Cape Ann news in brief

MANCHESTER — On Wednesday, June 7, Manchester Historical Society presents a ‘"Celebration by the Sea," an inaugural event observing the 200th year of the museum's Hooper-Trask House, Manchester's home for history, art, and community, at beautiful Sharksmouth Estate, 305 Summer St., Manchester by-the-Sea, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. From 6:15 to 7 p.m., enjoy an illustrated presentation by by Bill Cross, author of "Winslow Homer: American Passage." Bask in the ocean breezes with music by the John Hicks Quintet and hearty hors d’oeuvres and libations Tickets are $100 each, and only 100 tickets are available. Visit www.manchesterhistoricalmuseum.org, or call 978-526-7230

MANCHESTER — "Neighbors Helping Neighbors" is the theme of the Manchester Knights of Columbus ongoing 24/7 food drive for The Open Door's food pantry in Gloucester. The need on Cape Ann is greater now than ever before, so all are encouraged to leave food donations in the designated bins in the garage on Friend Street behind Sacred Heart Church, School Street, Manchester. Food items most needed are peanut butter; canned tuna, chicken, turkey; healthy snack items; breakfast cereal; 100% juice/juice boxes; hearty soups; canned vegetables and fruits; spaghetti sauce; macaroni and cheese; rice; noodles and pasta; and cake, muffin, and pancake mixes. (Please no glass items-jars, bottles, etc.) Knights of Council 1232 transport the donated food to The Open Door weekly. This food drive is an open-ended and on-going effort.

ROCKPORT — The Rockport Public Library has added Creativebug to its list of online databases. Creativebug offers more than 1,000 videos by artists and professionals detailing a wide variety of art and crafts projects for all ages. Videos cover painting, ceramics, knitting, quilting, jewelry-making, party crafts, and more. Some crafts can be learned in a single video, or skills can be honed over multiple videos. To get started, visit www.rockportlibrary.org, go to home page, enter your library card number and email address. After that, you’ll only need to enter your card number to get crafting! Questions? 978-546-6934.

ESSEX – Spring comes fully loaded for learning, creating fun at TOHP Burnham Library, 30 Martin St. in Essex. Unless otherwise noted, please register at the library website, www.essexpubliclibrary.org. All information and registrations can be found at essexpl.org/events. Questions? 978-768-7410.

Wednesdays, 9 a.m., Stories, fun, storyboards, songs and rhymes — for wee ones ages 0 to 2 with caregiver: at 10 a.m., preschoolers, ages 3 to 5 with a caregiver. Register at www.essexpl.org

Saturdays at 10 a.m., Art Adventures — with Miss Julie leading the fun in art and music for ages 0-8 with caregiver. Registration a must at earlychildhoodpartners.com.

Severely wind-damaged last spring, the bell tower of Our Lady of Good Voyage Church needs restoration. Home to historic carillon bells, repairs have held up this rough winter, but permanent structural restoration is necessary. American Steeple of Salem will repair the tower and replace the roof, hopefully starting this year. Insurance will cover some cost, but at least $150,000 is needed to fully restore the tower. Donations can be made at ccgronlineolgv.churchgiving.com or mailed to Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish, 74 Pleasant St., Gloucester, MA 01930. Questions? Call 978-281-4820 or email [email protected].

The Cape Ann Museum announces the opening of "Edward Hopper & Cape Ann: Illuminating an American Landscape" in 2023 — the first exhibition dedicated to Hopper's formative development on Cape Ann during the summer of 1923. Opening on Hopper's birthday, July 22, "Edward Hopper and Cape Ann" runs through Oct. 16, and is presented in collaboration with the Whitney Museum of American Art. The exhibition features 65 works culled from the Whitney, the Brooklyn Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, National Gallery of Art, The Philadelphia Museum of Art and 23 other institutions and private lenders. Timed-entry tickets will be required for the Hopper show and go on sale at www.capeannmuseum.org on June 1. Admission, which includes both "Edward Hopper & Cape Ann" and general museum entry is adults $23; Cape Ann residents, seniors, and students, $18; and youth younger than 18 are free.

