. Youth Group role plays in the Trustees Room. Registration required.

Toddler Storytime, Fridays, 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs, and rhymes in the children’s room. Ages 18 months to 3 years with caregivers.

Stitch and Snack, teen craft meetup, Fridays, 4 p.m. in the Trustees Room. Bring a knitting or craft project, or just snack and talk crafts. Supplies and snacks provided. Email Emily at esouza@rockportlibrary.org with questions, snack requests, or food allergies. For middle and high school students.

Craft Saturdays, 10 a.m., a new craft each week at the craft table in the Children’s Room. No registration required.

Harvard Law School Legal Services Virtual Drop-in, Fridays, 10 a.m. to noon, on Zoom. Consumer loans, criminal record sealing or expungement (CORI), disability rights, divorce, custody, child support, housing law and tenants’ rights, LGBTQ+ related concerns, military record corrections, Social Security, public benefits, SNAP and veterans, small claims court, tax issues. Register for Zoom link at: https://rockportlibrary.org/events/.

Children’s library

A Little Lending Library for Children is open at the Virginia Lee Burton Writing Cottage at the Lanesville Community Center, 9 Vulcan St.

At Manchester library

MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA — Manchester-by-the-Sea Public Library, in partnership with the Manchester-by-the-Sea Cultural Council, has lined up an exciting month for readers of all ages and interests. In-person events will be held at the library, 15 Union St. For registration and more information about events all events and programs, visit www.manchesterpl.org, or call 978-526-7711.

One Up Games, Saturday, June 1, noon to 3 p.m. PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, LED mini-golf, for teens Registration requested but not required.

Home upgrades

Essex County Habitat for Humanity’s Critical Home Repair/Aging in Place program can — by using volunteers, donated construction materials and flexible sources of funding — offer very affordable house repairs to help Gloucester seniors age in place. The projects typically take a week, and the homeowner can usually continue living in the home while the work is done. Upgrades include wheelchair ramps, weatherization, handicap features, repairing structural rotting, stairs, roofing, etc. The program is not limited to elder and/or disabled homeowners, and does repairs necessary to maintain sound condition of the home, weatherization and energy efficiency, those needed to alleviate critical health, life and safety issues or code violations, and those that will help older adults age safely in their homes. Habitat staff inspects the property and determines financial qualifications based on total household income. If physically able, the homeowner must contribute sweat equity hours and the home must be owner-occupied. Learn more at https://www.essexcountyhabitat.org/critical-home-repair-program/.

Museum, zoo passes

Local libraries offer cardholders passes to many regional cultural attractions.

Funded by the Friends, Sawyer Free Library, 21 Main St., offers cardholders passes to the Boston Children’s Museum, Cape Ann Museum, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Maritime Gloucester , Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Science, Peabody Essex Museum, New England Aquarium, Sargent House Museum, Zoo New England and new additions North Shore Children’s Museum and Historic New England properties. Library patrons can visit sawyerfreelibrary.org to reserve passes. Questions? Contact 978-325-5500.

Manchester Public Library offers passes to the Cape Ann Museum, Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA), Museum of Science, Peabody Essex Museum and Zoo New England. Manchester Public Library patrons may visit www.manchesterpl.org and click on Museum Passes to begin the reservation process. Click on the museum you are interested in visiting and there you will see instructions to reserve a timed ticket. If you have any questions, please call the library at 978-526-7711.

Food drive

MANCHESTER — “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” is the theme of the Manchester Knights of Columbus ongoing 24/7 food drive for The Open Door’s food pantry in Gloucester. The need on Cape Ann is greater now than ever before, so all are encouraged to leave food donations in the designated bins in the garage on Friend Street behind Sacred Heart Church, School Street, Manchester. Food items most needed are peanut butter; canned tuna, chicken, turkey; healthy snack items; breakfast cereal; 100% juice/juice boxes; hearty soups; canned vegetables and fruits; spaghetti sauce; macaroni and cheese; rice; noodles and pasta; and cake, muffin, and pancake mixes. (Please no glass items-jars, bottles, etc.) Knights of Council 1232 transport the donated food to The Open Door weekly. This food drive is an open-ended and on-going effort.

Writers Center events

The Gloucester Writers Center, 126 East Main St., Gloucester, is a 501©(3) nonprofit founded in 2010. Its mission is to celebrate Cape Ann’s literary legacy and promote writing as an art and a tool. Here are some sessions coming up. Find more details at gloucesterwriters.org.

