Listings may be sent to: Goings On, Gloucester Daily Times, 36 Whittemore St.,Gloucester, MA 01930, or emailed to Joann Mackenzie at jomackenzie@gloucestertimes.com, at least two weeks prior to an event.
Science writing contest
High school students interested in astronomy and space exploration are invited to enter a new astronomical science writing contest. Accepted genres for entries include research reports, news stories, essays, biographical profiles, book reviews, speculative fiction, dramatic scripts, poems, and musical lyrics. Submitted pieces should be 500 to 2,500 words in length, depending on the genre. Submission deadline is March 15.
Details about prizes and publishing opportunities may be found at https://bit.ly/4duz8AN.
More information on submissions including topical prompts may be found at https://bit.ly/3MXaD4x.
The contest is co-hosted by The Galactic Inquirer, a free online journal on diverse astronomical topics, the American Astronomical Society,vthe International Astronomical Union’s Office of Astronomy for Education, and the Slooh remote telescopes service.
Home upgrades
Essex County Habitat for Humanity’s Critical Home Repair/Aging in Place program can — by using volunteers, donated construction materials and flexible sources of funding — offer very affordable house repairs to help Gloucester seniors age in place. The projects typically take a week, and the homeowner can usually continue living in the home while the work is done. Upgrades include wheelchair ramps, weatherization, handicap features, repairing structural rotting, stairs, roofing, etc. The program is not limited to elder and/or disabled homeowners, and does repairs necessary to maintain sound condition of the home, weatherization and energy efficiency, those needed to alleviate critical health, life and safety issues or code violations, and those that will help older adults age safely in their homes. Habitat staff inspects the property and determines financial qualifications based on total household income. If physically able, the homeowner must contribute sweat equity hours and the home must be owner-occupied. Learn more at https://www.essexcountyhabitat.org/critical-home-repair-program/.
Teen task force
High school students of all faiths are invited to join Lappin Foundation’s Teen Antisemitism Task Force. Students will hear from experts about ways they can combat antisemitism and all forms of hate, as well as put into action what they learn. There will be opportunities for teens to share their experiences and ideas as well. Meetings will be held Tuesdays from 7:30-8:30 p.m., once a month. For the complete calendar and list of speakers, visit LappinFoundation.org. There is no cost to join the task force and students can attend meetings as their schedules allow. For more information email dcoltin@lappinfoundation.org. The Teen Antisemitism Task Force is supported by CJP and the Jewish Teen Initiative.
For job seekers
If you need help with your resume, cover letter, or some job searching advice, contact jobseeker@sawyerfreelibrary.org 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.
ClamFest
ESSEX — The 39th Annual Essex ClamFest and Arts & Crafts Festival is 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, at Shepard Memorial Park, 24 Martin St, Essex. While the events are free, for $15 festival goes can sample tastes of Cape Ann’s finest chowders from noon to 1 p.m. and vote for their favorites. Tasting only while supplies last. Lots of fun activities, arts and crafts vendors, live entertainment and plenty of food vendors on-site. Visit capeannchamber.com
At Halibut Point
ROCKPORT — Rockport’s Halibut Point State Park is a coastal gem of the state Department of Conservation and Recreation, with free programs offered to the public. Fall is a particularly beautiful time to visit this singular seascape at 4 Gott Ave., Rockport, just off Route 127. An adult must accompany children. To book guided group tours please call 978-546-2997, visit or halibut.point@mass.gov Follow the park at @massdcr X (Twitter) and Instagram. ADA/reasonable accommodations.
Halibut Rocks! Geology at the Point, Sundays, Oct. 27, 10 a.m. to noon. Meet at visitors center, billions of years of geological evolution under your feet at this extraordinary seascape. Ages 8-plus. Rain cancels.
Atlantic Path trek, Sunday, Nov. 17, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., meet at parking area. Great bird watching, curious geology, incredible views. Advisory: gorgeous but uneven rocky coastline. Prepare accordingly. Bring snacks/water. No amenities along the way. Rain Cancels. Ages 12 and older.
Halibut Point Tower Talk, Saturday, Dec. 7, noon to 2 p.m. During World War II, Halibut Point’s tower provided valuable coastal defense. Learn its history. Ages 12 and older, all abilities.
Halloween Mass
On Sunday, Oct. 27, at 11:45 a.m., Our Lady of Good Voyage Church, 142 Prospect St., welcomes all parents, grandparents, and children to join Father Jim for its third annual Halloween Faith & Family Mass, followed by treats on the lawn. Halloween is often described as a pagan holiday, but this is contrary to its true meaning and authentic origins. The word hallow actually means holy. All Hallows Eve is really a Catholic holiday with roots in both celebrating the lives of the saints and praying for the souls of our departed brothers and sisters. Following the mass, there will be treats on the lawn.
