Toad Hall Book Store turns 40 this weekend, and residents and visitors alike are encouraged to stop by and celebrate this local treasure on Saturday.
Aside from operating as an independent bookstore, Toad Hall is also a nonprofit corporation that supports local charities and offers a wide variety of fliers about local events — making it a true community resource.
DECA fund-raiser
Rockport High School's DECA students will be hosting their last fund-raising drive before heading to Salt Lake City to compete in nationals later this month.
They'll be at Ace Hardware on Railroad Avenue from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. today, selling discount cards for local businesses.
'Fenway' novelist
Popular baseball novelist John H. Ritter will discuss his latest book, "Fenway Fever" Sunday, May 6, at 2 p.m. at Rockport Public Library.
In "Fenway Fever," an oddball pitcher and a 12-year-old fan with a knack for baseball statistics conspire to ward off another Red Sox curse and to restore balance to the famed ballpark.
Chorus anniversary
As part of the 80th celebratory anniversary year for Chorus North Shore, the Honors Youth Choir is having its spring concert "Songs Of Spring" at Shalin Liu Performance Center on Friday, April 27, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 and are available at www.rcmf.org or 978-546-7391.
The 41-member youth choir represents 15 communities: Rockport, Gloucester, Manchester, Ipswich, Rowley, Wenham, South Hamilton, Topsfield, Peabody, Beverly, Salem, Marblehead, Lynnfield, Newburyport and Amesbury,
Rockport members are Benjamin Adams, Emily Dailey, Whitney Schrock and Katrina Tuck.
Quick hits
Rockport's Cultural District Committee will be hosting a kickoff party at Brackett's Oceanview Restaurant on Main Street this Tuesday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Speakers include Merri Jenkins from the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Light refreshments and appetizers will be served, courtesy of Brackett's. There is a cash bar.
The Rockport High School orchestra seniors will be performing a parting concert at the Shalin Liu on Thursday, April 26, at 7:30 p.m. See the seniors in their closing Shalin Liu performance — it's free.
Rockport Ramblings is compiled each week by reporter Stephanie Bergman. If you have a news tip or an item for Ramblings, call Bergman at 978-283-7000 x3451, or sbergman@gloucestertimes.com.
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