Rockport Ramblings
Jonathan L'Ecuyer
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The Rockport Garden Club has made three scholarship awards of its own this year, in addition to the two endowed Rena Kurth scholarships given annually.
The added awards were made possible by the "great success" of the plant sale and Coastal Gardens Tour fund-raising events, according to club officials.
Two Rena Kurth scholarships for $1,000 each were awarded for the second year to Thomas Carbone, who is entering his junior year with a double major in biology and chemistry at Providence College, and to Chris Ferrante, who will be a junior majoring in environmental science at the University of New England in Biddeford, Maine.
The Rena Kurth Award is given to a graduate of Rockport High School who has successfully completed one college year studying horticulture, ecology, environmental issues or conservation.
Three awards for $1,000 each were also granted this year to Seth Perry, a sophomore majoring in criminal justice in environmental protection at Salem State University; Emily Walter, a sophomore environmental studies major at the University of New England; and Emma Larkin, a junior geology major with concentrations in environmental geology and resource sciences.
The Rockport Garden Club Awards are supported by money raised from the club's plant sale and Coastal Gardens Tour. The scholarships were presented Aug. 3 at the annual club picnic, which three of the recipients were able to attend.
A musical good time at the 'Old Sloop'
The Old Sloop Coffeehouse will host a performance by the Allen Estes Band on Saturday, Sept. 11, at 7:30 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Rockport, 12 School St.
Estes is a veteran singer and songwriter who has been the winner of the Independent Music World Series New England $25,000 first prize, and was voted "Best Independent Act of New England." He is also a lecturer in songwriting and performance at Berklee School of Music in Boston.
The suggested contribution for this concert is $10 for adults and $5 for people younger than 18 or older than 65, with a maximum of $20 for families. For more information, visit http://oldsloopcoffeehouse.org or call 978-546-3551.
Quick Hits
Rockport Public Library will be open today, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, from 1 to 5 p.m.
The library will be closed on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 6. Regular service will resume Tuesday, Sept. 7, from 1 to 5 p.m.
When the library is closed, printed items, but no audiovisual materials, may be returned to the book drop near the School Street entrance. Residents can use their home computers to go to www.rockportlibrary.org where they can use their library card number to search the catalog, place requests, renew items, do research, and download e-books.
The Rockport Council on Aging, together with Senior Care Nutrition Program, will host a barbecue at the Sandy Bay Yacht Club next Thursday at 11:30 a.m. Buddy Walker's Fest Band will entertain.
The menu includes chicken, garden salad, pasta salad, and strawberry shortcake. Cost is $6. For more information or to place a reservation, call COA Director Diane Bertolino at 978-546-2573.
On Tuesday, Sept. 7, at 10 a.m., Cheryl Gresek of Congressman John Tierney's office will be at the Senior Center, located in the High School Apartments building on Broadway, to discuss the new changes in Medicare. All are welcome to attend.
People in the news
Alek Razdan and the A-Train Orchestra will bring their mix of jazz, swing, and blues back to the Rockport Art Association Friday from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. for an "all-ages" encore performance.
"Although we've performed in many venues, there's nothing more fun than playing in our hometown," said Razdan, a saxophone player. "We had such a great experience at the Rockport Art Association with our August appearance, we decided to do it again in September and hope that anyone who loves good music will come by to enjoy the show."
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children and teens. Advance tickets are available at the Rockport Art Association, Katie's Gift Shop, Toad Hall Bookstore and the Bearskin Neck Country Store in Rockport. For more information, call 978-546-6604, or click on www.myspace.com/alekrazdan.
Rockport Ramblings is compiled each week by reporter Jonathan L'Ecuyer. If you have a news tip or an item for Ramblings, contact L'Ecuyer at 978-283-7000 x3451, or jlecuyer@gloucestertimes.com.
