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.
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.
Cursillo Ultreya
The first gathering of the season will be Saturday, Oct. 6, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Main Street, Essex. The potluck is at 5 p.m. and the ultreya follows at 6 p.m. All are welcome and it’s not necessary to have been on a Cursillo encounter weekend to attend. Call Al Mitchell at 978-879-3655.
Flu clinic
The Cape Ann Emergency Planning Team and the Cape Ann Boards of Health is offering these free flu vaccination clinics in Essex: Oct. 20, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Essex Fire Station, 24 Martin St.; and Nov. 6, (Election Day), 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Essex Senior Center Pickering St. The clinic is available to those 6 months of age and older. Wear short sleeves and bring health insurance card(s). Those without health insurance will not be refused.
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.
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.
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.
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