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" recycled shipping drum weighing 20 lbs. empty with a wall thickness of 3/16", 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.
Identity theft
On Monday April 30, at 6:30 p.m., the T.O.H.P Burnham Library will host a free discussion on Identity Theft and how to protect yourself from it; the talk will include computer security. All are welcome.
Story Hour
There will be no story hour at the TOHP Burnham Library on Wednesday, April 25: story hour will resume as usual on May 2, at 10:15 a.m., with stories, crafts, songs, puppets and more, for ages 3 to 5 with a caregiver. Final story hour before summer season is on May 9; see you in the fall!
Pie Fest
On Wednesday, May 2, from 2 to 6 p.m., Friends of the Library will hold their annual pie fest fundraiser. Enjoy a slice of pie and coffee or tea for just $3. Also, anyone who'd like to contribute their baking skills/ fresh baked goods to the sale, contact: mes@mvlc.org, or call 978-768-7410.
Book Group
On Thursday, May 10, at 9:30 a.m., the Book Group at the TOHP Burnham Library will discuss their 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 your copy up at the library and join the discussion!
Summer hours
The 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 12 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 informatio/registration, call 978-768-6262.
Public forum
The Town of Essex Building Committee will hold a public forum regarding the status of planning for future Town building replacements and renovations on Tuesday, April 24, at 7:30 p.m. at the Essex Senior Center, 17 Pickering St. The public is invited to hear about the committee's recommendation to the upcoming annual town meeting and to provide input to the committee regarding that recommendation or other town building related matters.
Earth Day
In celebration of Earth Day, the Essex DPW will provide tree saplings to Essex residents on April 21, at the Transfer Station from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Common Lilac and Red Oak are available. Supplies are limited and will be dispensed on a first come first serve basis. For more information, call 978-768-6262.
Cemetery flowers
The Essex Cemetery Department is requesting that family members and friends who have placed artificial flowers, wreaths, baskets, etc. on graves in the Spring Street Cemetery remove them or have them removed by April 23. Any remaining after this date will be collected by the department, held for a short time and then disposed of. Thank you for your assistance in this matter.
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.
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.
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