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.
Paint Essex
On Saturday, Aug. 18, the Essex Merchant Group will bring numerous fine artists to Essex to paint the Great Marsh, Essex River, antiques, historic sites and landscapes of Essex. Silent and live “wet paint” auctions of the day’s paintings will be held in the evening, accompanied by live music from Old Cold Tater, at an hors d’oeuvres and wine reception. $5 per artist; register at the Essex Shipbuilding Museum parking lot at 8 a.m. Auction $25 per person; $10 for registered artists (includes one beverage). Proceeds help promote Essex as a travel destination. To register or to volunteer, email Teri Eramo at teri.eventide@gmail.com, or call 978-890-7198.
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.
Sailing Club
The Essex Bay Sailing Club’s Summer Sailing Program, a nonprofit club founded in 2000, reaches out to teach sailing to local youngsters. The goal is to develop sailors with a strong knowledge of sailing who also appreciate and protect the beautiful resources of the Essex River. The club offers beginner to advanced level lessons for children ages 8 and up in Escape Captivas and International 420s. Four- or eight-week sessions are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit www.essexbaysailingclub.org.
Free flu clinics
There will be clinics dispensing free flu vaccinations for Essex residents on Saturday, Oct. 20, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Memorial Fire Station, 24 Martin St., and on Tuesday, Nov. 6, (Election Day), 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., at the Senior Center, Pickering Street.
Blood pressure clinics
The Essex Council on Aging holds a blood pressure clinic the third Thursday of each month, 10:30 a.m., at the Senior Center, 17 Pickering St.
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
The 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.
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.
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 39x24-inch recycled shipping drum weighing 20 pounds empty with a wall thickness of 3⁄16 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 or gardening can, and instructions for easy installation. Visit www.greatamericanrainbarrel.com.
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.
Royal stallions
Coming to Cogswell’s Grant this Sept. 7-9, are the Royal Lipizzan stallions. With 300 years of training and breeding by the famed Herrmann family, these stallions demonstrate the highest levels of horsemanship and are among a few remaining horses capable of executing the “airs above the ground” maneuvers. Developed as battle maneuvers in the sixteenth century, these displays of equine grace and strength will be performed through three 90 minute shows, Friday at 5:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $8-$15. Snacks and souvenirs are available. Please bring your own seating and bug spray. Call 978-768-3632.
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