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.

A seaging life

Capt. George Grimes will be guest speaker at a program sponsored by the Sandy Bay Historical Society on Tuesday, Aug. 14, 7:30 p.m., at the Rockport Public Library. The Rockport native and licensed master mariner will share stories of his life at sea, and discuss his book, “Water Under the Keel: Memories of a Seagoing Life.” Capt. Grimes’ ancestry includes six generations of seafaring men, many of whom were Captains. His presentation is free and open to the public.

Gourmet getaway

On Aug. 16, the Rockport Senior Center hosts a “gourmet getaway” luncheon prepared by Johnson & Wales chef instructors, with a “divine” comedy show with Father Misgivings. Bus departs at 9:30 a.m. from Rockport Depot. Cost is $69 per person. To register, call Paula or Diane at 978-546-2573.

Senior trips

The Rockport Senior Center will offer these day trips:

Aug. 16 — Visit Johnson & Wales University for lunch and a comedy show.

Sept. 13 — Travel to Hyannis to catch a ferry to Nantucket.

Oct. 9 — Trip to Foxwoods.

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.

Flea market

Pigeon Cove Circle will hold an outdoor flea market and rummage sale Saturday, Aug. 18. Rain date is Saturday, Aug. 25. Table rentals are $30 per table. Call Linda at 978-546-6698.

Golf tournament

The 16th annual Educational Foundation for Rockport golf tournament will be held Wednesday, Sept. 26, at Rockport Golf Club. Registration at noon with a boxed lunch. Shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. Dinner follows the tournament. RSVP no later than Sept. 21; call Bob Krause at 978-546-5135.

Thacher Island art, photo show

The Thacher Island Association will hold its annual Art and Photography Show at the Rockport Community House, 58 Broadway, Aug. 23-26. An opening reception will be held Thursday, Aug. 23, 7 to 9 p.m. Show hours are: Aug. 24 and 25, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Aug. 26, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Show is open to all artists. More than 80 artists and photographers are expected to show their work. Artwork, including selections created during the recent Art and Photo Days, along with a diverse selection of artistic subjects will be exhibited. All works will be available for purchase. Proceeds benefit the Thacher Island and Straitsmouth Island restoration efforts. Admission is free. Call Linda at 978-546-2250 or email thacherart@gmail.com.

Thacher Island meetings

The Thacher Island Town Committee (TITC) will hold its monthly meeting Thursday, Aug. 16, 7:30 p.m., in the meeting room of the Rockport Police Station. The Thacher Island Association meeting will begin immediately following the adjournment of the TITC meeting.

Theater in the Pines

Theater in the Pines celebrates its 25th anniversary season with its 80th production “Lend Me A Tenor” by Ken Ludwig at the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport. This hilarious comedy, set in a hotel suite in Cleveland, revolves around Tito Morelli, an Italian star slated to play Otello, who succumbs to an accidental overdose of tranquillizers, setting mayhem in motion! Rick Doucette reprises the role of Tito, joined by a seasoned cast directed by Nan Webber. Performances are on Friday, Sept. 14, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 15, 3 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 16, 3 p.m.

Tickets are available at the door, at Toad Hall Bookstore in Rockport and the Bookstore in Gloucester, or by calling Rockport Music at 978-546-7391. For more information, visit: http://theatreinthepines.blogspot.com

Free concert

A free concert of Italian arias and duets will take place Wednesday, Aug. 29, 7 p.m., at the Shalin Liu Performance Center, in commemoration of Verdi’s upcoming bicentennial. The concert was made possible by Shalin Liu and Karyl Charna Lynn of Gloucester. The performers are Metropolitan Opera soprano Elizabeth Blancke-Biggs and internationally-renowned baritone Michael Corvino, accompanied by Michael Recchiuti on the piano. Doors open at 6:05 p.m. Seating is first-come, first-served. Free concert, no tickets required. Visit www.rcmf.org.

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.

UU Thrift shop

The Thrift Shop of the Unitarian Universal Society of Rockport is open Fridays and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., until Saturday, Sept. 1, in the lower level of the UU church, 4 Cleaves St. The shop stocks books, household items, office supplies, toys, jewelry, and collectible treasures. Donations of used or new items in good, clean, functional condition are accepted. Due to limited space, the shop will no longer carry furniture, TVs, film cameras or clothing. Proceeds support the UUSR’s programs and charitable work in the community.

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.

Covered-dish supper

The Old Garden Beach Association will hold its annual covered-dish supper Saturday, Aug. 18, 5 p.m., at the home of Bernie and Lorraine Horn, 33 Norwood Ave. (If rainy, at the Community House). Last names ending in A-H should bring a dessert; those with I-O should bring an appetizer, vegetable dish or salad; and those with P-Z should bring a main dish. This event is BYOB. Bring a lawn chair. All friends, neighbors members and nonmembers are welcome.

RAA classes for kids

The Rockport Art Association, 12 Main St., still has one class open this summer.

Drawing and Painting II with Becky Merry —

Aug. 13 to 17, 10 a.m. to noon. Workshop for honing creative skills while learning classical art foundation.

All classes are $80. Registration is available in-person, by mail, phone or online. Call 978-546-6604, email rockportart@verizon.net or visit www.rockportartassn.org.

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.

Berry at Old Sloop

The Old Sloop Coffeehouse kicks off its fourth season on Saturday, Sept. 8, with a return performance by Chelsea Berry. The singer/songwriter is a favorite on Cape Ann, and one of many gifted musicians, rising talents from the Boston area, and touring musicians from across the United States and the world who’ve headlined on the stage of the Old Sloop. An outreach project of the First Congregational Church of Rockport, the coffeehouse offers a great variety of great music at affordable prices, in a warm and welcoming environment, offering coffee, tea and home-baked goods in the church’s handicap-accessible Fellowship Hall. All are welcome, and no one will be turned away for an inability to pay.

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.

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