Do you know the story of why there is a rooster weathervane on the First Parish Church steeple?

You can find out by attending the Manchester church's Tent Sunday event tomorrow.

Each year, the event showcases many of the programs and community activities that make First Parish unique.

From celebrating the 200-year heritage of the meeting house on the village green, the work of the church's Care Team, support of The OpenDoor food pantry, or this year's youth mission to Germany, it's an opportunity to learn about what has made First Parish a special part of the community for 283 years.

The church invites all to join in under the tent for Jeff's chili tomorrow at 11 a.m. immediately following the service.

Visit the church Web site at www.firstparishchurch.org, or call the church office at 978-526-7661 to learn more about this and other upcoming activities, celebrations and the congregation's 283-year history.

Youth triathlon registration deadline

The last day to register to participate in the Youth Triathlon for children ages 5 to 14 years is Monday.

The Essex Board of Health has pioneered the event and the Manchester Athletic Club is carving out three courses on its property and Atwater Avenue to host the race, which is scheduled for Oct. 11.

According to Manchester Athletic Club Assistant General Manager Jay Herson, participation is strong. Information can be found at www.essexma.org or by calling the Town of Essex at 978-768-7614.

Fire prevention week begins Monday

Manchester Fire Department will host an open house from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 6, at the fire station on School Street.

The open house is part of Fire Prevention Week, said Fire Chief Andrew Paskalis, and is an effort to teach families fire safety and prevention practices. Participants will receive safety tips, learn how to plan escape routes and how to crawl safely through a smoke-filled room provided by the Essex County fire safety trailer, which is capable of simulating a smoke-filled environment.

Kids will have an opportunity to meet Sparky the Fire Dog and free pizza and balloons will also be provided, Paskalis said.

Library needs families for 'PJ Story Times'

The Manchester Public Library will need two families per session for its planned "Pajama Story Times" this month.

Library officials are hoping to have mothers, fathers, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, older siblings, and others participate. Volunteers may sign up in the library's children's room with Sara Collins, call 978-526-2016 for the children's room desk, or e-mail Collins at scollins@mvlc.org.

Currently available dates include Tuesdays, Oct. 6, 13, 20 and 27 at 6 p.m.

All ages are invited to attend this family "Story Time" series, once or weekly.

Our "FamilyTales," sharing the stories to promote Family Literacy, is continuing through the year with special events sponsored by the Target Foundation Grant to the children's room.

Book groups set to meet this week

Manchester Public Library's Non-fiction Book Group will meet Monday at 7 p.m. to discuss "Hubert's Freaks: the rare book dealer, the Times Square Talker, and the lost photos of Diane Arbus" by Gloucester author Gregory Gibson. Pick up a copy at the circulation desk. New members are welcome.

Meanwhile, the Hearthside Book Group will meet on Tuesday, Oct. 6, at 4 p.m. to discuss "The Brethern: Inside the Supreme Court" by Bob Woodward. Interested readers may pick up a copy at the circulation desk. New members are always welcome.

Town Talk is compiled each week by reporter Jonathan L'Ecuyer. If you have an item for Town Talk, call L'Ecuyer at 978-283-7000, ext. 3451, or e-mail jlecuyer@gloucestertimes.com.