The Rockport Cultural Council just announced the state Cultural Council's Oct. 15 deadline for organizations, schools and individuals to apply for grants that support cultural activities in town.
According to Rockport Cultural Council spokeswoman Mary Ruth Sole, these grants can support a variety of artistic projects and activities in Rockport, including exhibits, festivals, short-term artist residencies or performances in schools, workshops and lectures.
According to member Joe Prenoveau, the local council will also entertain proposals from schools and youth groups through the PASS Program, a ticket subsidy program for schoolchildren.
Last year's grants supported projects undertaken by the Rockport Council on Aging, Rockport Art Association Artist-in-Residence, Art Harbor of Cape Ann, the Rockport Legion Band and a variety of arts, humanities and science programs in the local schools, including support for the Rockport High School drama group to compete in the state's High School Drama Guild Competition.
"It was also an exciting year as our production was selected to advance to the semifinals for the second year in a row. If it were not for the Cultural Council and (its) generous grant, we would have been in serious financial difficulty," said High School drama group technical advisor Nancy Polisson.
This year, Rockport's council will distribute roughly $4,300.
Council members appointed by selectmen are Sole, Prenoveau, Beverly Robbins, Linda Teahen, Marie Alfieri, Janice Beacham and Maura Wadlinger.
Application forms for grant proposals are available at the town clerk's office at Town Hall, the Public Library's main desk, the Art Association or on the Internet at www.mass-culture.org/lcc_public.asp.
For more information, contact Sole at 978-546-7668 or by e-mail at maryruth8@verizon.net.
'Meet the Author' series extended
Rockport Public Library Director Hope Coffman said the response to this summer's "Meet the Author" series was so popular, the series will continue into the fall with nine author programs, including three who write children's books.
"The fall schedule offers a little something for everyone," Coffman said.
The series is sponsored by the library, Friends of the Rockport Public Library, and Toad Hall Bookstore.
The new series kicks off Wednesday, Sept. 10, at 7 p.m. with Dr. Ruth Nemzoff, author of "Don't Bite Your Tongue: How to Foster Rewarding Relationships with your Adult Children." Nemzoff is a resident scholar at Brandeis University's Women's Studies Research Center in Waltham and lectures widely on family dynamics. Through her writing she encourages parents to develop close relationships with their children while respecting their independence.
On Monday, Sept. 8, the library will close at 5 p.m. because of fall Town Meeting. The library will re-open early Tuesday to compensate for the early closing Monday. Hours will be 1 to 5 p.m. Monday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday.
Need a ride to Town Meeting?
Friends of Rockport Council on Aging are offering transportation to fall Town Meeting for any senior citizens wishing to attend. Interested individuals are urged to contact Kathy Hurlburt at 978-546-7544. Fall Town Meeting is set for Monday, Sept. 8, at 7 p.m. in Rockport High School Auditorium.
Rockport Ramblings is compiled each week by reporter Jonathan L'Ecuyer. If you have an item for Ramblings, call L'Ecuyer at 978-283-7000, ext. 3451, or e-mail jlecuyer@gloucestertimes.com.
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