GARDEN VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Essex County Greenbelt needs garden volunteers for Cox Reservation, 82 Eastern Ave., Essex. The construction of Greenbelt's new "green" headquarters is complete, and now its focus has shifted to the landscaping and perennial gardens around the Cox house. Experienced gardeners are needed to help plan and execute a simple landscape and garden design. This will require attendance at meetings and regular correspondence with Greenbelt and other garden volunteers. Anyone who is interested in volunteering some amount of time (weekly/bi-weekly) to maintain the perennial gardens at the Cox Reservation are also needed. Volunteers should be physically fit for some strenuous activity and lifting. Contact Kate Walton at kwalton@ecga.org or 978-768-7241, ext. 15.
LIBRARY VOLUNTEERS. Do you have time on your hands? Manchester Public Library depends on volunteers to keep up with a busy schedule. Shelving books, processing materials, data entry, homework center coach, are just some of the tasks performed by volunteers. If you have an hour or two a week please consider joining the library community; for information, call the library at 978-526-7711.
City Hall Restoration: City Hall Restoration Commission seeks donations to finish the tower restoration including restoration of the historic bell donated by Samuel Sawyer. The building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has enhanced the skyline of Gloucester for more than 135 years. Besides housing the seat of city government, it is home to one of the oldest collection of archives in the country, the finest collection of WPA murals in the state and a memorial to the many Gloucester men lost to the sea. Tax deductible donations, made payable to "The Gloucester Fund," should be sent to: The Gloucester Fund, 45 Middle St., Gloucester, MA 01930. Please indicate City Hall Restoration on your check. Call Maggie Rosa at 978-281-1871 or visit www.restoreourtower.com.
WHALE CENTER OF NEW ENGLAND: The Whale Center of New England, a nonprofit organization that focuses on the biology and conservation of New England's whales, is looking for volunteers to oversee its visitors center on Harbor Loop in Gloucester. Responsibilities include greeting guests, answering visitors' questions and light sales work in the shop/gallery. Morning, afternoon and weekend positions are available. Training is provided. Call 978-281-6351 or e-mail volunteer@whalecenter.org.
ROBERT K. MULLOY SCHOLARSHIP: A scholarship fund in memory of Robert K. Mulloy has been established for a Manchester Essex Regional High School senior who exhibits Rob's strength of character, positive attitude, vibrant personality, strong academic performance, sense of humor and athletic excellence. Tax-deductible donations may be sent to the Manchester Education Fund, f/b/o Robert K. Mulloy Scholarship, c/o Cape Ann Savings Bank, Attn: Gail Ramos, 109 Main St., Gloucester, MA 01930.
YMCA TEEN CENTERS: The Cape Ann YMCA Rockport Ben Beyea and Gloucester teen centers are seeking donations of Poloroid film, board games, video games and game systems, Christmas lights, DVDs (G, PG or PG-13), Jello and cake molds, a microwave, a mini fridge, used lottery tickets, and band equipment, including speakers, lamps, and lights. Call Nikki Klink, Cape Ann YMCA teen director, at 978-998-2207 for more information.
RIVERDALE KIDS' SERVICE: The Riverdale Kids' Service Program is recruiting volunteer parents, students, seniors and community members to share an hour and/or some talent with local children. Schedules are flexible and may include evenings or weekends. For more information, contact Shelley at 978-283-4187 or shelleys_s@yahoo.com.
AMVETS CLOTHING DONATIONS: AMVETS Post 32 collects clothing for adults for distribution at Massachusetts veterans hospitals. New or clean, used clothing in good condition is needed. Clothing may be dropped off at AMVETS Post 32, 14 Prospect St., weekdays after 10 a.m. To arrange for pickup, call Tom Glenn at 978-283-7516. AMVETS also collects flip-tops from aluminum cans for recycling. Proceeds benefit AMVETS veterans hospital programs.
KATHERINE E. "RENEE" NUTBROWN: The League of Women Voters of Cape Ann awards three $500 scholarships to graduating seniors of Gloucester, Rockport and Manchester Essex high schools. The scholarship is named in honor of Katherine E. "Renee" Nutbrown, a longtime League of Women Voters member and community activist, who died in 2007. For those wishing to honor Nutbrown and the league's commitment to the next generation of citizens, tax-deductible contributions may be sent to: June Michaels, P.O. Box 244, Rockport, MA 01966. Checks should be made payable to LWVCA, with "scholarship" written on the memo line.
KESTREL EDUCATIONAL ADVENTURES: Kestrel Educational Adventures, a nonprofit organization, brings hands-on science education to schools in Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester, Essex, Beverly and Salem. Entering its sixth year, Kestrel is launching its first fundraising and membership campaign which will support programs such as Forest Connections and Ponds in the Classroom, as well as the Animal Care and Conservation Afterschool Clubs. Kestrel focuses on bringing students out to explore local wild lands and bringing live animals into the classroom. Follow-up materials are provided for teachers and students to encourage the continued exploration of nature. Kestrel is looking for volunteers to join its board of directors or assist with many projects throughout the year. Visit www.kestreleducation.org or call 978-633-7100.
