Rockport Ramblings
You probably haven't purchased a turkey and Santa Claus hasn't checked his list once, but the Christmas in Rockport Committee is hard at work preparing for the holiday season.
The committee is seeking the support of all Rockport businesses for this year's 24th annual holiday program, extending from Thanksgiving through Christmas.
"Our committee is ready to build on the tremendous Harvest Festival momentum, and, with your help and support, make this year's Christmas in Rockport program our best ever," said Rockport Chamber of Commerce Manager Peter Webber in a release.
The committee is making a public appeal for donations to replenish the Holiday Decorations Fund, established in 2003 when funding for the Christmas trees traditionally placed atop parking meter posts throughout the downtown was eliminated from the town's annual budget. Hoping to top last year's total of $1,600, the committee has set a goal of raising $2,000 this year to ensure that sufficient money is available to cover the costs of Rockport's Christmas trees and lights, including the lights and ornaments that will decorate the holiday tree in Dock Square.
The Department of Public Works is working to find the perfect evergreen tree to place in Dock Square, and is inviting any Rockport homeowner with a suitable tree (approximately 35 feet tall) to contact the Public Works office at 978-546-3525. Public Works representatives will select the best tree from among those offered, then work with the property owner to remove the tree and prepare it for its new home in downtown Rockport.
This year's annual tree lighting ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6, at 4 p.m.
The committee encourages all Rockport businesses to support the program, which has a budget of over $11,000. Several initiatives are set to debut this year, including the inaugural "Rockport Holiday Homecoming Weekend" on Nov. 28 to 30. Old favorites continue to highlight the holiday program, including Santa's arrival by boat, the tree lighting ceremony, open houses at Rockport's inns on Dec. 14; the Gallery Stroll and Seaside Village Open House on Dec. 13 and 14; the 63rd annual Christmas Pageant on Dec. 20, and the 12th edition of New Year's Rockport Eve on Dec. 31.
Anyone interested in supporting the decorations fund and Christmas in Rockport is invited to bring donations to the Chamber of Commerce at 3 Whistlestop Mall or send it to the chamber at P.O. Box 67. Donations are also being received at Sycamore Hollow at 1 Main St., Granite Savings Bank at 26 Broadway, and at Rockport National Bank's locations at 16 Main St. and 37 King St.
Regularly updated schedules, program information, and holiday calendars of activities will be available online at www.rockportusa.com.
Dressing up for a cause
Granite Savings Bank and Bank Gloucester teamed up to sponsor the annual Friends of the Rockport Council on Aging Fashion Show and Luncheon, held last Sunday at Brackett's Restaurant.
Fashions for the sold-out affair were from Willoughby's of Rockport and featured its fall and winter lines of clothing. Six Rockport women — Faith Ronan, Phyllis Starr, Janelle Favalaro, Pat Sluz, Linda Davis, and Christine Lufgren — joined with Willoughby's store manager, Meredythe Impey, to model the clothing.
The emcee for the event was Helen Begley of "Designs by Helen" of Rockport.
"The Friends of the COA hold several fundraising events throughout each year to benefit the many programs and activities for Rockport seniors," said Arlene Parillo, secretary for the Friends of the COA.
Quick hits
Selectmen Chairman Sarah Wilkinson has started a new blog, which can be accessed via the town's Web site under the "What's New," section. It can also be read by visiting www.fromthechairwoman.wordpress.com.
"I have been working on thinking of new ways to communicate with the public and I came up with this," Wilkinson said yesterday. "My plan is to post at least every few days and write about good things going on in and around town and Town Hall as well as comment on meetings and events I go to and want to mention to others."
Wilkinson's inaugural post was entered Wednesday and a second entry was posted yesterday afternoon. Wilkinson will not post comments on the site, but will accept comments, ideas and pictures through e-mail.
The Rockport Police Department and Rockport Council on Aging are asking residents to regularly check in with their elderly family members, friends, and neighbors.
The winter months bring additional hazards to senior citizens including, snow and ice, hypothermia, power outages and lack of home heating fuel.
Contact the Rockport Police Department at 978-546-1212 (911 in an emergency) and the Council on Aging at 978-546-2573 for additional assistance and referrals to other agencies.
Bridge club
Saturday, Oct. 25: First, Lester Stockman and Pat Sylvia, 39; second, Milt and Kurt Lauenstein, 38; third, Molly Foster and Merrill Gerstner, 351âÑ2; fourth, Lynn Crain and Ann Millar, 35.
Tuesday, Oct. 28: First, Bill and Kate Holloway, 38; second (tie), Marge Baker and Barbara Beyea and Bill Parsons and Gus Lawson, 361âÑ2; third, Muriel Davis and Merrill Gerstner, 36.
Thursday, Oct. 30: First, Muriel Davis and Barbara Beyea, 41; second, Pat Sylvia and Marge Baker, 391âÑ2; third, Cynthia Bjorlie and Merrill Gerstner, 331âÑ2; fourth, Jane Pierce and Ann Millar, 33.
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.
