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. 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.

Rockport HarvestFest

The annual HarvestFest will take place Saturday, Oct. 13 in downtown Rockport. The celebration features live music, a Local Fare Fair, a scarecrow contest, pumpkin-painting, a costume parade “The Great Scarecrow Chase,” cooking demonstrations, the annual Scarecrow Stroll, and more. Several Rockport inns, shops, restaurants and galleries will offer HarvestFest specials and packages. Visit www.rockportartfestivals.com.

Birthday celebration

It’s cake, ice cream and free raffles for all those celebrating birthdays this month on Thursday, Sept. 27, at the Rockport Senior Center, 58 Broadway. Come celebrate, and bring a friend or family member. For reservations, call 978-546-2573.

Topsfield Fair

Monday, Oct. 1, is Rockport Senior Citizen Day at Topsfield Fair. Bus leaves from Rockport Depot at 9:30 a.m., and departs from fair for trip back home at 2 p.m. Bus fare is $7, tickets at the gate are an additional $8. Space is limited. For reservations, call 978-546-2573.

Foxwoods away-day

Rockport seniors will travel to Foxwoods on Tuesday, Oct. 9. Bus departs Rockport Depot at 7:30 a.m., and returns at approximately 7:30 p.m. There is a free buffet and $15 Keno, and the $25 fee includes motor coach.

Cultural grants

The Rockport Cultural Council has set an Oct. 15, 2012, postmark deadline for proposals for community-oriented arts, humanities, and science programs for organizations, schools and individuals to apply for grants that support cultural activities in the community. These grants can support a variety of artistic projects and activities including exhibits, festivals, field trips, short-term artist residencies or performances in schools, workshops and lectures. This year, the council will distribute approximately $3,870 in grants. Information and application forms are available at www.mass-culture.org/lcc_public.asp, or at the Rockport Town Library and Town Hall Clerk’s Office.

Cleanup day

The Sandy Bay Historical Society will sponsor a cleanup day at the site of the Haskins Hospital property at the top of Summit Avenue in Rockport on Saturday, Sept. 22 (rain date, Sept. 29). This is an initial step between volunteers and the town to make this property into a park for all to enjoy. Please bring clippers, rakes, work gloves and insect repellent. Call 978-546-9533 or 978-546-8428 for information or to sign up.

Snakes alive!

On Saturday Sept. 22, at 10 a.m., Rick Roth, local snake expert and Director of the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team, will share some of his favorite snakes and talk about their lives and habits at Toad Hall Bookstore’s Snakes of New England and the World Live Animal Exhibit.

Bike tour

The Cape Ann Pedal Power! Bicycle Tour will take place Sunday, Sept. 23, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The 30-mile ride of Cape Ann’s seascapes begins at Halibut Point Reservation in Rockport, travels to Coolidge Reservation in Manchester, and then back to Rockport. Helmet and water bottle required. Bring your own bike or rent one from a local shop. Riders must be experienced and capable of riding comfortably up hills and down fast descents. Moderately paced at 10-15 mph. Riding for 3.5 hours with six stops for scenic views and lunch. Bring picnic lunch or buy. Space limited to 12. Cost is $30 for members, $50 for nonmembers. Call 978-281-8400.

Old Sloop

Old Sloop Coffeehouse promises musical fireworks with Fly Amero on Saturday, Sept. 22, at 7:30 p.m. at the handicapped-accessible First Congregational Church of Rockport, 12 School St, with acoustic duo Chick and Ellen opening. Amero’s musical roots are deep in 60’s pop; he performed in 1967’s Newport Folk Festival with Buddy Guy and Jr. Wells and the notorious Jim Kweskin Jug Band, as well as with Foreigner and Meatloaf. Advance tickets, $10 at: oldsloopcoffeehouse.org, or buy at Gloucester Music, Toad Hall Bookstore in Rockport. Suggested donation at the door: Adults, $12; Over 65, $7; Younger than 18, $5; Family, $24.

Adult indoor soccer

Rockport Recreation will sponsor an adult indoor soccer program Tuesdays, 7 to 9 p.m., in the Rockport High School gym, Sept. 18-Nov. 13. Cost is $20 per player. Call Caitlin Chandler at 978-546-1309.

Live snakes

Toad Hall Bookstore, 47 Main St., will host “Snakes of New England and the World” live animal exhibit with local snake expert Rick Roth on Saturday, Sept. 22, at 10 a.m. See native and exotic snakes close up.

