Rockport goings on

Events listed here are open to the public and sponsored by nonprofit groups unless otherwise noted. Press releases may be sent to Goings on, Gloucester Daily Times, 36 Whittemore St., Gloucester, MA 01930, sent via email to gdt@gloucestertimes.com or faxed to 978-282-4397. Items can also be dropped off at the police station. Please include a contact person's name and numbers.

Nursing Home week

Den Mar Nursing home is commemorating National Nursing Week with many events for residents, families and friends. Tuesday, May 15, family bingo night starts at 6:30 p.m. On Wednesday, May 16, there will be a jewelry show from 2 to 4 p.m., followed by a children's fashion show at 3:30 p.m. On Thursday, May 17, there will be staff-resident trivia with Tony T., from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., and a Spring Concert at 7 p.m. by the Rockport Legion Band.On Friday, May 18, at 2:30 p.m. there will be group Bingo with Rockport Middle schoolers. And on Saturday, Ed Gardener will stage a great magic show 3 p.m. For more information, call 978-546-5690.

Garden Beach Association

The Old Garden Beach Association of Rockport will hold its annual meeting on Thursday, May 17, at 7 p.m. at the Rockport Community House.

Thacher Island meetings

The Thacher Island Town Committee (TITC) will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday, May 17, at 7:30 p.m. in the meeting room of the Rockport Police Station. The Thacher Island Association meeting will begin immediately following the adjournment of the TITC meeting.

Housing assistance

Action Inc. of Gloucester has rental and mortgage assistance money available from the Rockport Community Preservation Committee to help families and individuals, living in Rockport who are presently facing a financial hardship, in keeping their housing. Please call Stella at Action, Inc. at 978-282-1000 ext. 115 to check if you could receive this assistance.

Spring fling

The Sandy Bay Sisterhood will host a "Spring Fling" fundraiser dance to benefit Huntington's Disease Society of America (HDSA), on Saturday, May 19, at Rockport Country Club, 36 Country Club Road, Rockport, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. This evening features music by the Mari Martin Band, appetizers, light dinner and desserts, raffles, a cash bar, and a live auction of quality, donated art. Tickets are $30 at the door and $25 advanced purchase. Call 617- 750-2853 for tickets, or email: SandyBaySisterhood@gmail.com

History museum

The Sandy Bay Historical Society museum on King Street is open Mondays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., for research. Cost is $5 for nonmembers, free for members. Tours of the museum are also offered.

Tai Ji class

A tai ji class is held every Wednesday, 9 to 10:30 a.m., at Rockport Senior Center, on the second floor of the Community House. Taught by Meredith Morgan, the class is appropriate for beginners as well as those who have done tai ji in the past. Tai ji is a gentle movement class that benefits health and well-being.

Meditation class

The Vajramudra Center, 154 Granite St., holds free weekly meditation teaching and practice Tuesdays, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Call Larry Wolf at 617-869-0666.

Scholarship fund

The Linda Wieditz Scholarship Fund is accepting donations. A scholarship, given in memory of the much beloved music teacher in the Rockport Public Schools, is presented at the Rockport High School graduation each year to one or more graduates pursuing music studies in higher education. Checks, made payable to the "Linda Wieditz Memorial Scholarship," should be mailed to: Linda Wieditz Memorial Scholarship, P.O. Box 191, Rockport, MA 01966.

Pathways volunteers

Pathways' Cape Ann Families seeks men and women to volunteer as parent mentors. The program has been running for 20 years, serving parents of the Cape Ann community who are experiencing stress or isolation. Volunteers are matched with parents, beginning year-long mentorships/friendships. Contact Hailey Granger at 978-281-2400, ext. 110, or hgranger@pw4c.org.

Rental, mortgage aid

Action Inc. has rental and mortgage assistance (TBRA/MBRA) money available from Rockport's Community Preservation Act (CPA) to help Rockport families and individuals facing financial hardships in keeping their housing. Call Stella at 978-282-1000, ext. 115, to check eligibility status.

Video Club for teens

Cape Ann TV is enrolling middle and high school students in its After School Video Club. The program, led by staff member Lisa Smith, meets Tuesdays, 3 to 5 p.m., at Cape Ann TV Studio, 38 Blackburn Center. Throughout the school year, students learn both studio and field production, brainstorm scripts, produce short creative videos, and produce interview style programming. Students develop hands-on experience with equipment and learn all aspects of video production. All club-produced programming will be aired on Channel 12. The $20 fee includes a year's membership to CATV. To register, contact Lisa Smith at 978-281-2443 or: lsmith@CapeAnnTV.org.