FUND TO PREVENT HOMELESSNESS: The nonprofit organization based in Manchester provides one-time assistance to families in Beverly, Essex, Gloucester, Hamilton, Manchester, Rockport and Wenham who do not qualify for any state funding. The fund, which gives 100 percent of contributions to families in need, defines families as a minimum of at least one parent and one child in the home. The board uses a volunteer professional intake coordinator to evaluate and assess the needs of families requesting assistance. Most families are referred by social service organizations or clergy. All inquiries and contributions may be sent to the Fund to Prevent Homelessness, P.O. Box 17, Manchester 01944.
HELP LINE VOLUNTEERS: The substance abuse help line seeks volunteers for 24-hour, seven-day-a-week information and education phone service to persons affected by alcoholism and substance abuse. Close proximity to the MBTA. Call 617-536-0501, ext. 201, or visit www.helpline-online.com.
ADDISON GILBERT VOLUNTEERS: Addison Gilbert Hospital in Gloucester seeks applicants to join its team of enthusiastic and professional volunteers. The Emergency Department, Surgical Day Care Unit and Adult Unit need volunteers to give directions, assist with activities, transport patients within the hospital, and help serve refreshments. Opportunities are also available for clerical assistance and sales positions in the gift shop for morning, afternoon and evening shifts. Training, free parking and meal vouchers for the hospital's cafe are provided. Call 978-922-3000, ext. 2307.
ERIN K. ERNEST SCHOLARSHIP: The family and friends of Erin K. Ernest have established a scholarship in her memory for a Gloucester High School student pursuing higher education. Erin graduated from Gloucester High School in 1998, and died Sept. 8, 2004, after a brief illness. Erin had many interests, but one of her passions was animals. Scholarship preference will be given to a student pursuing a career in the field of veterinary medicine or veterinary technician, although all students planning to further their education should apply. Scholarship applications are available at the Gloucester High School guidance office. To make a contribution, send a check payable to the Erin K. Ernest Scholarship Fund, c/o Danvers Bank, 1 Conant St., Danvers, MA 01923.
VOLUNTEER DRIVERS NEEDED: The American Cancer Society's Road to Recovery program needs volunteers to drive local cancer patients to and from chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments. Drivers use their own vehicles. The schedule is flexible, and treatment appointments take place weekdays, primarily during business hours. Call 800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.
Rockport Educational Foundation: The Rockport Educational Foundation, a nonprofit corporation, raises funds from private sources to improve and enrich the Rockport educational system. Donations are used to support projects in the schools for which there are insufficient funding. For more information, contact the Educational Foundation for Rockport, c/o Superintendent's Office, 24 Jerden's Lane, Rockport, MA 01966; or visit www.rockportedfoundation.org.
CAROLYN O'CONNOR SCHOLARSHIP: The Carolyn O'Connor Scholarship has been established by the Cape Ann Chamber Businesswomen. The $1,000 scholarship, named in honor of the group's first chairwoman, will be awarded annually to a Cape Ann woman looking to change careers or re-enter the work force. Each applicant must have a high school diploma or its equivalent, be a legal resident, and be accepted into an accredited college, university or job training program. Applications are available at the chamber office or by calling 978-283-1601. Contributions, made payable to Businesswomen's Scholarship Fund, may be sent to Chamber Businesswomen's Division, Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, 33 Commercial St., Gloucester, MA 01930.
VNA CARE NETWORK & HOSPICE VOLUNTEERS: VNA Care Network & Hospice, a nonprofit visiting nurse association, needs volunteers to provide practical and emotional support to terminally ill patients and their families on the North Shore and Cape Ann. Volunteers receive training, supervision and support. Call Susan Smith, volunteer coordinator, at 888-663-3688, ext. 1402, or visit www.vnacarenetwork.org.
STEPHEN B. ROSS SCHOLARSHIP: Stephen Ross was a Gloucester High School freshman who was struck and killed by a drunk driver while walking home one night in 1993. This scholarship is given to deserving Gloucester High School seniors every year. To donate, send contributions to Bob Gillis at the Cape Ann Savings Bank, 109 Main St., Gloucester, MA 01930.
RAYMOND R. ANDERTON SCHOLARSHIP: The Raymond R. Anderton Scholarship Fund has been established by family and friends to honor his life. The scholarship is awarded to a deserving Gloucester High School senior who has been accepted at an accredited school of continued learning. The recipient must demonstrate a commitment to community service and social change through activities, school-sponsored and otherwise. Applicants should possess a strong character, unique interests and an eagerness to "think outside the box." Scholarship applications may be picked up at the Gloucester High School guidance office. To make a contribution, send a check payable to the Raymond R. Anderton Scholarship Fund, c/o Cape Ann Savings Bank, 109 Main St., Gloucester, MA 01930.