Gloucester is the birth place of a surprising trove of great literature. The 400th+ Literary Committee offers four Saturday morning walking tours, led by local literary raconteur Phil Storey to educate residents and visitors alike to the city's oft overlooked literary legacy. Learn about Judith Sargent Murray in the house where in the 1700s she penned her feminist gleanings. Find the spot on Main Street where longtime summer resident T.S. Eliot purchased the notebook in which he began "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock." Experience the grit and glory of the harbor that inspired Charles Olson's epics and the poems of Vincent Ferrini. Did you know that Rudyard Kipling wrote "Captains Courageous" here, and Henry Wordsworth penned "The Wreck of the Hesperus?" The tours — June 24, July 29, Aug. 26, Sept. 30 — are free, running from 10 a.m. to noon. Participants will meet at Sawyer Free Library's temporary location, 21 Main St. Reservations are recommended at https://www.gloucesterma400.org/event/literary-gloucester-a-walking-tour/

Registration is open for Cape Ann Arts Alive's 2023 summer program 2023. "Time and Tide ~ Gloucester 1623, before and after" is an experiential performance/art program that fosters 6- to 12-year-olds appreciation for the unique culture of Cape Ann, and, along with teen mentors (age 13-17) nurtures their sense of belonging to the ongoing story of this unique region. Through music, visual arts, theater, dance, the program strives to cultivate curiosity, encourage artistic expression, and build confidence. Activities run from Aug. 21 to 25, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at St. John's Episcopal Church, 48 Middle St. in Gloucester, with excursions to the Cape Ann Museum and to the schooner Adventure for a harbor sail. There will be openings in the fall for the CAAA Singers, who’ll perform at Schooner Festival on Labor Day weekend and the annual Middle Street Walk on Dec. 9, as well as other Gloucester 400+ community events. Call 978-283-1708.

ROCKPORT — On Saturday June 17, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., members of the Rockport Garden Club will be at the Rockport Farmers Market at Harvey Park. Current members will be on hand offering tree tours and to talk about about the history and current activities of the club. Tickets to the Rockport in Bloom Garden Tour, taking place on Saturday, June 24, will also be available for sale at the booth.

Funded by the Friends, the Sawyer Free Library, 21 Main St., offers library cardholders passes to many local cultural attractions. To reserve library passes to the Boston Children's Museum, Cape Ann Museum, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Maritime Gloucester Museum, Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Science, Peabody Essex Museum, New England Aquarium, Sargent House Museum and Zoo New England, library patrons should visit sawyerfreelibrary.org. Questions? Contact 978-325-5500.

Manchester Public Library offers passes to the Cape Ann Museum, Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA), Museum of Science, Peabody Essex Museum and Zoo New England. Manchester Public Library patrons may visit www.manchesterpl.org and click on Museum Passes to begin the reservation process. Click on the museum you are interested in visiting and there you will see instructions to reserve a timed ticket. If you have any questions, please call the library at 978-526-7711.

Gloucester High School Class of 1973 will hold its 50th class reunion on June 8, at the Elks, 97 Atlantic Road in Gloucester. Cocktail hour will be from 5 to 7 p.m., with live music and dinner and dancing to the band Garfish from 7 to 11 p.m. Please register in advance and send payment in advance to c/o Kathy Williams, Cape Ann Savings Bank, 38 Rogers St., Gloucester, MA 01930.

ROCKPORT— Five Circles Tai Chi class is led by teachers Fayette Severance and Amy Seabrook with Kasha Gula assisting. They lead the practice each Wednesday, 10 to 11:30 a.m., at the Rockport First Congregational Church, 12 School St. A suggested donation of $7 pays for use of the church. The circling movements of tai chi help us to incrementally align our muscles between our left and right sides to create more stability and balance. Email Amy at [email protected] for more information.

During Trauma Awareness Month, the American Red Cross needs donors to help ensure a strong, stable blood supply is available at a moment's notice. Type O negative blood donors are especially critical for emergencies.

Manchester-by-the-Sea Community Center, 40 Beach St. in Manchester, hosts a drive Friday, June 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Call 800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org to schedule an appointment to donate at these drives or other times.

