Essex goings on

July 04, 2009 05:15 am

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Events listed here are open to the public and sponsored by nonprofit groups unless otherwise noted. Press releases may be sent to Goings on, Gloucester Daily Times, 36 Whittemore St., Gloucester, MA 01930, e-mailed to gdt@gloucestertimes.com or faxed to 978-282-4397. Please include a contact person's name and telephone number and send at least two weeks prior to the event. The Times will do its best to run the announcement at least once prior to the event.

Annual boat parade today

The Chebacco Lake and Watershed Association will sponsor the annual boat parade today at 1 p.m. All boats will meet in front of Camp Menorah and proceed around the entire lake. Prizes will be awarded for Most Patriotic and Best Movie Theme. For details, call 978-468-7715.

Transfer Station

The Transfer Station is closed today and tomorrow. Regular hours resume Monday, July 6.

'Canning and Preserving' lecture

A lecture and demonstration titled "Canning and Preserving" with Caroline Craig will take place Saturday, July 18, 10 a.m. to noon, at Cogswell's Grant. Learn about traditional preservation methods, look at the equipment used and see some of the produce of Bert and Nina Fletcher Little's farm. Craig worked for the Little family for more than 30 years and one summer put up more than 800 jars of jams, jellies and preserves. She shares the family's favorite seasonal recipe for strawberry jam. Samples will be available for tasting. Admission is $10 for Historic New England members, $15 for nonmembers. Registration is required; call 978-768-3632.

Student records

All temporary student school records from the Manchester Essex Regional School Class of 2002 are scheduled to be destroyed by July 24. Anyone who would like to obtain their records should call 978-768-1192 by July 17.

Library home delivery

TOPH Burnham Library offers home delivery for any homebound person. Choose from a selection of books, tapes and other materials. Call 978-768-7410.

BNI meeting

Yankee Networkers Chapter of BNI, a business referral organization, meets every Wednesday at Periwinkles restaurant, 74 Main St. Business breakfasts are served 7 to 8:30 a.m. and visitors are invited.

Canoe building course

Build your own double paddle canoe at the Essex Shipbuilding Museum with Hilary Russell of Berkshire Boatbuilding School from July 27 to 31. No prior experience is necessary. In this five-day course, participants will build their own double paddle canoe, either an 111āÑ2 foot solo or a 131āÑ2 foot solo/tandem. Cost is $995 per person, $300 for a partner. For more information, call 978-768-7541 or e-mail Hilary Russell at hemlockgrange@earthlink.net.

Homebuyer workshop

The Gloucester Housing Authority, 259 Washington St., will offer a four-night workshop for first-time homebuyers Aug. 12, 19, 26 and 27, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Local guest speakers will talk about safe mortgages, credit scores, down payment grants, when to contact a realtor, home inspections, foreclosure prevention, buying foreclosed properties, legal issues, insurance and more. Class size is limited. Cost is $49. Preregister by printing the form at www.ghama.com, calling Kathy Erkkila at 978-281-4770, ext. 110, or stopping by the office. There is a discount for early registration. Full attendance will earn the certificate for MassHousing, MHP loans and most lotteries. All course materials and light refreshments are included. Preference is given to low-income households in Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester, Essex and Ipswich. Residents qualify if they have not owned a home in three years. The program is cosponsored by GHA and Gloucester's grants office.

Confidence Report

The Essex Water Department has mailed its annual Consumer Confidence Report, which is mandated by the Department of Environmental Protection. Enclosed with it is the July water bill, which is due July 25.