DECA fundraiser
The Rockport High School DECA group is selling tickets for its month-long raffle, starting Nov. 1. A different item(s) will be raffled off each day of the month. Tickets are $5 each, or 10 for $15, and may be purchased by contacting a DECA member, calling the school at 978-546-1234 or e-mailing slarsen@rockport.k12.ma.us.
Interactive performance
The Delvena Theatre Company will present an interactive performance of "Lizzie Borden & the 40 Whacks" on Thursday, Oct. 29, 1 p.m., at the Rockport Council on Aging, 4 Broadway. Cost is $3. For reservations, call Diane at 978-546-2573. To register for lunch before the show, call SeniorCare Nutrition at 978-546-7061.
COA luncheon
The Rockport Council on Aging would like to invite Rockport veterans to a luncheon Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 11:30 a.m. Fellow veteran John Lake will share some of his experiences during his time in the service. For reservations, call Diane at 978-546-2573.
Chamber auction
The Rockport Chamber of Commerce will sponsor its annual goods and services auction Friday, Nov. 6, at the Rockport Golf Club. A silent auction and wine tasting begins at 5:30 p.m. A live auction with auctioneer Frank Kaminski begins at 7:15 p.m. Items include original paintings and prints by local artists, antiques, hand-woven Oriental carpets, whale watching excursions and river cruises, a South Africa photo safari, and a deluxe weekend for two at the Taj Boston Hotel. Additional items are welcome. For a current list of all auction items, visit www.rockportusa.com/auction2009. For tickets or to make a donation, call 978-546-6575 or 978-283-1601.
Holiday meal baskets
The Open Door Food Pantry needs help to provide holiday meal baskets to local families this year. A donation of $30 provides a turkey, potatoes, butternut squash, apples, stuffing, cranberry sauce and more. Make checks payable to: The Open Door, 28 Emerson Ave., Gloucester, MA 01930, and write "turkey" in the memo line. Visit www.foodpantry.org.
Wetmore Reservation walk
Local land conservation advocate and Greenbelt Property Monitor Eric Hutchins will lead a walk through the fields and trails of Essex County Greenbelt's Wetmore Reservation on Sunday, Oct. 25, from 1 to 3 p.m. Participants should meet at Hutchins' home at 13 Applecart Road. Call 978-768-7241.
'Willy Wonka Jr.'
Rockport Middle School will present the musical "Willy Wonka Jr." on Oct. 29 and 30 at 7 p.m., and Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 at 2 p.m., in the John E. Lane auditorium. General admission is $8, $6 for students and seniors.
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 at Rockport Baptist Church, noon to 1 p.m., speaker followed by discussion. Alcoholics Anonymous open meeting, 7:30 to 9 p.m. St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 24 Broadway.
Tuesday — 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., Rockport Baptist Church, 2 High St., speaker followed by discussion.
Saturday — Alcoholics Anonymous, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., First Congregational Church.
Rental, mortgage aid
Action Inc. has rental and mortgage assistance (TBRA) money available from Rockport's Community Preservation Act (CPA) to help families and individuals who are facing financial hardships in keeping their housing. Call Stella at 978-283-7874, ext. 115, to check eligibility status.
YMCA youth center
The YMCA Ben Beyea Youth Center is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for its free Kids Fun Zone. Children in sixth-grade and younger are welcome, and children in third-grade and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Library home delivery
Rockport Public Library offers outreach services for local residents who are homebound. The outreach librarian delivers regular, large-print and audio books as well as periodicals and videos. To arrange for outreach service, call 978-546-6934.
Concert players sought
The Rockport Legion Band seeks additional players of all concert band instruments. This call is open to players of any age, at both intermediate and advanced levels. The band rehearses Thursdays in Rockport between 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Directions to the rehearsal hall are available upon request. Information about the band is available on the Web at rockportlegionband.wordpress.com¬ or by e-mailing the band at rockportband@gmail.com. Telephone questions should be directed to 978-546-6199.