MARGARET F. PARSONS SCHOLARSHIP: A scholarship in memory of Margaret (Muggs) Parsons, former office nurse for Cape Ann OB-GYN, Dr. Lawrence Ross and Dr. Hamer Lacey, is awarded to a graduating senior of Gloucester High School who plans to major in the medical sciences and has demonstrated good character, dependability and self-help skills. Applicants must show financial need. Grades are not a determining factor. Send donations to Margaret F. Parsons Scholarship Fund, c/o Patricia Sargent Burleson, 600 Washington St., Gloucester, MA 01930.
CAPE ANN SOCIAL CLUB VOLUNTEERS: The Cape Ann Social Club seeks enthusiastic and caring individuals to greet people, play games, help cook and enrich the lives of adults who attend evening and weekend programs funded by the state Department of Mental Health. Volunteers share special interests, skills and hobbies on a regular basis. Call Jane, Kay or James at 978-879-4742.
L. DEXTER WOODMAN SCHOLARSHIP FUND: The L. Dexter Woodman Scholarship Fund was founded in 1988 with a donation from the Woodman family of Essex in honor of Dexter Woodman, a well-known benefactor of young people in his community. Woodman scholarships have helped send 61 young men and women to college, with awards of $510,000. The fund also gives to students chosen annually by the Essex Lions, the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, and the Massachusetts Restaurant Association. Every year the fund also sponsors 25 Honors Scholars through the North Shore Chamber of Commerce. Woodman scholarship recipients are seniors at Manchester Essex Regional High School, or high school seniors who attended Essex Elementary School. Applicants are judged on character and service to the community as well as academics, extracurricular activities, and need. Donations to the fund may be made at any time and should be mailed to: Woodman Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 81, Essex, MA 01929. For application information, e-mail scholarship@woodmans.com.
CHARLIE THOMAS SCHOLARSHIP: The family of Charlie Thomas has established a scholarship in his memory to be awarded each year to a graduating Gloucester High School student. Charlie Thomas was a dedicated teacher who was devoted to his profession and enjoyed teaching students not only in the classroom, but also through extracurricular activities and sports. Students planning a career in education will be given preference. Send donations to the Charlie Thomas Scholarship Fund, c/o Mary Thomas, 90 Langsford St., Gloucester, MA 01930.
Volunteers needed: Volunteers are needed for the programs of The Open Door/Cape Ann Food Pantry. Flexible opportunities are available at the pantry, the community meals program, Second Glance Resale Shop, and other special projects. To get a volunteer application, visit capeannfoodpantry.org and click on How to Help. E-mail completed applications to info@foodpantry.org or send to: Jen Perry, volunteer coordinator, 28 Emerson Ave., Gloucester, MA. Call 978-283-6776, ext. 202.
WELLSPRING HOUSE VOLUNTEERS: Wellspring House is now recruiting volunteers for its many programs. Along with advocacy work, Wellspring House provides education, emergency shelter, affordable housing, job training, family support, and mentoring programs for families throughout the North Shore. Wellspring places volunteers in positions that match their skill set and desires with time availability. Volunteer positions range from tutoring and mentoring, to childcare, house duty, to gardening and involvement in special events. Wellspring also runs the Adult Learning Center. Call 978-281-3558, ext. 303, or visit www.wellspringhouse.org.
ASHLEY RICHARD SCHOLARSHIP: The Ashley Richard Memorial Scholarship, created by family and friends in her memory, is awarded each year to a deserving Gloucester High School senior who has participated in Junior ROTC. The student must demonstrate the leadership, citizenship and perseverance to strive to make things better. Qualified students must be accepted at an accredited school of continued learning. To donate, send a check payable to the Ashley Richard Memorial Scholarship, c/o Cape Ann Savings Bank, 109 Main St., Gloucester, MA 01930.
JAMES EASON SCHOLARSHIP: A scholarship in memory of James A. Eason has been established. Applicants must plan to pursue a career in the trades or be seniors enrolled in automotive, electrical or machine technology, carpentry or cabinetmaking at Gloucester High School. Applicants must be committed to giving their best at all times, have integrity and strength of character, and not allow adversity to slow them down. Strong academics are not a requirement. To donate, send contributions to the James A. Eason Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Rockport National Bank, Railroad Avenue, Gloucester, MA 01930, Attn: Cathy Ketchopolus. Call Joan Dallin at Gloucester High School for more information.
BOULEVARD IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE: The Boulevard Improvement Committee seeks volunteers to help beautify Stacy Boulevard. The committee will be setting up short- and long-term goals for the area a gateway for many to the community. The committee is looking for people willing to help plan these goals, fundraise and get their hands dirty to make the Boulevard a spectacular place once again. Call John Orlando at 978-283-2277.