Open Mic Nights, first Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m., 126 East Main St., Gloucester. Come early, sign up, enjoy refreshments and camaraderie. Bring five minutes of work to share! in low-key, supportive setting. Parking is at Chapel Street + North Shore Arts, just down the road.

Volunteer at the Gloucester Writers Center, a small, community-focused nonprofit.

Gloucester Stage opens

The Gloucester Stage Company kicks off its 45th season with Christopher Durang’s comedic and Tony Award-winning play “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike.” Directed by Gloucester Stage artistic director Rebecca Bradshaw, the cast includes Diego Arciniegas as Vanya, Adrianne Krstansky as Sonia, Wendy Waring as Masha, Jaime José Hernández as Spike, Valyn Lyric Turner as Nina, and Eryn O’Sullivan as Cassandra. The show runs May 31 to June 23 at Gloucester Stage Company, 267 E. Main St, Gloucester. For tickets and information visit gloucesterstage.com or call 978-281-4433.

Thrift open

ROCKPORT — The Unitarian Universalist Church thrift store is open every Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon, through Sept. 28. Jewelry, art, toys and puzzles, indoor and outdoor decor, household wares, and beach reads. Donations gratefully accepted. More information available by calling the Unitarian Universalist Society of Rockport at 978-546-2989.

Zoom in on arthritis

Arthritis relief without pills? Exercises can help functional movement, increase range of motion and improve ADL’s (Activities of Daily Living), and you won’t have to leave the house to do it. PACE at Element Care is offering a free virtual exercise program over Zoom every Wednesday at 11 a.m. Sit, stand, and join us. All are welcome, and it’s absolutely free. Register for your Zoom link at: https://elementcare-org.zoom.us/j/83819924499?pwd=N1N6ZHNmbUxUaXRtWm1EWmR1bzF1UT09. Meeting ID: 838 1992 4499.

Meals on Wheels

Home-delivered meals might be for you if you are age 60 or older, and unable to prepare a balanced meal because of physical, mental, or emotional limitations, or lack of home assistance from family, friends, or neighbors, to prepare balanced meal. If this sounds like you, and you are unable to participate in the congregate dining program comfortably or safely, Meals on Wheels delivers daily to your door. There are no income eligibility requirements for this program. For more information call SeniorCare Inc. at 978-281-1750 or call toll-free 866-927-1050.

Creativebug

ROCKPORT — The Rockport Public Library has Creativebug, an online database that offers more than 1,000 videos by artists and professionals detailing a wide variety of art and crafts projects for all ages. Videos cover painting, ceramics, knitting, quilting, jewelry-making, party crafts, and more. Some crafts can be learned in a single video, or skills can be honed over multiple videos. To get started, visit www.rockportlibrary.org, go to home page, enter your library card number and email address. After that, you’ll only need to enter your card. number to get crafting! Questions? 978-546-6934.

Sculpture showcase

Drawing on its own and private collections, Cape Ann Museum presents “In the Round: 20th Century Cape Ann Sculpture” through June 23, including artists who followed in the footsteps of Charles Grafly, the work of sisters Anna Hyatt Huntington and Harriet Hyatt Mayor and other trailblazing women. When Grafly made Folly Cove his summer home in the early 1900s, talented sculptors including Walker Hanco*ck, Katharine Lane Weems, George Demetrios and Paul Manship followed. Gallery tours run Thursdays, 2 p.m. Sculpture and walking tours every other Saturday at 10:30 a.m. through June 8. In addition, a series, CAMTalks, includes sculptor Pablo Eduardo, “Creating the Fishermen’s Wives Memorial” with Morgan Faulds Pike, and “Producing Large-Scale Sculpture” with Morgan Dummit, instructor at Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Visit www.capeannmuseum.org/events.

Drum circle

ROCKPORT — Every Wednesday and Saturday, from 2 to 3 p.m. a Drum Circle is held at The Performance Room at Whale’s Jaw Cafe. Drum Circles have been known to be a healing and growth event for all who join the circle. So bring a drum or percussion instrument and join the group led by Dickie Newport at the cafe, 17 Railroad Ave. in Rockport.

Indigenous Cape Ann

Cape Ann Museum is presenting its exhibition of local indigenous artifacts from Cape Ann, on view in the downtown campus, 27 Pleasant St., Gloucester. The display also includes selections from the Annisquam Historical Society. For admission and information, visit www.capeannmuseum.org/event.

