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Tag: Book

  • New Children’s Book Sparks Imagination and Teaches Empathy in Young Readers

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    Debut author releases kid-friendly tale that encourages friendship, creativity, and empathy in young readers.

     


    LOUISVILLE, Ky., August 11, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    “Have You Seen My Hat?” Brings Kentucky Derby Magic to Life Through Friendship, Imagination, and Joy based in LOUISVILLE, KY – A heartwarming new children’s book is galloping into the hearts of readers.

    Have You Seen My Hat?, written by Kentucky native Ladie Warfield, is a joyful adventure celebrating friendship, creativity, and community set against the vibrant backdrop of the Kentucky Derby Kids’ Parade.

    In this beautifully illustrated story, young Zara is thrilled to show off her one-of-a-kind hat at the Derby parade until it mysteriously vanishes. With the help of Marley, the shy new girl in town, the two set off on a whimsical journey filled with mystery, mazes, and Derby Day surprises.

    Behind this sweet and spirited story is an author with an inspiring journey of her own. Ladie Warfield is more than a storyteller she’s a proud mother of four, a dedicated healthcare worker of 20 years, a widow, and the founder of a nonprofit honoring her late husband. Her organization, The Ladie Presentz ( theladiepresentz ), is based in Kentucky and provides emotional support and resources to adolescents who have lost a parent to cancer or cancer-related illness.

    “Writing this book was about more than creating a story,” Warfield says. “It was about capturing the imagination of children and reminding them of the power of compassion and belonging especially when life feels uncertain.” With her rich Kentucky roots and a heart dedicated to healing, Warfield’s storytelling brings a rare authenticity and emotional depth to children’s literature.

    Have You Seen My Hat? is perfect for children ages 4-8, educators, and families looking for diverse, engaging books that inspire joy, empathy, and curiosity. Whether for classroom shelves or bedtime stories, this uplifting tale will leave a lasting shelves or bedtime stories, just like Zara’s unforgettable hat.

    Book Details:

    Title: Have You Seen My Hat?
    Author: Ladie Warfield
    Age Group: 4-8 years Themes: Friendship, Creativity, Problem-Solving,
    Representation

    Now Available on Amazon

    Contact & Media

    Source: Warfield Unified Ventures

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  • A 50-year search for answers about a brother’s disappearance

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    Dan Duffy, a Rockport innkeeper, had a brother who served in the Marines during the Vietnam War, and when he returned he was never the same.

    Two years later, in December 1970, his brother disappeared under mysterious circumstances. His body was never found.


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    By Gail McCarthy | Staff Writer

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  • Book explores NYC through the eyes of New York Nico

    Book explores NYC through the eyes of New York Nico

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    NEW YORK — In a city of 8 million characters, one New Yorker has made it his mission to document as many as possible.

    Nicolas Heller, better known as New York Nico, has captured the heart and soul of the Big Apple through his lens, one character at a time.

    Now, he’s turning his viral social media success into a different kind of story.

    Heller made a guidebook to the city that he calls home.

    In the book, Heller captures what locals have always known: it’s not just the skyline that makes New York special, it’s the stories behind every storefront and the characters on every corner.

    If you know New York, you likely know New York Nico.

    For the past decade he’s roamed the city in search of its quirks and characters, reminding his millions of followers what makes New York — New York.

    “Most of these businesses have been around forever, but it really is about the people who make these businesses,” Heller said.

    Born and bred in the Big Apple, Heller saw the city through a unique lens early on.

    “I know when you were a little kid, your parents said that you were dubbed the mayor of 16th Street,” Joelle Garguilo said.

    “There was just this one stretch where I would just like walk down the street and like the vendors would all say, ‘Hey what’s up Nick.’ I was friends with all the security guards,” Heller said.

    From Union Square to becoming the “unofficial talent scout of New York,” his journey is as colorful as the characters he documents.

    “In 2013 I was like, I’m gonna start posting the same people that I’ve been documenting for Know Your City, but I’m just gonna do it on my phone,” Heller said.

    His social media blew up, and then the pandemic hit.

    “So I was like, what can I do in the confines of my own home?” Heller said.

    As his platform grew, so did he. Heller’s page became a digital lifeline for struggling small businesses.

    “Yeah. I mean the first instance was with Henry from Army Navy Bag,” Heller said.

    “We raised all this money and I was like, well I want to like, keep trying to do this. So I think the next one I did was for Punjabi Deli, which was down the street. And then you know, I did one for Village Revival. If I have the power to help, I’m gonna do the best I can,” Heller said.

    John Stratidis, owner of Cozy Soup ‘n’ Burger said, “He has helped me during my difficult struggles during COVID and still today going on. And he’s an amazing person. He is a true New Yorker.”

    Now, he has distilled his love for the city into a new book — New York Nico”s Guide To NYC.