Drug Take-back Day
Monday, Oct. 26, is National Drug Take-Back Day and here in Gloucester, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the Rose Baker Senior Center will host a collection site in its back lot at 6 Manual F. Lewis Street. The event will also serve to educate people on drug prevention strategies. All drug drop-offs are anonymous; no information is required. The service is free. Items accepted include prescription and over-the-counter medication, medication samples, vitamins, narcotics and liquid medication. Please note: Needles, thermometers, intravenous bags, infected or bloody material or inhalers will not be accepted.
Pancake Breakfast
ROCKPORT — Bring your appetite to Pigeon Cove Circle’s “all-you-can-eat” pancake breakfast Saturday, Oct. 26, from 8 to 11 a.m., 6 Breakwater Road, Rockport. On the menu are buttermilk, blueberry and buckwheat pancakes with sausage a real maple syrup. All for just $12. And at the bake table, everyone’s favorite Nisu.
Archaeological dig
Archaeologists from the Fiske Center for Archaeological Research at University of Massachusetts Boston will excavate land around the Babson-Alling House on Cape Ann Museum Green. (CAM Green) From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Oct. 25, 26, and 31, the public is invited to observe the excavations which promise to uncover new information about the history of the site. The Georgian house was built by William Allen in 1740 and acquired by the Cape Ann Museum in 2019. The findings will be discussed on Nov. 23 at 3:30 p.m., as part of the CAMTalk: History Series, with Christa Beranek and Laura Paisley of the Fiske Center for Archaeological Research at UMass Boston. Admission is free at CAM Green, 13 Poplar St., Gloucester. Please note: parking is limited..
‘Tell-tale Heart’
From Oct. 24 to 27, the Gloucester Stage Company, 267 East Main St., Gloucester, presents an Edgar Allan Poe Double Header to put you in the mood for Halloween. Created and performed by Livy Scanlon and presented in partnership with The Hanover Theatre Reparatory, this imaginative one-person retelling of “The Tell-Tale Heart” and “The Cask of Amontillado” is staged as a seance, inviting audiences to conjure two of Poe’s darkest tales. This production runs for one hour with no intermission and is best best for adults and ages 13-plus. For tickets and information, and for schools interested in student matinees, visit gloucesterstage.com oremail Natascha Tretter at natascha@gloucesterstage.com.
At Manchester library
MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA — Fall is underway and with it, new programs and events at Manchester Public Library, 15 Union St., and new Sunday hours, 1-4 p.m. through April. Check out the schedule below and save the dates. Unless otherwise noted, all events will take place at the library. To register, visit www.manchesterpl.org, or call the library at 978-526-7711.
Lego Time, Mondays, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Drop-in, unstructured Lego building fun for kids ages 6 and older.
Cookbook Club, Saturday, Oct. 26, noon to 1 p.m., meets once a month to share recipes from a cookbook off our library shelves. October’s pick is “Diasporican : A Puerto Rican Cookbook” by Illyanna Maisonet. This month we are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with recipes. Questions? Call 978-526-7711.
Job search help, Monday, Oct. 28, 2 to 3 p.m. 10 Essential Ways To Avoid Job Scams & Conduct A Productive Modern Search (Virtual. Register on our website or by calling 978-526-7711.
Dungeons and Dragons for Adults (Virtual), Monday, Oct. 28, 7 to 9 p.m. Whatever your level, MBTS’s Head of Adult and Reference Services — Maddy — will be your Game Master.
Talent Show
Spaulding Education Fund’s “Night of Stars” talent show is all set for Saturday, Nov. 2, in the Manchester Essex Regional High School auditorium from 4-7 p.m. The entire North Shore community is invited. Performers of all ages may audition — details can be found at https://www.spauldingeducationfund.org/events. Special early-bird pricing is available until Oct. 25.
Blood drives
The American Red Cross urges blood and platelet donors, especially those with type O blood and donors giving platelets, to make and keep donation appointments now to help hospitals restock blood products for patients. As a thank-you, all who give through Oct. 31 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win one of three $5,000 gift cards. For full details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Treat.
For details on giving, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Help.
Wednesday, Oct. 30: 2-7 p.m., Magnolia Library & Community Center, 1 Lexington Ave., Gloucester.
Tuesday, Nov. 12: 2-7 p.m., Magnolia Library & Community Center, 1 Lexington Ave., Gloucester.
Thursday, Nov. 14: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Ipswich Community Center, 25 Green St., Ipswich.
Friday, Nov. 15: Noon to 5 p.m., Our Lady of Good Voyage, 142 Prospect St., Gloucester.
Monday, Nov. 18: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., True North Ale Company, 116 County Road, Ipswich.
Appointments also are available at other locations and at the Danvers Blood Donation Center, 99 Rosewood Drive in Danvers, and by calling 800-733-2767, visiting redcrossblood.org or using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
Exchange open
The Annisquam Exchange opens its doors Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., through October. Offering Folly Cove designs, silver, collectibles, estate pieces, linens, fine jewelry, kitchenware, cards, Annisquam apparel from Annisquam Sewing Circle, artworks, toys, candy, and more, at 32 Leonard St. in Gloucester. To learn more, visit www.annisquamexchange.com or email annisquamexchange@gmail.com.