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.
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 on Saturday, May 19, at Rockport Country Club, 36 Country Club Road, Rockport, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. to benefit the Huntington's Disease Society of America (HDSA). This evening fetures 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.
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.
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.
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 offers these programs this spring. Prepaid registration is required for all, and registration forms are available in the Rockport Public Library and all school offices. For more information, please 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
Empty Bowl dinner
The Open Door food pantry's annual Empty Bowl Dinner will be held Thursday, May 10, 4 to 8 p.m., at Cruiseport Gloucester. The meal is simple soup, bread and cookie. Guests may choose and keep a hand-crafted "empty bowl" as an unspoken reminder of all those whose bowls are empty.
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.
Senior luncheon
The Rockport COA and SeniorCare Nutrition Program will host a Mother's Day luncheon on Wednesday, May 9, at 11:30 a.m. at the Rockport Senior Center. The menu features stuffed chicken breast, baked potato, vegetable medley and strawberry short cake. Musical entertainment will be provided. Requested donation $2. Please call 978-546-5027 to place your reservation.
Traveling chef
The Rockport COA and SeniorCare Nutrition Program will host the Traveling Chef luncheon on Wednesday, May 16; build your own burger, enjoy it with potato wedges, cole slaw, and chocolate cookie. The Rockport Elementary chorus students perform at 11 a.m., luncheon starts at 11:30 a.m. at the senior center. Donation is $3: For reservations, call 978-546-5027.
Medicare patrol
The Rockport COA will host the Massachusetts Senior Medicare Patrol Program at the Rockport Senior Center, on Wednesday, May 16, at 1 p.m.; learn to detect, protect, and report healthcare errors, and Medicare fraud and abuse. RSVP at 978-546-2573.
Life & Art
On Wednesday, May 23rd at 1:00 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.
Senior art
A six week watercolor and drawing class taught by Carla Mattioli starts Tuesday, May 15, at 1 p.m. at the Rockport Senior Center. Cost is $30; registration is by phone. Call Diane at 978-546-2573.
Estes at Old Sloop
The First Congregational Church of Rockport's Old Sloop Coffeehouse presents the Allen Estes Band on Saturday, May 12 at 7:30 p.m. A singer, songwriter, and performer with a long and distinguished resume. Estes has performed and recorded with —among others— the Judds, Tom Wopat, Tammy Wynette, and Shania Twain. Tickets are $10 at: oldsloopcoffeehouse.org, Gloucester Music, and Toad Hall Bookstore, Rockport. Suggested donation at the door is: adults, $12; 65 and older, $7; under 18, $5; family, $24. The coffeehouse offers babysitting during concerts. For more information call 978-546-3551.