RCOKPORT —On Saturday, June 10, at 5 p.m., the Universalist Unitarian Society of Rockport is hosting a live Goods and Services Auction with pizza at the society, 4 Cleaves St., Rockport. The live auction will be the culmination of the online auction which runs Sunday, June 4 to Friday, June 9. For more information, visit www.rockportuu.org.

ROCKPORT — Halibut Point State Park, 4 Gott Ave. in Rockport, is offering a full schedule of programs this June. All programs are free to the public. Parking fee is $5 for Massachusetts license plate and $20 other state license plates. An adult must accompany children. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request. Guided group tours available with advance reservations: 978-546-.2997 or [email protected]. Any other questions about the listings or any programs at Halibut Point State Park, email Ramona Latham at [email protected]

Saturday, June 17, 9 to 11 p.m., Night Sky & Stargazing — Meet at Visitor Center. View stars, galaxies, and planets! through powerful telescopes of the Gloucester Area Astronomy Club. Or bring your own. All ages.

Saturdays, June 17 and 24 , 10 to 11 a.m., When Granite was King — Babson Farm Quarrying History Guided Tour. Meet at parking area. Experience quarrying as it once was, touch tools of the trade that chiseld stone for buildings and road around the world .Heavy rain cancels.

Sunday, June 18, 8 to 10 a.m., Birding Basics Walks — Meet at parking area. Stroll our seaside treasure with Birding Basics. Watch species in the fields, woodlands and water's edges. Learn bird sounds, habits, flight patterns. Bring binoculars if you have them. Rain or shine.

Saturday, June 24, 9 to 11 a.m., Tide Pool Exploration — Meet at visitor's center, see the great diversity of life at the rocky shore. Explore tide pool zones and learn how their ecology works. Heavy rain cancels. All ages.

Saturday, June 24 Sketching to See , 1 to 3 p.m. — Meet at Visitor Center. Capture the beauty of Halibut Point on paper! with Jess Yurwitz from Slow River Studio for a beginner sketching lesson in the Park. Supplies included.. Advance Registration required at: https://www.slowriverstudio.com/events. Space limited. Rain cancels. Ages 8+.

Gloucester Elks Lodge #892 is hosting a Flag Day Ceremony Commemorating the Birth of the American Flag on Wednesday, June 14, at the lodge at 101 Atlantic Road at 6.p.m. All are welcome to attend this service along with Sea Cadets, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and local officials. The ceremony will highlight the history of the our flag and explain how we arrived at the present-day flag.

The annual nine-day Novena to Saint Peter will be held at the Capt. Lester Wass American Legion Hall, 8 Washington St., at 7 p.m., on Monday, June 12, through Tuesday, June 20. During this time of reflection, participants will offer prayers, petitions, and songs for the intercession of Saint Peter, patron of fishermen. For more information, please contact Joe Novello at 978-879-9239. All are welcome to attend.

If you need help with your resume, cover letter, or some job searching advice, contact [email protected] or call 978-325-5500 to make an appointment for in-person resume and cover letter assistance with a librarian. Computers, Chromebooks, tablets, Wi-Fi Hotspots, printing, photocopying, scanning, and saving via email and flash drive are all free at the Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main St. Questions? Visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or 978-325-5500.

BEVERLY — The North Shore Friends (Quakers) are now meeting at 10 a.m. on Sundays at 74 Hart St. in Beverly Farms. More information is available by contacting Martin Ray at 978-283-4585.

Tips from the Massachusetts Water Resources Commission on ways to conserve water apply to Cape Ann: Limit lawn watering, maintain healthy soils, choose native plants or plants and turf that need less water, use mulch to reduce evaporation and moderate soil temperature, leave grass clippings on lawns to shade and return nutrients to soil, sweep driveways, walkways, patios and other outdoor areas with a broom rather than hosing them off. Wash vehicles using a bucket and sponge employing a hose with a shut off nozzle for rinsing only, or, if available, use a commercial car wash that recycles water (most do), cover swimming pools when not in use to prevent evaporation. Choose high-efficiency plumbing products and appliances. never let the water run, use water-saving showerheads, wash only full loads of laundry and dishes, fix leaky faucets, toilets and pipes, compost instead of using garbage disposal.