Women singers sought

Sorellanza, a small, established women’s a cappella chorus with a diverse repertoire, is seeking new members. Experience is needed, and reading music is an asset. For an audition, please contact Patti Pike at Pikeharp@comcast.net.

500 Club

Gloucester AMVETS Post 32 is offering the chance to win 14 prizes, totaling $1,100 in one night. AMVETS Post 32’s 500 Club, which raises money for the organization’s scholarship fund, has openings. The club is open to the public and only 500 tickets or numbers are available at a cost of $5 each. Drawings are held monthly when the numbers for ten $20 winners, one $50, one $100, one $250 and one $500 winner are announced. If a number is pulled for a smaller award, it is thrown back in the bucket and is eligible for all other drawings. Many members hold onto their same numbers for months or years. It costs $60 to hold a number for a year. Members need not be present and will be notified be mail if they win. Anyone wishing to buy a number — or more— may do so at the club or by phone (978-283-9738). Checks may be made out to Friends of AMVETS and be sent to AMVETS 500 Club, 1-B Washington St., Gloucester, MA 01930. The drawings are held on the last Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m. upstairs in the Amvets building at 1-B Washington St., Gloucester (note new address).

The Open Door

Need help getting groceries? Let food be one less thing to worry about with The Open Door’s new programs. New clients and those returning after more than two years can create an online shopping profile at FOODPANTRY.org/newshopper or call 978-283-6776. New profiles will be processed within one business day. Active clients can place orders at FOODPANTRY.org/order or call 978-283-6776. Translation services are available in many languages. Groceries will be ready for pick-up, with limited delivery available. Need food today? Visit the Gloucester Food Pantry at 28 Emerson Ave., during business hours for basic groceries. Ordering online or by phone for pick-up or delivery within one to three business days allows you more choice. The Open Door is open Monday through Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Need SNAP (Food Stamps)? One-on-one, confidential prescreening for application, recertification, and interim report available at 978-283-6776 ext. 201 or snap@foodpantry.org. Community Meals? Pick-up and delivery, 3 p.m. to close Monday through Friday. Extra meals available on Fridays for the weekend. For more information, visit FOODPANTRY.org.

Heating help

Action Inc.’s Fuel Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is designed to help you pay a portion of your home heating bills. This no-cost program is available to eligible households through April 30 and covers all types of heating sources including oil, gas, electric, kerosene, propane, and wood. You can be eligible whether you are a homeowner, renter, or if heat is included in your rent. To qualify, your gross household income may not exceed: $45,392 for a single person; $59,359 for two people; $73,326 for three people, etc. Additional discounts for gas, oil, and electricity may apply as well. Call Action Inc. Energy Services at 978-281-3900 for more information or visit www.actioninc.org to learn more and apply online.

Comfort baskets

A group of friends — participants of the Relay for Life for many years — have raised over $100,000 for the American Cancer Society. During that time one of its members had cancer and came up with the idea of providing comfort baskets containing products to help make the side effects of chemotherapy more bearable to patients. Many have been given away and are being donating to the Addison Gilbert Hospital infusion center each month. The bags contain, a blanket, knitted hat, gift card, lotions, mug, tea, a pillow and other varied items which can help the person undergoing chemotherapy treatments. To help continue this non-profit program, you can find Friends for Friends on VENMO or send a donation care of Sue Lovasco, 24 South St., Rockport MA 01966.

Transient moorings

The Gloucester Harbormaster’s Office is taking reservations for the 30 transient moorings in the Inner Harbor, Southeast Harbor, and Western Harbor. Moorings include services and amenities such as WiFi, transient storage, floating docks, service and maintenance, as well as access to the state-of-the-art transient boaters lounge and launch services. Reservations fill up quickly for high traffic dates: weekends, St. Peter’s Fiesta (June 26-30), and Labor Day weekend (Aug. 30 to Sept. 2). A waitlist is also available. To reserve moorings through Columbus Day weekend, visit https://bit.ly/43DLyTQ.

Caregiver workshop

Savvy Caregiver Training is for caregivers for persons with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Training is on Zoom, Fridays through May 31 from 10 a.m. to noon. Taking care of a person with Alzheimer’s or related dementia is specialized work. To do it successfully, caregivers need special skills, knowledge, and a positive attitude. Savvy Caregiver Training will help you understand the impact of dementia on both you and the person you’re caring for; learn the skills you need to manage daily life; take control and set goals; communicate more effectively.; Strengthen family resources; feel better about your caregiving and taking care of you. Registration is required at 978-281-1750 x-591 or email abby.considine@seniorcareinc.org.