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. To sign up, call 978-546-6121 or visit www.FirstBaptistRockport.org.

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.

Bible study

Every Wednesday, from 9:30 to 11 a.m., Rockport Baptist Church hosts a Bible study that is free and open to the public. The group studies various portions of scripture and seeks to make contemporary application. Visit www.FirstBaptistRockport.org or call 978-546-6121.

Buddhism program

Those interested in learning what a Buddhist practice is or how others maintain a daily practice are invited to share their thoughts and questions with teacher Mary Kay Dyer, of Rockport’s Asian Classics Institute, and senior student and practitioner Elizabeth McLindon, on the fourth Sunday of the month, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at the 222 Wellness Center, 222 Eastern Ave. Contact Mary Kay Dyer at 978-283-8857 or mkdyer47@juno.com, or Elizabeth McLindon at 978-879-9159 or eam@elizabethmclindon.com.

Tennis for adults

The Rockport Recreation Department offers a multi-level tennis program, for adults ages 16 and up, mornings from 7:30 to 9, at the Rockport High School tennis courts. Play a match, get useful tips and learn more about the game. Cost is $70 for a four-week session. Call Olivia at 978-546-1309.

Day camp

The Rockport Recreation Department offers an interactive day camp for children in grades one through five, at 9 a.m., at Rockport Elementary School. Activities include sports, games, arts and crafts. Admission is $135 for five weeks. Call Olivia at 978-546-1309.

Kidleidoscope program

Every Friday, from 10:30 to 11:30 p.m., young children can explore nature at Halibut Point State Park, where ideas find concrete meaning, and are reinforced through specially-themed art projects. The free program, open to children ages 3 to 6, meets at the Visitors Center. Call Meg Tenczar at 978-546-2997.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cardio fusion

Rockport Recreation Department offers a fitness program for adults, combining strength training, cardio, Pilates and flexibility. Individual classes are $6, at the Community House. Call Caitlin at 978-546-1309.

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.

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.

Senior trips

The Rockport Senior Center offers these day trips:

Oct. 9 — Trip to Foxwoods. Leaves Rockport at 7:30 a.m., and returns at approximately 7:30 p.m. $25 includes motorcoach and free buffet. For reservations, call 978-546-2573.

Dec. 6 — Travel to Newport, R.I., to visit the Marble House Mansion and have lunch at Lancetta’s; then visit LaSalette Shrine for Father Pat’s concert and Festival of Lights. Call 978-546-2573.

Community Schools

Rockport Community Schools offers these fall programs:

Yoga with Janet Green Garrison

— Thursdays, Sept. 27-Nov. 22, 5:15 to 6:30 p.m., Rockport High School library. All-level yoga class for adults of all ages. $96 per person for eight weeks.

Fitness Class with Marsha Whelan

— Mondays and Wednesdays, Sept. 5–Oct. 17, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Rockport Elementary School gym. Full body workout for all ages. Bring hand-held weights (3-8 pounds), drinking water, a mat or towel for floor exercises, supportive footwear and comfortable clothing. $60 per unit, $48 per unit for seniors 60 and over. Six weeks (12 sessions).

Zumba Class with Calandra Salo

— Thursdays, Sept. 20–Oct. 25, 6:30 p.m., Rockport Elementary School gym. $60 per person for six weeks.

Creative Writing for New and Practicing Writers with Ann McArdle

— Tuesdays, Sept. 11–Oct. 16, 7 to 9 p.m., Rockport Elementary School library. $80 per person for six sessions.

Basic to Advanced Drawing with Paul Ciaramitaro

— Wednesdays, Sept. 12–Nov. 7, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Rockport High School art room. $150 per person for eight sessions.

Computer Basics Course with Shelagh St.Laurent

— Wednesdays, Sept. 19-Nov. 14, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Foster Computer Lab. Bring computer flash drive for saving files. $120 per person for eight weeks.

Preregistration and prepayment for all classes required. Registration forms available at Rockport Public Library and all school offices. Call Gini Nangle at 978-546-1204.

Book sale

The Friends of the Rockport Library is collecting books for its October book sale. Donations of hard-cover and paperback books, children’s books, books on tape, CDs and DVD’s in good condition may be dropped at the library Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 1 to 8 p.m.; Tuesday and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.; or Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The library is closed on Fridays. Proceeds benefit supplements programs including the children’s programs, Speakers Series, and museum passes.

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