ROCKPORT — Every Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m. a Drum Circle will be held at The Performance Room at Whale's Jaw Cafe. Drum Circles have been known to be a healing and growth event for all who join the circle. So bring a drum or percussion instrument and join the group led by Dickie Newport at the cafe, 17 Railroad Ave. in Rockport.

The Saint Vincent de Paul Clothes Closet is open every Saturday EXCEPT the first Saturday of the month; hours are 9 a.m.to noon in the basement of St. Ann's Church, Holy Family Parish, Pleasant Street. New and gently used clothing and footwear is available in all sizes for men, women, and children. All is provided free; donations are greatly appreciated.

Registration is now open for Rockport and Manchester residents to enter the "Walk Massachusetts Challenge." Stay healthy and win prizes for yourself and your Council on Aging. There are six challenges for different fitness levels, running through Oct. 31. As you complete each, you are entered into a drawing for a gift card. For each person who completes their challenge, their respective Council on Aging gets an entry to win up to $1,000 for fitness programing. To register, visit: walkmachallenge.com. For those who want to walk but don't have access to a computer, the Council on Aging can help you with that. Eligible for Massachusetts residents 18 years old and up.

Arthritis relief without pills? Exercises can help functional movement, increase range of motion and improve ADL's (Activities of Daily Living), and you won't have to leave the house to do it. PACE at Element Care is offering a free virtual exercise program over Zoom every Wednesday at 11 a.m. Sit, stand, and join us. All are welcome, and it's absolutely free. Register for your Zoom link at: https://elementcare-org.zoom.us/j/83819924499?pwd=N1N6ZHNmbUxUaXRtWm1EWmR1bzF1UT09. Meeting ID: 838 1992 4499.

Home-delivered meals might be for you if you are age 60 or older, and unable to prepare a balanced meal because of physical, mental, or emotional limitations, or lack of home assistance from family, friends, or neighbors, to prepare balanced meal. If this sounds like you, and you are unable to participate in the congregate dining program comfortably or safely, Meals on Wheels delivers daily to your door. There are no income eligibility requirements for this program. For more information call SeniorCare Inc. at 978-281-1750 or call toll-free 866-927-1050.

Gloucester High School Class of 1983 will celebrate its 40th reunion on Friday, June 23. The event will take place at the Gloucester Elk's Lodge at 97 Atlantic Road from 6 to 10 pm. Ticket price is $50. Invitations will be sent out in March. If you have questions or your address has changed since the last reunion, please email Missie Bertolino Bankes at [email protected]. If you wish to purchase your ticket now, please make your check out to GHS Class of 1983 and mail to Missie Bankes, 25 Powderhouse Lane, Boxford, MA 01921..

SeniorCare, in conjunction with the Beverly Council on Aging, presents the free workshop "A Matter of Balance" on Tuesdays, June 13 through Aug. 8, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Beverly Senior Center, 90 Colon St. in Beverly. Through group discussion, practical strategies and light exercising, older adults will reduce the fear and risk of falling, helping them to stay active and involved. For information and to register, contact Linda Baker at 978-281-1750 or [email protected]. More info: https://seniorcareinc.org/a-matter-of-balance-june-august-2023/

The Northshoremen Chorus will host a scramble golf tournament on Wednesday, June 28, at Far Corner Golf Course, 5 Barker St. in Boxford. Tee off time is 9 a.m. and registration is $130 per person. It includes greens fees and carts, lunch, and tournament t-shirt. Categories include hole in one, closest to the pin and longest drive. To register please contact Billy Carleton at 978-609-1291, or email [email protected].

St. John's Thrift and Regal Rummage shops are now open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with summer clothing for men, women and children. Freshen up your home with summery linens, dishes, furniture and decorative items. Proceeds support the mission of St. John's to serve the Gloucester community and beyond. Mastercard and Visa accepted. Free parking at 33 Washington St.