Open Houses

Join Historic New England on June 1 for a New England-wide Open House and explore distinctly different historic sites for free. On Massachusetts’ North Shore, experience hundreds of years of history at the organization’s 10 properties, including Phillips House and Gedney House in Salem; Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House in Gloucester; and Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm in Newbury. Learn the rich and diverse history of New England’s indigenous and colonial past. Visit with farm animals, check out antique cars and carriages. For more information about the free open house hours for each site, visit HistoricNewEngland.org.

Youth Chorus

ROCKPORT — Rockport Music has announced the start of a regional youth chorus, the Cape Ann Youth Chorus, for young singers ages 8-18, starting in September under the direction of Kristina Martin and Thomas Smoker. The chorus provides a comprehensive musical experience in an inclusive and supportive environment for singers ages 8 and up, with weekly rehearsals, concerts at different events, and at Shalin Liu Performance Center. Mentorship applications will be available for advanced high school singers. The vision is to provide engaging and interactive programming and encourage curiosity, participation and creativity through music and the arts. Rehearsals will be Mondays, 4 to 5:15 p.m, at the Shalin Liu, starting Sept. 9, Tuition is $300 per year and there are sliding scale scholarships available; no students will be turned away. Registration is open through the summer. For more details, visit https://rockportmusic.org/youth-chorus/ or contact Rockport Music’s Director of Education and Partnerships Elizabeth Stefan at estefan@rockportmusic.org. For more, visit rockportmusic.org or call 978-546-7391.

Botanic Garden

ROCKPORT — The Tower Hill Botanic Garden in Boylston, voted “Best in New England,” is the colorful destination for Rockport seniors via a luxury Bloom Tour bus trip scheduled to depart from the Rockport Transfer Station the morning of Wednesday, July 10, and returning around 5 p.m. The $50 fee is all inclusive, but bring some pin money for the café and gift shop. There are plenty of easy walking paths and places to sit and take in incredible garden views with the Wachusett Reservoir as a backdrop. Prepaid reservation required by June 7. Contact the Rockport Council on Aging at 978-546-2573 or cworkman@rockportma.gov.

For Manchester seniors

MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA — The Manchester Council on Aging, 10 Central St., Manchester, offers a full schedule of activities. Learn more or to reserve a seat on the van, please call the Council on Aging at 978-526-7500, or drop by the office at 10 Center St.

Friday, June 7, trip to Red’s Kitchen & Tavern in Peabody. Breakfast until 3 p.m. or choose from a range of comfort foods. Van starts pick-ups seniors around 11 a.m. To reserve your seat, call 978= 526-7500.

Monday, June 10, trip to The Daily Table Food Market in Salem, for affordable fresh, tasty, convenient food. Meats, dairy, eggs, frozen, pantry items lots of fresh produce and freshly prepared foods. Van pickup starts at 10 a.m. For information/ registration call 978-526-7500.

Wednesday, June 12, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Show your solidarity by showing up in front of Town Hall on the Village Green from 10:30-11:30 p.m. Don’t forget to wear purple. To learn more, call 978-526-7500.

Friday, June 21, 10 a.m., trip to the Greenbelt property Siene Field in Gloucester. A gentle stroll along a quarter-mile packed gravel trail loop through a field used to dry seine nets — a designated Bird Area. To reserve seat on the van, call 978- 526-7500.

Tuesday, June 25, lobster roll luncheon, noon, at the Congregational Chapel. Menu includes chicken salad rolls, chips, dessert, and beverage. Enjoy a presentation about Manchester’s Emergency Preparedness Plan, and designated facilities to shelter evacuees or displaced persons. Lobster roll, $12; chicken salad, $6. Open to the first 40 who sign up. Prepaid reservations by June 20. Call 978-526-7500.

Friday, June 28, Mystery Ride. Pack your appetite and join the gang for a mystery ride on the the senior van to somewhere on the North Shore. Pick-up starts at 12 noon; return by 2 p.m. Call 978-526-7500.

