By Jonathan L'Ecuyer, Staff Writer
The Navy warship USS Boone may have left Rockport Harbor more than a month ago, but the memories will remain forever - especially those created while enjoying a delicious, home-cooked meal.
Chef Debbie Demakis of the Back Street Bistro fed any sailor who visited the Bistro for free. When the sailors asked for the bill, Demakis told them there was only one charge - a hug.
"This is typical of Deb's generosity," said friend Valerie Marcley. "(She's) a wonderful asset to Rockport."
People in the news
The following members of the Rockport High School Class of 2008 have been named recipients of the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship, which recognizes high academic achievement on the MCAS tests.
The Adams Scholarship entitles recipients to four years of free tuition at a University of Massachusetts campus, or participating Massachusetts state or community college, beginning with the fall 2008 semester.
Recipients are: Rachel Altman, Jennifer Arabian, Katryna Balboni, Christopher Brayton, Lydia Brindamour, Thomas Carbone, Kaitlyn Carter, Nicholas Chamberlain, Cory Emerson, Jonathan Estabrook, James Eves, Mary Katey Farel, Emma Higgins, Aaron Jylkka, Emma Larkin, Sara Littlefield, Mary McGillicuddy, Anne Marie Memhard, Misaki Nishimiya, Stefan Pietorse, Victoria Scalafani, Russell Smith and Robert Tibert.
Get your photo with Santa
Have your photo taken with Santa Claus today at the Rockport PTO Fair between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Photos can be emailed to you for $5 or printed and mailed to you for $10. All proceeds benefit the Rockport High School Drama Department.
Quick hits
Rockport Public Schools will have an early-release day on the remaining two Wednesdays of this month (Nov. 21 and Nov. 28) for the Thanksgiving recess and for a teacher professional development event.
Middle and high school dismissal will be at 11 a.m., while elementary school dismissal is at noon. There will be no late bus runs or breakfast or lunch served on those days.
* Post 98 is taking orders for Thanksgiving pies, which will be baked fresh Wednesday, Nov. 21, and must be picked up between 10 a.m. and noon that day at the legion building on Beach Street. This year, the post is offering an 11-inch cranberry-rhubarb pie for $12. For $11, you can order a "family size" apple, blueberry, pumpkin or mincemeat pie. Post 98 requests people place their orders no later than today by calling 978-546-9085.
* A new date has been set for the Friends of Rockport Athletics annual bowling tournament.
The tournament will be Wednesday, Nov. 28, between 7 and 9 p.m. at Cape Ann Bowling Lanes in Gloucester. The cost is $20 per person, and four people are needed to enter as a team.
For more information or to sign up, call Michelle Elwell at 978-546-3157 or e-mail michelle.elwell@verizon.net.
School store debuts winter line
The Rockport Viking Corner Store will be open during the annual PTO fair, today from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Rockport Middle/High School. According to student adviser Scott Larson, the store will feature a wide assortment of sweatshirts, sweatpants and other Vikings merchandise. A new line of products are available for the winter, including special T-shirts designed for basketball fans. For more information, call 978-546-1234.
Pot luck dinners
Complimentary pot luck dinners are offered every Tuesday and Wednesday night at 6 inside Fellowship Hall at the First Congregational Church of Rockport.
"Everyone is welcome, especially those who need a good meal," said member Bill Davis. It's not necessary to bring food. Church officials recommend people enter the church from its handicapped accessible entrance off School Street and to take the elevator to the second floor.
Holiday Happenings
A community Thanksgiving service will be celebrated at St. Mary's Episcopal Church at 9 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day. The Rev. Karin E. Wade said all are welcome to join.
* On Tuesday, Nov. 27, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Women's Fellowship of the Rockport Congregational Church will have a "Get Ready for Christmas" workshop to decorate the church for the holidays and to make items to sell at the Christmas Bazaar. Organizers suggest people bring a brown bag lunch. Desserts and beverages will be provided. All are welcome; those needing a handicapped accessible entrance can enter from School Street.
* Singers are invited to join the Dock Square Carolers to welcome in the season with carols, and to help greet Santa and the public at the annual tree-lighting ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 1., at 4 p.m. Choral director Wendy Betts will lead the musical program, which starts with a rehearsal at the Rockport Art Association at 2:15 p.m. For more information, call Dorothy Ramsey Stoffa at 978-546-5220 or 978-546-9689.
* The Town Hall will be closed Thanksgiving, Nov. 22, and also Friday, Nov. 23. Because of the long holiday weekend, Town Hall will follow normal Friday operating hours Wednesday, Nov. 21, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Ambulance fundraiser
It's November, and that means it's time for the Rockport Ambulance Department's annual fundraiser.
A benefit breakfast will be held at Ellen's Harborside Restaurant tomorrow, from 8 to 10 a.m. The menu features baked, stuffed French toast, ham, fruit, coffee and juice, for a cost of $7. According to department head Rosemary Lesch, those who wish to reserve tickets may call 978-546-7297, ask an EMT or purchase tickets at the door.
Taking names
As part of a statewide campaign to repeal the state affordable-housing law most commonly known as 40B, Rockport resident Jane Beauvais and others will be at the Whistlestop Mall and the dump today between 9 a.m. to noon collecting signatures.
The 40B law frees developers from the restrictions of local zoning laws if affordable housing comprises at least 25 percent of the development. For the 40B repeal to appear on next year's fall ballot, organizers must collect 66,000 signatures statewide.
Bridge club
Saturday, Nov. 10: First place, Leonie Cocchiarella and Agnes MacQuade, 501/2; second, Muriel Davis and Gus Lawson, 481/2; third, Lester Stockman and Pat Sylvia, 47; fourth, Maureen Sheehan and Ann Millar, 46.
Tuesday, Nov. 13: First place, Leonie Cocchiarella and Agnes MacQuade, 501/2; second, Muriel Davis and Molly Foster, 491/2; third, Marge Baker and Barbara Beyea, 451/2; fourth, Jane Pierce and Ann Millar, 43.
Thursday, Nov. 15: First place (tie), Muriel Davis and Barbara Beyea and Lyn FitzGerald and Molly Foster, 33 1/2; second, Bill and Cate Holloway, 311/2; third, Pat Sylvia and Jane Pierce, 291/2.
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@ecnnews.com.