Musicians sought

Rockport Legion Band, a community band founded in 1932, is a non-audition musical group that plays all year, and is looking for competent musicians who play traditional concert band instruments. Players who played well in high school or college, but have "lapsed" are especially welcome. To attend a rehearsal, email rockportband@gmail.com or call 978-546-6199. The band rehearses Thursdays, 7:30 p.m., at the American Legion Hall on Beach Street, Rockport. Visit www.rockportlegionband.wordpress.com.

Library home delivery

Rockport Public Library offers outreach services for local homebound residents. The outreach librarian delivers regular, large-print and audio books as well as periodicals and videos. Call 978-546-6934.

Recovery programs

A variety of recovery programs meet weekly in Rockport.

Sunday — Alcoholics Anonymous "Women in Recovery" 2 to 3 p.m., First Congregational Church, School Street.

Monday — Alcoholics Anonymous, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 24 Broadway.

Tuesday — Alcoholics Anonymous step meeting, noon to 1 p.m., First Baptist Church of Rockport, 2 High St.; Alcoholics Anonymous, 7:30 p.m., First Congregational Church, School Street.

Wednesday — Al-Anon group, 7:30 p.m., First Baptist Church of Rockport, 2 High St., for friends and relatives of people with alcoholism.

Thursday — Alcoholics Anonymous closed book meeting, noon to 1 p.m., Rockport Baptist Church, 2 High St. Alcoholics Anonymous "Men in Recovery" men's speaker discussion meeting, 7:30 p.m., United Methodist Church.

Friday — Alcoholics Anonymous, noon to 1 p.m., First Baptist Church of Rockport, 2 High St.

Saturday — Alcoholics Anonymous, 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., First Baptist Church of Rockport, 2 High St. (in July). AA meets at the First Congregational Church, School Street, the rest of the year.

Church lift

The First Baptist Church of Rockport offers free rides to church every Sunday for anyone living on Cape Ann. If you are interested in catching a ride, contact the church at 978-546-6121 or www.FirstBaptistRockport.org.

COA summer trips

This summer, the Rockport COA is offering two motor coach excursions to Boston; Thursday, June 21, for a Fenway Park tour, with lunch at the No Name Restaurant and a visit to the U.S.S. Constitution & Quincy Market; $69 per senior; and Wednesday, July 11, for a narrated cruise aboard the Spirit of Boston, including a delicious buffet, an entertaining musical show, and a visit to the North End; $69 per senior. For information/reservations, call Diane at 978-546-2573.

Schools programs

The Rockport schools offer these programs this spring. Prepaid registration is required for all; registration forms are available in the Rockport Public Library and all school offices. For more information, call: Gini Nangle, Community Schools Manager, at 978-546-1204.

Fitness class with Martha Whelan; a full body workout for all ages, focusing on increasing overall strength, endurance and tone; Mondays and Wednesdays (six weeks, 12 sessions, $60, $48, seniors 60+) 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., in elementary school gym.

Creative writing with Ann McArdle; novel, memoir, short story structure, character development, class critiques and more; Tuesdays, 7 to 9 p.m. in the elementary school library. (Six sessions, $60) starts April 24.

Computer basics with Shelagh St.Laurent; Microsoft office skills; Word, Excel and PowerPoint, email, internet basics. Wednesdays, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Foster's Computer Lab (registration for 8 sessions, $120) started March 28. Camera basics with Kathy Chapman: Introduction to digital photography; Wednesdays, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in high school library PC computer lab (4 sessions, $125) Starts April 25.

Online digital photo sharing with Coleen Magrath; Learn to download, edit, and turn photos into attachments, albums, collages, postings on Facebook and more. Mondays, 6 to 8 p.m. in high school library PC computer lab (4 weeks/sessions, $80) Starts April 30.

Yoga dance class

The Rockport Recreation Department offers a Kripalu Yoga Dance class, for all abilities and body types, Tuesdays, 6 to 7 p.m., April 24-May 15, at the Rockport Community House. Cost is $8 per class, $30 for the four-week session. Call 978-546-1309.

Dog licenses

Dog licenses are now available at the town clerk's office during regular business hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost is $10 for spayed or neutered dog or $16 for non-spayed or neutered. Rabies vaccination certificates must be presented at the time of registration. Licenses are due by May 31; a $5 late fee will be imposed for each month after that date.

Fun run festival

On May 19, Rockport Elementary Schools will host a super inclusive 5k and 1-mile fun run to raise money for the health and wellness programs, on the Motif No. 1 Day festival in downtown Rockport. Check out the race website at www.motif1day5k.com. ($20 for 5k, $10 for 1-mile fun run). For more information, call Philip Whitley at 978-578-3649

Boating course

A seven-week boating course, approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard and the state of Massachusetts, will be offered Tuesdays, 7 to 9 p.m., at the Sandy Bay Yacht Club, beginning May 1. The 14-hour introductory course is for both sail and power boaters. Topics include: navigation rules, chart work, GPS, marine radio, boat handling and trailering. Successfully completing the course meets the educational requirements for boat operation in all states. The course is free, but student materials cost $50 and may be shared. Open to all adults and children over 12, on a first-come basis. To register, call 978-546-3221.