Climate art

Scribble, an “artistic entity” made by local adult artists for adults, will host “ Reduce, Reuse, Re-Scribble,” a creative open house confronting climate change with immersive art installations, performances and videos Sunday, June 2, from 3-5 p.m., free at MAGMA, Movement Arts Gloucester, 11 Pleasant St., Gloucester. Expect thoughtful, provocative, interactive work from Erika Sutter, Jude Johnson-Shoucair, Sarah Slifer Swift, Peter Littlefield, Sophia Dunzelman, Christine April, Nick Neyeloff, Michael Lamarache, Hannah Krieger, Chris Lyman and Pamela Ellis Hawkes. Plus a scavenger hunt following clues found within the artworks that speak to climate change. It all begins with a confession booth in which guests have a one on one with Mother Nature. For more about Scribble, visit ScribbleTheArtShow.com

Fiesta floats

The 2024 St. Peter’s Fiesta Procession will take place Sunday, June 30, following the celebration of the 10 a.m. outdoor Mass of St. Peter at St. Peter’s Square. The Fiesta Committee offers trailers to individuals, families, or groups wishing to participate and enter a Fiesta-themed float in celebration of the 97th annual Fiesta event. To reserve a float trailer, please call Rose Aiello at 978 283-1664. All are encouraged and welcome to participate.

At Halibut Point

ROCKPORT — Halibut Point State Park, 4 Gott Ave. in Rockport, offers a new schedule of programs and events, free to all. An adult must accompany children. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request. Guided group tours available with advance reservations by contacting 978-546-2997 or halibut.point@mass.gov, Questions? Email Ramona Latham at ramona.latham@mass.gov.

When Granite was King!, Saturdays, June 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 10-11 a.m.. Babson Farm Quarrying History Guided Tour, for ages 8 and older. Meet at parking area. Learn about the buildings, bridges, and breakwaters built to last. Touch tools of the trade. Find out how they moved these large, heavy stone pieces, and “paved” dirt streets in our nation’s growing cities.

Spring Birding Walk, Sunday, June 16, 8 to 10 a.m., Symphony of Bird Song! All ages, meet parking area. Stroll seaside with birding basics. symphony of spring bird song! Learn their sounds, habits, flight patterns. Spectacular ocean views. Bring binoculars. For all ages. Meet at parking area.

Tide Pool Exploration, Saturdays, June 15, 29, 11 to noon. Observe great diversity of life at the rocky shore. Explore different tide level zones containing ranges of salinity and water coverage. Discover animals and plants and how they survive at each tide level. Meet at Visitor Center. A ages. Heavy rain cancels.

At Sawyer Free

Gloucester’s Sawyer Free Library offers fun and creative ways for kids of all ages to have a good time this spring with a host of ongoing activities, events and services during April at the library, temporarily located at 21 Main St., Gloucester. Unless otherwise noted, registration is required for all events at sawyerfreelibrary.org. For more details, email the contacts listed, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org, or call 978-325-5500.

Glass Pendant Fusing, Wednesday, May 29, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Learn about the creative glass fusing program with North Shore Glass School. All the materials will be provided. Each participant will be able to create up to two fused glass pendants, with step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process. The handmade pieces will then be fired and finished within two weeks of the event and can be picked up at the Sawyer Free Library. All materials and complimentary pizza dinner provided. For ages 16+. Registration required. Questions? lryan@sawyerfreelibrary.org

Author Talk with Sally Goldenbaum, Thursday, May 30, 5:30-6:30 p.m. This engaging talk will feature local author Sally Goldenbaum of the best-selling “Seas de Knitters Mystery Series.” No reservations needed. Questions? Contact Lryans@sawyerfreelibrary.org.

Open Play at the Library for ages 0 to 2 with caregivers, Thursdays, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Books and toys provided. No registration needed. Questions? jvitale@sawyerfreelibrary.org.

Stories and Fun, Wednesdays, 11:15 a.m. to noon. Children and their caregivers’ fun morning of stories, songs, rhymes, bubbles with Children’s Librarian Christy Rosso at MAGMA, 186 Main St., fifth floor. Questions? 978-325-5500.

SFL Device Advice, Thursdays, noon to 2 p.m., one-on-one appointments with a Library staff member assisting with tech issues. Call 978-325-5500 for appointment.

SFL Home Delivery, free for residents of all ages with special needs, illness, or disability. Questions? email:moneill@sawyerfreelibrary.org.

Sawyer Seed Library: Choose from a selection of vegetable, herb, and flower seeds for your own garden. The Library hopes people will explore the varieties and grow from seed to seed, enjoying the harvest and capturing seeds for future planting, or donating them back to the Seed Library. Questions? Contact: moneill@sawyerfreelibrary.org.