Rotary Club
Rockport Rotary Club meets Thursdays at noon at the Emerson Inn by the Sea.
Rockport Room
The Rockport Room at Rockport Public Library is open Mondays from 1 to 8 p.m. Volunteers assist patrons who are searching for information about local history and genealogy.
Celtic music performance
Old Sloop Coffeehouse will present a performance by singer Micheal O'Leary on Saturday, Oct. 24, 7:30 p.m., at the First Congregational Church, 12 School St. O'Leary will be accompanied by Lyn Swicker on guitar and bouzouki. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for those under 18 or older than 65, $20 for families. The church is handicapped-accessible. Visit www.rockportucc.org/oldsloopcoffeehouse.htm. For reservations, call 978-546-3551 or e-mail oldsloopcoffeehouse@rockportucc.org.
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.
RAA classes
The Rockport Art Association, 12 Main St., will offer the following classes:
The Art of Drawing with John Fleming meets Mondays, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Session I meets from now until Nov. 2, and Session II meets Nov. 9 to Dec. 7.
Oil Painting for All Levels with Ron Straka meets Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Session I meets from now until Nov. 3, and Session II meets Nov. 10 to Dec. 8.
Watercolor Painting for All Levels with Bernard Gerstner meets Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to noon. Session I meets from now until Nov. 4, and Session II meets Nov. 11 to Dec. 9.
Mixed Media for All Levels with Susan Guest-MacPhail meets Wednesdays from now until Dec. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost is $75 per five-week session, or $20 per class. For a list of materials, visit www.rockportartassn.org/studio_classes.htm.
Holiday concert
Cape Ann Travelers and Friends will attend a holiday concert with the world-famous Vienna Boys Choir on Sunday, Dec. 13, at Hanover Theater in Worcester. A full luncheon at the Public House precedes the matinee. Cost is $139 per person and includes roundtrip motorcoach. For a flier, call Marcia Hahn at 978-546-9350.
Republican committees meet
The Rockport and Gloucester Republican committees will co-host an informal get-together Tuesday, Nov. 3, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Join fellow Cape Ann Republicans to share ideas about building a united Cape Ann Republican effort, discuss the upcoming 2010 Massachusetts elections, and watch the returns from the closely followed Virginia and New Jersey governors' races. To RSVP and for location and directions, call 617-797-6989. Rockport Republican Town Committee members will meet from 6 to 6:30 p.m. to discuss procedures for the April 17, 2010, Republican State Party Nominating Convention in Worcester.
Spiran Lodge
Spiran Lodge 98 will meet Friday, Nov. 6, at 7:30 p.m. All members are welcome. Children interested in performing in the Santa Lucia Pageant during the annual Jul Fest event should contact Anne Marie or Emily Fritz at 978-546-6211.
Fundraiser event
Spiran Hall will host a fundraiser dinner and movie night Saturday, Nov. 7. The first dinner sitting will be at 5 p.m., followed by the first viewing of "The Proposal" at 6 p.m. The second dinner sitting will be at 7 p.m., followed by the second viewing of "The Proposal" at 8 p.m. Dinner includes Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes, green beans, salad and dessert. Advance tickets are $15; call 978-546-6268. Tickets will also be available at the door for $20.
Crafters wanted
The annual Rockport PTO holiday fair will take place Saturday, Nov. 21, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Crafters are wanted. Table rentals are $40. Space is limited. Call Amy Kamm at 978-546-5138 for more information.
'Loving Hearts'
"Loving Hearts," a comedy by Sarah Clark, will be presented Oct. 24 and 25, and Oct. 28 to Nov. 1, at Gloucester Stage Co., 267 East Main St., Gloucester. Performances are at 2 p.m. on Wednesday and Sunday, and at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The show, produced by Theatre by Majic, features Jennifer Lee Levitz and Sarah Clark. Tickets are $15 each, two for $25, $10 each per group of 10. For reservations, call 978-281-4433 or e-mail lovingheartslane@mail.com.
