The phone calls keep coming in, but not many nomination papers are being taken out — as there are more positions opening on various Rockport boards and departments.
Now Fred Tarr, who sits on the Planning Board, has also announced he will not be seeking re-election in May; leaving two seats wide-open and uncontested.
Tarr joins board member Mary Ruth Sole and Selectwoman Frances Fleming, all of whom have confirmed they are not seeking to retain their seats.
Tarr has served on the Planning Board for decades, as well as other committees and departments throughout Rockport.
However, Tarr said his actions and comments have been constrained in recent years.
”It’s a good town, but I don’t want it abandoned,” he said. “It’s time for some new blood.”
So far, only three people have taken out the proper papers for offices or positions, but none have been returned, Town Clerk Patricia Brown said.
Susan Brisson is seeking to keep her School Committee seat, Paul Fuhs is looking to stay on the Board of Asessors and Brown herself has taken out the forms to be re-elected to her position.
Legion band loses co-director
Steve Thomas, co-director of the Rockport Legion Band, is retiring. Thomas plans to return to California in the spring with his wife.
Previously, Thomas played in the band from 1995 to 2000, becoming co-director with Jason Howard in 2007.
A publicist for the band, John Basset, expressed the gratitude Thomas deserves for all he has done for the band.
Jim Davison will be taking the role as co-director of the Legion Band. He has taught music in Rockport Public Schools at several levels since 1974, before retiring at the end of the 2012 school year as director of music.
Old Sloop, new events
Brooks Williams will be coming to the Old Sloop Coffeehouse on Feb. 15 with Danielle Miraglia as an opener.
The event starts at 7:30 at the First Congregational Church of Rockport.
Both musicians specialize in blues and Americana-style music and range from heartfelt to socially conscious music.
Tickets can be purchased in advance for $10 from the coffeehouse website at oldsloopcoffeehouse.org, at Gloucester Music, and at Toad Hall Bookstore in Rockport. Suggested donation at the door is $12 for adults, $7 for those 65 and older, $5 for those younger than 18, and $24 for a family.
Music is for the birds
No, seagulls squawking are not the only sounds associated with birds around Cape Ann.
Radius Ensemble will be performing at the Shalin Liu Performance Center at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 2. Tickets range from $19 to $34.
Radius Ensemble musicians are professionals committed to connecting with a diverse group of listeners, known for community outreach. This concert features a special program of musical compositions selected in conjuction with the Cape Ann Winter Birding Weekend.
Schools Art Show returns
The Rockport Public Schools annual Art Show, featuring works done by students of all ages, will run March 6 through 10 at the Rockport Art Association.
Gallery hours will be Wednesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Rockport Art Association is on 12 Main St.
Rockport Ramblings is compiled by James Niedzinski. If you have a news tip or an item for Rockport Ramblings, please contact him at 978-283-7000 x3455, or jniedzinski@gloucestertimes.com
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