Cape Ann Finns is looking to expand its membership. Dues are waived for 2023 (thereafter $10 annually). Join Cape Ann Finns, a group of 290-plus open to everyone curious about this ethnic group's heritage and contributions to shaping Cape Ann since the mid-1800s. An application and information about CAF is at www.capeannfinns.com. Or email your name and email address to [email protected]. Or call 202-420-8548.

Gloucester AMVETS Post 32 is offering the chance to win 14 prizes, totaling $1,100 in one night. AMVETS Post 32's 500 Club, which raises money for the organization's scholarship fund, has openings. The club is open to the public and only 500 tickets or numbers are available at a cost of $5 each. Drawings are held monthly when the numbers for ten $20 winners, one $50, one $100, one $250 and one $500 winner are announced. If a number is pulled for a smaller award, it is thrown back in the bucket and is eligible for all other drawings. Many members hold onto their same numbers for months or years. It costs $60 to hold a number for a year. Members need not be present and will be notified be mail if they win. Anyone wishing to buy a number may do so at the club or by phone (978-283-9738). Checks may be made out to Friends of AMVETS and be sent to AMVETS 500 Club, 14 Prospect St., Gloucester, MA 01930. The drawings are held on the last Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m. upstairs in the Amvets building at 14 Prospect St. Gloucester.

The Gloucester Writers Center holds open mic nights the first Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m., 126 East Main St., Gloucester. Come early to sign up, enjoy refreshments and camaraderie with other writers. Bring five minutes of work to share! GWC open mics are low-key, supportive opportunities to share your work with peers in a comfortable setting. As always, parking is at Chapel Street + North Shore Arts, just down the road.

A public event on Oct. 27 to 29, partners Gloucester 400+ and the Cape Ann Finns present 2023 FinnFunn New England Weekend to spotlight the Finnish community on Cape Ann as part of G400+'s initiative to call attention to the ethnic groups that helped shape Gloucester. Residents and people living nearby who are curious about the early Finns and American Finns clustered back of the Cape in Lanesville, Pigeon Cove and Rockport, their culture, and Finland will find engaging program choices at their Gloucester and Rockport doorsteps as well as discover similarities among Cape Ann's immigrant groups. Go to finnfun.org for complete details and registration online or by telephone for weekend, day, and/or single events.

ROCKPORT — The Rockport Public Library offers automatic renewals on most items checked out from the library. Items will automatically renew if they have not been returned three days before their due date. Patrons will no longer have to take steps to renew items, even if the items came from a library in Rockport's network of libraries. Items that cannot be renewed include lucky day titles, items on waiting lists, items that have reached their renewal limit, items borrowed from outside the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium (MVLC), items checked out from a nonparticipating library. By initiating renewals automatically, the library complements its existing fine-free model, under which the library no longer charges fines for overdue items. Patrons who have registered their email addresses with the library will get an email notifying them that their items have been automatically renewed — and reminders of upcoming due dates. To add your email for this service, email [email protected], call 978-546-6934 or speak with a librarian.

A Little Lending Library for Children is open at the Virginia Lee Burton Writing Cottage at the Lanesville Community Center, 9 Vulcan St.

Gloucester's Sawyer Free Library hosts Stories and Fun with Children's Librarian Christy Rosso on Wednesdays from 11:15 a.m. to noon at Movement Arts (MAGMA) l186 Main St., fifth floor. Questions? Contact [email protected].

Gloucester fishing industry workers are invited to come to the Provider on the Pier free medical clinic every Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Harbormaster's office, 19 Harbor Loop #2. The Massachusetts HEALs Coalition: Fishing Partnership Support Services, North Shore Community Health, Addison Gilbert Hospital/Lahey Health, Middlesex Recovery, and North Shore Health Project/ONESTOP provide walk-in service that offers access to basic medical evaluations, assistance with health insurance enrollment, wound care, and HIV/Hep C and STI testing. Been thinking about going to the doctor's office? Provider on the Pier is ready to help. You don't even need an appointment. In fact, walk-ins are encouraged.

ROCKPORT — Rockport Public Library, 17 School St., hosts We Craft on Saturdays while supplies last. Craft materials are provided and placed on the craft table in the Children's Room at 10 a.m. No registration. Visit https://rockportlibrary.org/events/. Questions? Call 978-546-6934.

