Author: Joey Ciaramitaro

Colleen Coogan from Rockport submits-

My kids have been involved in drama programs in Rockport on and off from first grade through middle school.  Every opportunity has provided them with skills, abilities, self confidence – enhancing their other social and learning experiences.  I am grateful that in this small Cape Ann community, we have talented adults interested in creating drama for, and with, our children

The Middle School productions are large, and inclusive, supported by parents behind the scenes, helping kids create costumes and stage sets for the production.  Mr. McCarthy and his skilled team start with a product in mind – the play that has been selected.  They aim for that goal from tryouts through production. The cast, its ensemble-chemistry and individual skills, adds uniqueness, but some predictability is desired and inherent in this type of production.  Within this small district, we are blessed with talent in both faculty and students; it is only the size of the children that reminds me that these are middle school productions.  Mr. McCarthy somehow inspires and corrals middle schoolers’ capacity for individual drama, fostering new friendships, team skills, and self-confidence.

Experiences with Kristina Martin and Rockport Elementary’s multiage teachers’ Tell About the Time productions and Dona Lambert’s Art Harbor, Summer Pie Theatre, and Coupe troupes are so different from the Middle School productions; it’s like comparing a roasted chicken meal with chicken gumbo. You know the roasted chicken meal will be delicious, wholly nutritious, some variability coming from the spices and side dishes.  The gumbo, well, it could be messy, but is always a rich, interesting and spicy experience, dependent on the ingredients on hand.  The actors, of varied ages, bring unique skills, stories, and interests.  These “ingredients” are assessed before plays are chosen or created.  The resulting shows are magic and always unique, although priorities are more about nurturing the actors than about the actual productions.  The children are transformed, together and individually, by the experiences.  They gain faith in their dreams, and confidence in their ability to express them. Dona takes it a step further, with older troupers mentoring new cohorts and directing plays and workshops. 

This summer, kids can join Dona at her Summer Pie Summer Workshops, coached by Middle and High School trouper-directors, under Rockport’s Unitarian Universalist Church’s accommodating steeple.  on Cleaves Street in Rockport.  Contact Dona at 978 546-2416 or donalambert1gmail.com for more information.

The Rockport Navy Weekend 2013 July 12^th to July 15^th

The Rockport Navy Committee (RocNavCom) and the town of Rockport will again be hosting The United States Naval Academy (USNA) Offshore Sail Training Squadron (OSTS). Five NA-44 foot sailboats will arrive in Rockport on Friday July 12th, 2013 and cast off Monday morning July 15th, 2013.

Sailors from the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine, the USS Constitution in Boston, Massachusetts and the Navy Band in Newport, Rhode Island have been invited to participate in the weekend events. The sailors/midshipmen will participate in various social and sporting events including a kickball game with Rockport children ages 6-16 on Saturday afternoon, a softball game against a Rockport Police/Fire team on Saturday evening and a benefit pancake breakfast at Brackett’s Ocean View Restaurant on Sunday morning. The public is welcome to attend the above events.

The RocNavCom is looking for Rockport residents to host the forty midshipmen and ten advisors during their visit. The midshipmen range in age from 18 to 23. The hosts will be responsible for room and board Friday, Saturday and Sunday, transportation to morning events and returning the midshipmen to T-wharf Sunday evening or Monday morning. Many of the activities the midshipmen will be participating in include meals. We are holding to the Navy standard of the buddy system; hosts must be able to accommodate at least two midshipmen or advisors.

Due the lack of available lodging for visiting active duty sailors, the Rockport Navy Committee is looking for Rockport residents willing to host sailors in their homes. We are holding to the Navy standard of the buddy system; hosts must be able to accommodate at least two sailors. The sailors only need lodging; no meals or transportation is required.

If you are interested in hosting midshipmen/advisors or sailors, or would like more information about the Rockport Navy Weekend please go to: www.rocnavcom.org

10th Annual Lyons Ambulance Golf Tournament

to benefitADDISON GILBERT HOSPITAL,

Monday, September 9, 2013

Bass Rocks Golf Club, Gloucester, Massachusetts

Blood Drive hosted by Gloucester Fire Fighters and Jalapeños

In response to the Marathon bombing and emergency need to replenish blood supplies, Jalapeños and the Gloucester Fire Fighters will host an American Red Cross Blood Drive on Saturday, August 24 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

The community blood drive will be held outside Jalapeños, 86 Main Street, Gloucester.  The American Red Cross blood donor van will be parked at 86 Main Street.  Palazola’s Sporting Goods at 85 Main Street are providing several parking spaces in their parking lot for those donating blood.   Jalapeños will be providing a $20. gift card to those who donate that day.  Addison Gilbert Hospital will provide a gift bag to each donor.

To arrange for an appointment, please call the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767 or register on-line at redcrossblood.org[redcrossblood.org] Walk-in guests are also welcome.

For further information , please contact Amy Randazza at 978-390-3820 or check Jalapeños on Facebook!