Local youngsters will have a unique opportunity to learn about the sky over Rockport next Wednesday, when the Museum of Science Starlab portable planetarium is set up in the Rockport Elementary School gym.

"Night Sky" programs will be presented at 1 and 1:45 p.m. The events are part of the Rockport Public Library's children's Summer Reading program — "Starship Adventure @ Your Library."

According to Library Assistant Camilla Ayers, the program is appropriate for children 6 and older. Youngsters who are 6 to 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited, so advance registration with the Children's Librarian Jane Knight is required by calling 978-546-6934.

The Starlab portable planetarium will present a realistic dark, cloudless night sky over Cape Ann. Children will discover what stars, planets, and other astronomical wonders are visible. With the addition of video images and simulations, participants will get an up-close look at some of the most distance objects that can be seen from earth. They will tour the solar system and beyond and learn how to navigate the night sky from their own backyards.

The event has been funded by the Friends of the Rockport Public Library.

Youth Group on a mission

Usually, not too much happens in this quiet seaside town at midnight but tonight at that hour the First Congregational Church Youth Group will meet to depart for its annual mission trip.

The group will be loading up in two vans, which will take them to Reading, Penn. where the kids will paint, build, repair and help improve housing for some of the residents there who really need a helping head.

The point of the trip, according to church deaconate and adult chaperone Laurie Himml, is to give the group an opportunity to "be God's hands here on earth".

"We all come home having received much more than we actually gave," Himml, said.

Quick hits

The Cape Ann chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution recently donated an American flag to the Rockport Police Department. In the past, several American flags have been donated to the police department by the DAR and have been flown at both police headquarters and the police memorial, said Patrolman Roger Lesch.

The "Lost and Found" boxes at both the High School and Middle School are overflowing with clothes, shoes, backpacks and other personal belongings, according to High School Secretary Nancy Polisson.

Parents, students, and staff are urged to stop by the office prior to Tuesday, June 30, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to check if anything belongs to them. The school will be donating all remaining lost and found items to St. Vincent de Paul charities on Wednesday, July 1.

The always-busy Thacher Island Association will hold its annual meeting on Monday at 7:30 p.m. in the Rockport Community House, 35 Broadway. All are invited. Refreshments will be served.

"We have a lot of things to show and do this year," said Association leader Paul St. Germain.

People in the news

Last Tuesday's selectmen meeting was the last one Debbie Powers will ever have to record.

After serving as an administrative assistant in the Board of Selectmen's office for the last 31âÑ2 years, Powers will move to Building Inspector Paul Orlando's office to serve as his assistant.

Orlando selected Powers out of a field of four in-house candidates for the post.

Outgoing Town Administrator Michael Racicot said the selectmen's office is seeking a replacement for the position left vacant by Powers, but has recommended the town reduce the position's hours, thereby negating benefit requirements. Racicot said communities with a town manager or town administrator often don't need two administrative assistants in the Selectmen's office.

However, on Wednesday, selectmen Chairman Sandy Jacques said he'd like the job to continue as a 25-hour per week position with benefits at least until a new permanent town administrator is found. Jacques said the new administrator could then decide if two administrative assistants are needed.

Bridge club

Saturday, June 6: First, Milt and Helen Lauenstein, 52; second, Lester Stockman and Elaine Luongo, 48; third, Molly Foster and Lyn FitzGerald, 44.

Tuesday, June 9: First, Molly Foster and Lyn FitzGerald, 631âÑ2; second, Milt and Helen Lauenstein, 58; third (tie), Bill and Kate Holloway and Cynthia Bjorlie and Elaine Luongo, 571âÑ2.

Thursday, June 11: First, Marge Baker and Elaine Luongo, 50; second, Lynn Crain and Ann Millar, 491âÑ2; third, Greg Hannifan and Gus Lawson, 43.

Saturday, June 13: First, Lyn FitzGerald and Molly Foster, 52; second, Greg Hannifan and Lester Stockman, 48; third, Bill and Kate Holloway, 451âÑ2.

Tuesday, June 16: First, Bill and Kate Holloway, 491âÑ2; second, Gus Lawson and Bill Parsons, 471âÑ2; third, Virginia Widmer and Helen Lauenstein, 44.

Thursday, June 18: First, Muriel Davis and Merrill Gerstner, 50; second, Bill and Kate Holloway, 461âÑ2; third (tie), Molly Foster and Lyn FitzGerald and Alex McKenzie and Elaine Luongo, 45.

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.