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. Please include a contact person's name and telephone number and send at least two weeks prior to the event. The Times will do its best to run the announcement at least once prior to the event. Due to the volume of goings on listings received by the paper, listings are alternated once they run and the same listings are not printed every day.
Monthly lunches
Seniors age 60 and over are invited to lunch at the Essex Senior Center on the first and third Thursday of the month. Lunch is provided by SeniorCare. A $2 donation is requested. For reservations, call 978-768-7932.
Meals on Wheels
SeniorCare Meals on Wheels program seeks volunteer drivers in Essex. Call SeniorCare's Nutrition Department at 978-281-1750 or toll-free at 1-866-927-1050.
Yankee Networkers
Yankee Networkers Chapter of BNI, a business referral organization, meets every Wednesday at the Farm Bar & Grill, 233 Western Ave. Business breakfasts are served from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Visitors are invited.
Business counseling
The Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce offers free small-business counseling at its office at 33 Commercial St., Gloucester, on the first and third Thursday of the month. Anyone starting a business can make an appointment with a representative from the Small Business Development Center of Salem State College. Call 978-283-1601 or email info@capeannchamber.com.
Rain Barrel Program
The town of Essex, in partnership with the Great American Rain Barrel Company, is offering rain barrels to residents at a discount ($69 vs. $119 retail) to help conserve water and save money. Each UV protected polyethylene barrel is made in the USA from a 39-by-24 inch recycled shipping drum weighing 20 pounds empty with a wall thickness of 3Ñ16 inch, resulting in a rigid, heavy duty, long-lasting rain barrel, complete with overflow fittings, drain plug, screw on cover, a threaded spigot with a choice of two ports to use with either a watering can or a gardening, and simple instructions for easy installation. To take advantage of this offer, go to: www.greatamericanrainbarrel.com.
Book Group
On Thursday, May 10, at 9:30 a.m., the Book Group at TOHP Burnham Library will discuss the book choice of the month: "Present Value" by Sabin Willett. This "clever, very funny novel is a postmillennial snapshot of America that shows what happens to an economy built on greed when its chickens come home to roost. It's the story of a family gone wrong, and its attempt to reset its course." Pick up your copy at the library and join the discussion!
Summer hours
TOHP Library hours will change to the summer schedule on July 1. Until then, the library will remain open on Saturdays, through June 30.
Achievement award
Donations are being accepted for the Neil G. Ramsden Academic Achievement Award — a memorial award given by the teachers of Essex Elementary School to Essex high school seniors who graduated from EES, and are enrolling in at least a two-year program of study. The award is based on academic achievement, citizenship and service. Donations may be made to Essex Elementary School with "Achievement Award" on the memo line, c/o Susan Hardy, Essex Elementary School, 12 Story St., Essex, MA 01929.
Hazardous waste day
The Town of Essex will hold its annual household hazardous waste day on May 12, from 8 a,m, to noon, behind the fire station. This event is for Essex residents only and registration is required. There will be a separate vendor taking tires and car batteries for a fee. Please have amounts of material before registering. For information/registration, call 978-768-6262.
Blood pressure clinics
The Essex Council on Aging holds a blood pressure clinic the third Thursday of each month, 10:30 a.m., at 17 Pickering St.
Spaulding Fund
Spaulding Education Fund, a private, nonprofit established to aid Manchester Essex public schools, relies on private donations. Tax-deductible contributions may be made at www.spauldingeducationfund.org or mailed to the Spaulding Education Fund, Box 192, Manchester, MA 01944.
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