Rockport Ramblings
Stephanie Bergman
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It's May, and that means it's time to get ready for Motif No. 1 Day!
The yearly festival will take place May 19, with music from the Merrimack Valley Rounders, Carrtunes, Alek Razdan & the A-Train Orchestra and the Rockport Legion Band, among others.
The day also includes participation by Rockport businesses and an array of community events such as an Instrument Petting Zoo, and a free concert featuring the acclaimed Back Bay Brass Quintet at the Shalin Liu Performance Center, both sponsored by Rockport Music.
The Rockport Art Association is hosting a free presentation by historian Les Bartlett on the subject of Motif No. 1 as well as a photography reception, open to the public, where festival-goers will enjoy meeting the photographers behind the juried work presented at the association's gallery.
Author brings in thriller
Spy writer Chris Pavone will discuss his new thriller "The Expats" next Thursday at 7 p.m. at Rockport Public Library.
Pavone's story of international intrigue and interpersonal deceit is based in part on his experience as an expat in Luxembourg. Set against a richly atmospheric background of suspense,
"The Expats" introduces a heroine who has led a double life as a covert CIA agent. When her family moves to Europe, she worries about her past catching up with her. She suspects everyone around her including other expats who befriend her. When she begins to investigate her own husband, her world unravels as she finds that he has been harboring an explosive secret of his own.
Parent or pal
As prom and graduation season gets underway, parents are invited to a presentation on the Massachusetts Social Hosting Law called "Be A Parent, Not a Pal" on Monday, May 7, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the high school auditorium. The presentation is sponsored by the Rockport Middle and High School Health Department, its Student Assistance Program (a student support program funded by the North Shore United Way), Rockport Police Department and the Rockport Parent Teacher Organization. "Be A Parent Not a Pal" is a multimedia presentation designed by attorney Richard P. Campbell and the law firm of Campbell Campbell Edwards & Conroy to educate parents, teachers, and members of the community about the Social Host Law, and to illustrate the legal consequences of allowing those under the age of 21 to possess alcoholic beverages. Students are welcome to attend with their parents or caregivers. This program is offered free of charge.
Quick hits
Rockport High School students Katie Andrews, Julia Endicott, Monica Napolitano, Seth Perkins and Sarah Rowen competed against approximately 150 to 200 students in the DECA Nationals categories, with over 15,000 students present from all over the U.S. and abroad.
Seth won an award for excellence in his category.
Noted gardener Charlie Nardozzi of Vermont will speak to the Rockport Garden Club on Monday at Shalin Liu Performance Center.
Nardozzi is a nationally recognized garden writer, speaker, and radio and television personality, who has spoken at prominent flower shows, national conferences, and trade shows.
The social hour will begin at noon, and at 1:15, Charlie will address the group on "The Care and Maintenance of Hardy Roses."
World War II veterans of the battleship USS Yorktown with be touring Cape Ann for the 70th reunion of their VF-42 squadron.
They will be staying at the Seaward Inn in Rockport from May 30 to June 3, so put up signs and flags to welcome them!
The Lobster Pool restaurant was recognized by Yankee Magazine in its "Best Of" issue as "Best Lobster at Sunset" in listing of best restaurants in Massachusetts. The magazine said it "features a fabulous westward view over Folly Cove. That makes it perfect for cracking a crustacean just as the sun goes down."