Cape Ann Museum is presenting its exhibition of local indigenous artifacts from Cape Ann, on view in the downtown campus, 27 Pleasant St., Gloucester. The display also includes selections from the Annisquam Historical Society. For admission and information, visit www.capeannmuseum.org/events.

MANCHESTER — It's June and Manchester-by-the-Sea Public Library, 15 Union St., is "busting out all over" with great stuff to do. For a complete schedule and to register for events and programs, please visit manchesterpl.org/events. Questions? Call 978-526-2017. Please register for all programs on the website, https://www.manchesterpl.org/events/

VOX and Wonder Books is a new collection in the Children's Room offering audio and print picture and chapter books bound together. Reader transforms an ordinary print book into an all-in-one read-along experience. Just push a button to listen and read through speaker or head phones.

Tuesday, June 6, at 4 to 6 p.m., Hearthside Book Group — at the library or on Zoom to discuss the novel "Horse" by Geraldine Brooks. Contact Lori Dumont at [email protected] or at 978-526-7711 for further information. Copiesat the circulation desk, curbside pickup or by home delivery.

MANCHESTER — The Manchester Council on Aging is offering these events and trips for seniors. For further information or to reserve your seat on the van, please call the C.O.A. Office at 526-7500.

Wednesday, June 7 , Lunch at New Brothers Restaurant & Deli — in Danvers Square. Greek-American comfort food. 11 a.m. Reservations required as noted above.

Friday, June 9, shopping trip — to Peabody's North Shore Mall or Danvers’ Liberty Tree Mall. Senior van pick up starts 10 a.m., a.m. Reservations required as noted above.

Wednesday, June 14, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. — Take a stand against elder abuse. Wear something purple and join us as in front of Town Hall on the Village Green to show your support and, get more information.

Friday, June 16, lunch and shopping trip to Wegmans’ Market Café in Burlington. Senior van pick up starts 11 a.m. Return around 2 p.m.

Friday, June 23, shopping trip to Walmart in Danvers— Walmart in Danvers. Senior van pickup around 10 a.m

Wednesday, June 28, monthly mystery ride— Pack at appetite and go wherever the senior van takes you for a surprise treat. Pick-up begins at 12 noon; return by 2 p.m.

Thursday, June 29, at 2 p.m, Stars and Stripes Show at Crowell Chapels-- A musical tribute of great American Classics, including ‘America the Beautiful’ and Irving Berlin classics by Big Smile Entertainment. For transportation, call as noted above.

ROCKPORT — Rockport Public Library, 17 School St., has programming for one and all this month. Unless otherwise noted, all events require registration on the library website events calendar. Visit: https://rockportlibrary.org/events/. Questions? Call 978-546-6934.

Mondays, 10 a.m., Free Play — in the Brenner Room! for ages 0 to 5 with caregivers. Toys and sensory play materials provided.

Mondays, 2:30 to 4 p.m., Rockport Genealogy Group— learn the basics with information, videos, possible guest speakers, databases, in person. An evening session meets from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Must register/cancel via email to: [email protected])

Monday, June 5, 3:15 to 4:15 p.m., LEGOs and Crafting — in the Brenner Room with the library's collection of LEGO bricks, or create with crafting supplies. Children under 9 must have caregiver. Registration required as noted above. https://rockportlibrary.org/events/.

Tuesdays, 10 to 10:30 a.m., Preschool Storytime — in the Brenner Room for stories and songs. For preschoolers with caregiver.

Wednesday, June 5, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Statewide Virtual Networking Group— On Zoom for The Massachusetts Library Collaborative's 50+ Job Seekers Group. Tools, strategies and more for a successful job search. Also an evening session, also on Zoom, from 6 to 8 p.m. Register for Zoom link as noted above.

Wednesday, June 7, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., caregiver-and-child group— meet in person in the Children's Room. ‘Play to learn’ with stories, songs, and sensory activities. Siblings welcome. Register as noted above.