Blood drives

The American Red Cross urges blood and platelet donors to make and keep donation appointments now to help hospitals restock blood products for patients.

May 30: 2-7 p.m., Magnolia Library & Community Center, 1 Lexington Ave., Gloucester.

June 7: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., John T. Heard Masonic Lodge, 70 Topsfield Road, Ioswich.

June 11: 2-7 p.m., Magnolia Library & Community Center, 1 Lexington Ave., Gloucester.

Contact for the drives at Our Lady of Good Voyage is the Rev. Jim Achadinha at 978-281-4820 or frjim@ccgronline.com.

Appointments also are available at other locations and at the Danvers Blood Donation Center, 99 Rosewood Drive in Danvers, and by calling 800-733-2767, visiting redcrossblood.org or using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

Garden Club

ROCKPORT — The Rockport Garden Club, founded in 1928, welcomes new members. It not only plants, nurtures and sustains the towns many public gardens, but educates amateurs and newcomers, protects native plants and wildlife, encourages civic planting and beautification, participate in service to the community, and promotes ecology and conservation. All activities and contributions are made possible by the many hours members volunteer, and donations are gratefully accepted. Meetings and programs are held the first Monday or Tuesday of each month, April to December. The club holds afternoon and evening meetings. All events are listed with dates, times and locations in the annual yearbook provided to members. Interested? Visit www.rockportgardenclub.org, and mail a completed application to: Rockport Garden Club, P.O. Box 712 Rockport, Massachusetts 01966.

Gardening programs

Applications are now open for Backyard Growers’ community garden, backyard garden and GrowBag garden programs, with a mission to empower more people to grow their own food and increase access to vegetable gardening resources. More information and applications are available on the organization’s website, backyardgrowers.org.

EMT training

Beauport Ambulance Service Inc. is offering EMT basic training at a new training center at its office at 19 Pond Road in Gloucester. Classes typically run Wednesdays from 6 to 10 p.m. and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon. Signups are ongoing for the 144-hour course incorporating lectures and hands-on skills practice. Those who are interested in the course or who have questions can reach out to Beauport Ambulance Service’s education coordinator at sclark@beauportambulanceservice.com.

Rummage sale

St. John’s Episcopal Church, 48 Middle St. in Gloucester, offers clothing and accessories for men, women and children. Hours are Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mastercard and Visa accepted. Free parking at 33 Washington St.

Tai Chi

ROCKPORT — Amy Seabrook leads an Introduction to Tai Chi exercise each Tuesday, from 11 to 12:15 p.m., at Rockport First Congregational Church, 12 School St. This class focuses on simple, circling movements and the principles behind them. Participants will concentrate on weight transfer for balance and stability. Suggested donation of $7 pays for use of the hall and supports the church. Email Amy at seabrookarts@gmail.com for more information.

Chorus meets

DANVERS — The Northshoremen Barbershop Chorus welcomes men of all ages who love to sing to join them. The chorus rehearses every Wednesday at 7 p.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church, 46 Cherry St., Danvers. Come to the next rehearsal, or for more information call 866-727-4988.

Rockport renewals

ROCKPORT — The Rockport Public Library offers automatic renewals on most items checked out from the library. Items will automatically renew if they have not been returned three days before their due date. Patrons will no longer have to take steps to renew items, even if the items came from a library in Rockport’s network of libraries. Items that cannot be renewed include lucky day titles, items on waiting lists, items that have reached their renewal limit, items borrowed from outside the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium (MVLC), items checked out from a nonparticipating library. By initiating renewals automatically, the library complements its existing fine-free model, under which the library no longer charges fines for overdue items. Patrons who have registered their email addresses with the library will get an email notifying them that their items have been automatically renewed — and reminders of upcoming due dates. To add your email for this service, email info@rockportlibrary.org, call 978-546-6934 or speak with a librarian. Drivers license or two other forms of ID are required at check-in. In most states age 16 must have parental consent, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health.