Cut-a-thon fundraiser
Ambiance Hair Design, 13 Railroad Ave., will hold a cut-a-thon fundraiser to benefit Kevin Sousa and his fight against leukemia on Monday, Nov. 2, from 3 to 8 p.m. Cost is $35 for a hair cut and blow dry. Cash or checks will be accepted. Credit cards can not be accepted for this event. For details, call 978-546-3653.
Halloween bash
Sandy Bay Stables will hold its annual Haunted Halloween Bash on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 6:30 p.m. The potluck evening is open to all farm members, friends, neighbors and associates. Costumes and reservations are required. Visit www.sandybaystables.com or contact Krissie Burnham at 978-546-5925 or KrissieBurnham@aol.com.
Halloween party
Pigeon Cove Circle's second annual Halloween party will be held Sunday, Oct. 25, 2 to 4 p.m. for kindergarteners through fifth-graders at the Cove Circle Center, Breakwater Avenue. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Games, prizes and food will be available. Admission is free.
Drivers needed
SeniorCare Inc.'s Meals on Wheels program is in need of volunteer drivers to deliver noontime meals to homebound seniors in Rockport. Hot meals are fully prepared and packaged for delivery. Anyone interested in volunteering one morning a week or more should call Linnea or Paula at 1-866-927-1050 or 978-281-1750, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fashion show fundraiser
A fashion show and luncheon to benefit the Rockport Council on Aging will be held Sunday, Oct. 25, noon to 2 p.m., at Brackett's Oceanview restaurant, 25 Main St. Tickets are $22 each. Fashions provided by Willoughby's of Rockport. The event is hosted by The Friends of the Rockport Council on Aging. For tickets, call 978-546-2573.
Youth basketball
The Rockport Recreation Committee is sponsoring youth basketball open to all Rockport children grades one through six, beginning Dec. 12. For an application, visit www.town.rockport.ma.us, or contact Phil Tanson at 978-546-0065 or philliptanson@verizon.net.
Front Beach cleanup
The Rockport High School Green Team and Rockport Conservation Commission will host a Front Beach cleanup Saturday, Oct. 24, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. All are welcome. Materials will be provided by the Ocean Conservancy. At 1 p.m., the Green Team will meet other Cape Ann environmentalists for a climate change rally at the Fisherman's Statue in Gloucester.
Healing meditation
A group meditation based on the Hawaiian healing system of Ho'oponopono, combined with focused breathing, will take place Monday, Oct. 26, 7 p.m., at Dark Star Philosophia, 14A Old Harbor Square. Admission is free. Call 978-546-3976.
Fundraiser dinner
The Rockport High School Class of 2011 will hold a fundraiser dinner Wednesday, Oct. 28, 4:30 to 9:30 p.m., at Jalapeno's restaurant, Main Street, Gloucester.
Halloween party
The Rockport Public Library's annual children's Halloween party will be held Saturday, Oct. 31. Parents are invited to bring children in costume for the parade at 1:30 p.m., rain or shine. Weather permitting, the parade will go around the block. In case of inclement weather, the parade will go throughout the library stacks. After the parade, folksinger and storyteller Tim Van Egmond will join the party in the Brenner Friends Room at 2 p.m.
Special needs screenings
During the month of November, Rockport Public Schools will offer developmental screenings to Rockport preschoolers ages 3 to 5. Screenings will be from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Thursdays, and on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays from 2:15 to 3 p.m., and will be conducted by members of the Special Education Department. Call 978-546-1210 for an appointment.
Kennebunkport tour
Rockport Seniors and Friends will travel to Kennebunkport on Tuesday, Dec. 8 for a tour of the historic Nott House, lunch at the Kennebunkport Inn, shopping at Dock Square stores and galleries and a stop at Stonewall Kitchen. Cost is $85 per person and includes roundtrip motorcoach . For a flier, call Marcia Hahn.