Wednesdays, 2 to 3:45 p.m., ‘Games People Play’ — Board games for adults in person in the Trustees Room. Scrabble, checkers, cards, Monopoly, Cribbage, Yahtze. You name it, just drop in and play it.

Friday Musical Mornings, 10 a.m. ,with Miss Kristy in the Brenner Room with singing, dancing, ukulele, and more. Ages 0-5 with caregivers followed by 30 minutes of play in children's room. Register at: https://rockportlibrary.org/events/.

Saturdays, 10 a.m., We Craft! — Join us at the craft table in the Children's Room for a new craft each Saturday! Crafts supplied for as long as supplies last! at 10 a.m. No registration.

Need help getting groceries? Let food be one less thing to worry about with The Open Door's new programs. New clients and those returning after more than two years can create an online shopping profile at FOODPANTRY.org/newshopper or call 978-283-6776. New profiles will be processed within one business day. Active clients can place orders at FOODPANTRY.org/order or call 978-283-6776. Translation services are available in many languages. Groceries will be ready for pick-up, with limited delivery available. Need food today? Visit the Gloucester Food Pantry at 28 Emerson Ave., during business hours for basic groceries. Ordering online or by phone for pick-up or delivery within 1-3 business days allows you more choice. The Open Door is open Monday through Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Need SNAP (Food Stamps)?One-on-one, confidential prescreening for application, recertification, and interim report available at 978-283-6776 ext. 201 or [email protected]. Community Meals? Pick-up and delivery, 3 p.m. to close Monday through Friday. Extra meals available on Fridays for the weekend. For more information, visit FOODPANTRY.org.

MANCHESTER — Friends of the Manchester Library are accepting book donations from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 10, for the Annual Summer Book Sale. Bring books to the parking lot at Manchester Essex Regional Middle High School, 36 Lincoln St. in Manchester. Please only donate books you would be willing to buy; no ripped pages, mold or broken spines. Please do not drop off books at any other time — they cannot be accepted. The book sale will be Aug. 5.

The Gloucester High School Class of 1991 will be celebrating all of its classmates turning 50 on Thursday, July 27, at the Castle Manor Inn, 141 Essex Ave. in Gloucester. Dance the night away with Gloucester's own ‘80s band, Safety. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person; to purchase please email Rachel at [email protected].

On Saturday, June 10, and Sunday, June 11, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Second Glance Thrift Store, 2 Pond Road in Gloucester, will hold a Seaside Vintage Market, packed with home decor, kitchenware, linens, furniture, art, clothing, accessories, and more. From the ‘50s through the ‘80s, it's the vintage shopping event of the season. All sales at Second Glance support hunger-relief programs of The Open Door. Learn more at FOODPANTRY.org

Lappin Foundation and Congregation Eitz Chayim invite the community to a virtual screening of "Shared Legacies," a documentary about the African American-Jewish Civil Rights Alliance on Thursday, June 8, from 7 to 9. The film explores the crucial historical lessons of Black-Jewish cooperation, and it serves as an urgent call to action to repair what has fractured in the alliance. The program is free and everyone is welcome. Please register for the Zoom link at LappinFoundation.org. For more information, please email [email protected].

ROCKPORT — The Rockport Public Library, 17 School St., hosts Sit ‘n Knit (formerly Which Craft?) on Mondays from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., New name and new time! In the Trustees Room. Pull up a chair, break out your needlecraft, and join the conversation. For more information, call 978-546-6934, or visit rockportlibrary.org.

On June 8, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Backyard Growers will hold a tomato workshop at Burnham's Field Community Garden, next to the basketball courts, in Gloucester. Backyard Growers will share best practices for good tomato health and preventative care, and also for treating blossom end-rot, blight, and blossom drop. Backyard Growers will also give examples of different trellising styles and their uses. This event is free to Backyard Growers participants/$15 general admission. Proceeds support Backyard Growers’ work building healthy, connected, resilient communities by empowering people to grow their own food. Visit www.backyardgrowers.org/events to purchase tickets.

ESSEX — The Essex Council on Aging offers a variety of events and trips for seniors. For further information or to sign up for an event, please call the office at 978-768-7932 or visit the Senior Center at 17 Pickering St.