{h3 class=”elementToProof”}Market Sale {/h3}

{div class=”elementToProof”}Second Glance Thrift Store is holding its annual Seaside Summer Market on Saturday, June 8, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, June 9, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 2 Pond Road, Gloucester. Shop for one-of-a-kind finds and help raise revenue for hunger-relief programs of The Open Door. Learn more at FOODPANTRY.org.{/div}

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Garden Tour

ROCKPORT — This year, Rockport Garden’s Club’s “Blossoms and Granite” Garden Tour will be held June 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and feature 11 gardens, including the African Stone Sculpture Garden, north of downtown Rockport. Advance tickets, $35, and pre-orders for a picnic lunch on the lawn and veranda of the Emerson Inn are available at rockportgardenclub.org. Garden tour maps and brochures will be available to all participants. Admission ID will be in the form a of wristband. For information on ticket sales on tour day, pick-up of wristbands, and details, visit rockportgardenclub.org.

Prom attire special

The Regal Rummage Shop at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 48 Middle St, Gloucester is offering an array of prom attire throughout May. Check out co*cktail and full length gowns, tuxedos, suit jackets, dress shoes and accessories. Vintage and funky, sweet and sultry. The shop is open Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm. Mastercard and Visa accepted. Free parking opposite 18 Washington St.

Essex library

ESSEX — TOHP Burnham Library, 30 Martin St., Essex, warms up for winter with a full house of activities to see you. Open weekdays until 7 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon. For all event requiring registration, sign up at essexpl.org/events. Questions? 978-768-7410.

Regional social worker office hours, Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., in first floor meeting room. Free, private and confidential, learn resources, strategies and skills to assist in stress reduction and management. Call 978-983-1771 for appointment.

Essex seniors

ESSEX – The Essex Council on Aging offers events and trips for seniors. For more information or to register for an event, please call the office at 978-768-7932 or visit the Senior Center at 17 Pickering St. Also, tune in to the Cape Ann Virtual Senior Center for events and fitness opportunities on channel 67 sponsored by the Cape Ann Councils on Aging and the Friends of the Essex Council on Aging. Unless otherwise noted, events will take place at the senior center. Destination events require registration as noted for seat on CATA van.

Walking Club, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., free at the Gordon College Bennett Center indoor walking track. Registration requested by calling Hamilton-Wenham Recreation at 978-468-2178. Transportation by CATA.

Creative Connections, Mondays, 10 a.m. to noon. Bring art projects or start a new one. Supplies while they last.

Arts Group, Tuesdays, 1 to 3 p.m. Paint, knit, crochet, or sew? Bring a project or help create items for the Friends Boutique.

Computer & Technology Assistance, Wednesdays, 1 to 3 pm. Help with computer, tablet, phone? Drop in and ask for Curt or Bill.

Games with Gil at the Senior Center, Wednesdays, 1 p.m. All ages welcome, for board games or Scrabble, Boggle, cribbage, backgammon. Join us or bring a friend and come play

Mobile Market at the Essex Senior Center, first and third Fridays of each month, 10:30 a.m.

Balance in motion — Tuesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m., $5 donation requested.

Groove Fitness Video — Mondays, 9:30 a.m. Dance class to video, no instructor. $5 donation requested.

Fitness with Gil — Wednesdays, 10 a.m., Strength and stamina through stretching, $5 donation requested.

Cape Ann Virtual Fitness Senior Center — Tune into channel 67 for fitness programs sponsored by the Cape Ann COA and the Friends of the Essex Council on Aging.

Grab and Go Meals, Mondays and Thursdays, noon (must be picked up by 12:30): Monday meals provided by The Open Door, Thursday meals provided by Senior Care. Please register two business days in advance at 978-768-7932.

Solstice Party

HAMILTON — The Essex County Trail Association invites all to its annual Summer Solstice Party under the tent in a field at Groton House Farm on Saturday, June 22, from 6-9:30 p.m. Enjoy an appetizer table, complimentary beer and wine, and dinner from Creative Catering in Beverly, all while enjoying the sounds of Orville Gidding’s band. Browse the silent auction of one-of-a-kind items including a handmade bird house by a local artist, a full CSA share from Iron Ox Farm, Bruins tickets, and much more. This year, ECTA will be live auctioning one item, a beautiful 16-foot white cedar and mahogany canoe generously donated by White Rose Canoe of Newbury. This is ECTA’s biggest fundraiser of the year and all proceeds go toward its mission of maintaining trails in its member towns of Hamilton, Wenham, Topsfield, Ipswich, Essex and West Newbury for all types of passive recreation. Tickets, $95 for members, $105 for non-members, and $950 for a table of 10 (limited availability), are available online at ectaonline.org and at the door until capacity is reached.{/div}

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