Arts scholarship

The Cape Ann Shakespeare Troupe has established a $500 scholarship to be awarded to a Cape Ann high school senior who has been accepted to a college theater arts program. Prerequisites include participation in high school drama programs and involvement in one CAST production. For an application, contact Ray Jenness at kjenness045@netzero.com or 73 High St., Rockport, MA 01966.

RAA classes

The Rockport Art Association, 12 Main St., offers these classes and sketch groups in its studio:

Figure sketch group (short pose) meets Mondays, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Model takes several short poses progressing to 20 minutes. No instruction. $10. Meets year-round. No preregistration required. Peter DeNigris monitors. 508-662-9985.

Figure sketch group (long pose) meets Thursdays, 1 to 4 p.m. Adequate time to study subject and complete works of art. All mediums. No instruction. $10. No preregistration. Fred Jillson monitors. 978-281-5144.

Drivers for seniors

RSVP Volunteers of the North Shore seeks volunteer medical transportation drivers. SeniorCare is in need of volunteers from Gloucester and Rockport for local and out-of-town appointments. Volunteers choose when and how often they drive. Drivers are compensated. Call 978-281-1750.

Life & Art

On Wednesday, May 23, at 1 p.m. the Peabody Essex Museum will present a Journey through Life through Art at the Rockport Senior Center. Please RSVP by calling 978-546-2573.

Planning board

As part of a continuing discussion: "Guiding change in Rockport's residential neighborhoods" a joint presentation by the Planning Board and the Rockport Historical Commission will be held on Thursday, May 17, 2012 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Brenner Room of the Rockport Library. Christopher C. Skelly, Massachusetts Historical Commission, will present: the advantages of demolition delay bylaws, the different types of demolition bylaws found in Massachusetts, the typical steps in a demolition delay bylaw, and success stories with the demolition delay from around the state. For more information, email: PlanningBoardInfo@townofrockport.com, or call 978-546-5008.

Foreclosure Prevention Clinic The Cape Ann Homeownership Center of the Gloucester Housing Authority will offer a free two-hour seminar for homeowners at risk of foreclosure this Thursday, May 17, at 6 p.m. at the Rockport Inn & Suites, 183 Main St., Rockport. Neighborhood Legal Services will present the "Making Home Affordable" federal modification program, and counselors will be on hand to help with the loan modification process. To reserve a seat, please call Kathy Erkkila at 978-281-4770 Ext. 110.

EMS Day

Rockport Ambulance will host the 17th annual EMS Day on Sunday, May 20, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Rockport Police Station and DPW complex, 168 Main St., featuring Rockport's newest fire truck ladder one, and demonstrations of Rockport Fire, Harbormaster, Forest Fire, DPW and Ambulance Department apparatus and equipment. Rockport Police will host a bike auction and car seat installation demonstrations; Treadwell's will serve their world famous ice cream; Tally's Towing will demonstrate the use of air bag lifting; and Rockport's Squad 1 and Engine 2 will demonstrate the Jaws of Life.

Vets Variety Show

This Saturday, May 19, grab your dancing shoes and head on down to The Gloucester House for one great Yankee Doodle Dandy of a night! Presented by 'Share the Music,' this "swellegant, elegant" Variety Show Fundraiser kicks-off at 6:30 p.m., Tickets are $20, all in support of a great cause: the Gloucester WW11 Memorial. Sing along and swing along down through decades of war and peace with American classics from Gershwin to Porter, Jolson to Sinatra, and all the way back to the Battle Hymn of the Republic. For tickets and/or reservations, call 978-283-1812, or stop by Gloucester Book Store and Toad Hall Book Store, Rockport.

Parking stickers

Rockport transfer station and parking stickers expire on May 31. Stickers are now on sale at Town Hall, Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m, to 2 p.m. and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 12 noon. The 2012 — 13 mail-in sticker forms are available at Town Hall or can be downloaded from Rockport's website: town.rockport.ma.us.

Summer & Smoke

Theatre in the Pines kicks off its 25th year with Tennessee Williams' "Summer and Smoke," starting Thursday, May 17, at 7:30 p.m. and running for three nights with a Sunday matinee at 3 p.m. at Spiran Hall in Rockport. This sizzling southern love story is an American classic, a great showcase for our local theater talents, and a great choice to commemorate the 25th year of Nan Webber's troupe. Tickets are available at the door or in advance at Toad Hall Bookstore in Rockport and The Bookstore in Gloucester.

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