Wednesdays, 1 p.m., Games at the Senior Center — Scrabble, Boggle, Cribbage, Backgammon, Board Games and More! Join us or bring a friend and come play!

Wednesday, June 14, 9:30 a.m., Men's Coffee and Doughnuts — Enjoy a cup of hot coffee and doughnuts. Socializing is optional.

Tuesday, June 20, 11 a.m, Ladies Brunch, with chicken and waffles — Please call the office to RSVP before June 15.

Wednesday, June 21, Summer Solstice — Join people around the world in a full day of activities to raise money for the Alzheimer's Association. The Essex Senior Center offers the following for people of all ages. Join us, or make a donation. 8 a.m.: guided walk with Gil at Cox Reservation; 9 a.m.: Breakfast at Senior Center; 10 a.m., Outdoor Games; 11 a.m., Memory Cafe; noon, lunch; 1 p.m., Games with Gil: Nostalgic Board Games; 2 p.m., Games with Gil: Buffalo Bingo; 3 p.m., POMS Movie; 5 p.m., Dementia Friends Session; 6 p.m., All ages musical trivia

Monday, June 26, 1 p.m., strawberry jam making — with guest chef Caroline Craig. Nothing says summer like fresh strawberries. RSVP is a must by June 22.

Tuesday, June 27, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., annual Council on Aging barbecue — at Tuck's Point, Manchester. Grilled chicken, grilled hamburgers, a variety of salads, and strawberry shortcake. Bingo and prizes. Call to reserve a spot! $5 per person.

Tuesday, June 27, 1 p.m., Book of the month discussion — "Fellowship Point" by Alice Elliot Dark. Through the generosity of the Friends of the TOHP Burnham Library, multiple copies are available to borrow but please return them for others to read. New members are always welcome.

Thursday, June 29, noon, Essex Eats Lunch at The Farm — please RSVP by June 19. $15 per person.

The Annisquam Exchange, 32 Leonard St., Annisquam Village, Gloucester, will open for the 2023 season on Wednesday, June 14, at 10 a.m. and will be open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit www.annisquamexchange.com

The Gloucester Democratic City Committee will convene for the last meeting before the summer on Thursday, June 8. All are welcome. Members who want to run for convention delegates, please meet at no later than 6 p.m. at the Gloucester Fraternity Club on Webster St. Official meeting starts at 7 p.m. with guest speaker from the Right to Immigration Institute. Food will be served and there will be a cash bar

Sawyer Free Library, temporarily located at 21 Main St. in Gloucester, has a full schedule of programs and activities lined up this May. Unless otherwise noted, registration for both in person and Zoom events require registration via contact information below or on the library's website at: sawyerfreelibrary.org. Questions? 978-325-5500.

Wednesdays, 11:15 a.m. to noon, Stories and Fun — Children with caregivers enjoy a fun morning with librarian Christy Rosso at Movement Arts Gloucester MA (MAGMA), fifth floor, 186 Main St. Questions? Contact [email protected] or 978-325-5500.

Thursdays, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Open Play at the Library— Unstructured play for tots 0-2 with caregivers at SFL at 21 Main St. Books and toys provided. No registration. Questions? [email protected].

SFL Home Delivery: Sawyer Free Library provides free home delivery to residents of all ages who are unable to visit the library due to special needs, illness, or disability. Librarians will work to be sure to deliver items that match interests. To learn more or request items, contact: [email protected] or 978-325-5562 or visit sawyerfreelibrary.org.

SFL Book Club To Go: Start your own book club with kit containing 10 print copies, a large print copy or audiobook if available, and a reader's guide of discussion questions. Reserve and pick up through SFL's online booking system. After meeting, collect books and return the kit to library. The kit also includes a 25% discount coupon to The Cave in Gloucester. For details go to sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5500.

DANVERS — The Northshoremen Barbershop Chorus welcomes men of all ages who love to sing to join them. The chorus rehearses every Wednesday at 7 p.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church, 46 Cherry St., Danvers. Come to the next rehearsal, or for more information call 866-727-4988.

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