    From the last kosher deli in the Bronx to a barbershop that doubles as an art gallery, his guide is more than just a list of places to visit. It’s an ode to the local flavor, but also a way to preserve it.

    In a city that’s forever changing, New York Nico is a reminder of what remains constant: the spirit of its people.

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    CCG

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  • “Everything companies”: How Amazon’s playbook is reshaping competition in Canada – MoneySense

    “Everything companies”: How Amazon’s playbook is reshaping competition in Canada – MoneySense

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    This way of thinking about a company’s value isn’t necessarily new. Ray Kroc, the founder of McDonald’s, is said to have once asked a group of MBA students to tell him what business they thought he was in. They volunteered that he was in the hamburger business. He countered that, “My business is real estate.” Similarly, Baker describes HBC primarily as “an investment company at the crossroads of real estate, operating companies and digital companies.”

    Canadian Tire: Much more than a retailer

    Similarly, Canadian Tire is typically thought of as a retailer, but its ecosystem is more complex than most people may appreciate, as their suite of assets extends beyond their most recognisable store. Over time, the firm’s acquisitions of Mark’s (formerly Mark’s Work Wearhouse), Party City, the Helly Hansen apparel brand, and SportChek have allowed the firm to combine assets in retail, automotive and gasoline, financial services and specialty brands, enhancing the firm’s retail footprint and strengthening its market position across multiple sectors.

    The company is also known for its paper Canadian Tire money, first introduced in 1958, an early cash rewards loyalty program. Using its own pseudo-currency made the store feel like a board game come to life and was extremely popular. Today, Canadian Tire money is digital, and the Canadian Tire Bank has been licensed under the Banking Act since 2003. Canadian Tire Financial Services is a subsidiary of the company and now offers credit cards, insurance products, and other financial services. So, is Canadian Tire a bank, an insurer, or a retailer? It’s all of the above. And this plays a significant role in driving loyalty, measured by the frequency and amount that the consumer spends through their Triangle Rewards program, which replaced Canadian Tire Money in 2018.

    Investors can even invest in Canadian Tire’s collection of real estate holdings through a REIT (real estate investment trust) through the Toronto Stock Exchange. The REIT owns the buildings and land that Canadian Tire (and other of its retail brands) lease from them. The contracts stipulate that the REIT is entitled to annual rent increases.

    The collection of these assets and subsidiaries creates a mutually reinforcing flywheel for the business. It also complicates the definition of Canadian Tire’s relevant marketplace. How should an analyst account for the gas stations and convenience stores owned by Canadian Tire Petroleum, where people collect points and other incentives through Triangle Rewards? Or PartSource, the specialty automotive parts retailer owned by Canadian Tire? The same question is raised with Mark’s (clothing and footwear), SportChek (sports apparel), Helly Hansen (outdoor apparel) or Party City (party supplies). The more diverse holdings a company has, the more difficult it can be to value the company.

    Overly simplistic calls for more competition miss this critical point and simplify an increasingly complex set of economic questions. More and more companies are moving from competing within industries to competing to accumulate vast ecosystems of assets. Trying to put companies into neatly defined buckets or industries misses the point. Commerce is a complex web of relationships among many different stakeholders. Just when you think you’ve wrapped your mind around it, a company can shape-shift and confound a rigid sectoral definition.

    Companies increasingly want to insert themselves into every aspect of our daily lives, enveloping us in their ecosystem. As we go about our daily lives, everything we do becomes a cash-out opportunity, and we transfer a bit of our paycheque to a monopolist or oligopolist. Industries, be gone. We are the asset.

    Excerpted from The Big Fix: How Companies Capture Markets and Harm Canadians by Denise Hearn and Vass Bednar. Copyright 2024. Reprinted by permission of Sutherland House Books.

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    Denise Hearn

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  • “Y’all Yelled About It” Plus a Comic Book Check-in With Kerm

    “Y’all Yelled About It” Plus a Comic Book Check-in With Kerm

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    Y’all yelled about it, and we heard you! Today, Jomi and Steve will dive into a few of the many shows and movies in the world of fandom that you have suggested we watch, including From, Slow Horses, and The Wild Robot. Later, producer Kerm joins to discuss some of our favorite recently released comic books!

    Hosts: Jomi Adeniran and Steve Ahlman
    Producer: Jonathan Kermah
    Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal

    Subscribe: Spotify / Apple Podcasts

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    Jomi Adeniran

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  • Review: A murder mystery after the apocalypse

    Review: A murder mystery after the apocalypse

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    The Last Murder at the End of the World is deceptively light and smooth for a book that does so much. The latest from Stuart Turton (The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle) is a dystopian science fiction novel that is also a locked-room murder mystery that is also a philosophical exploration of the perfectibility of man and the dangers of absolute power.

    The locked room in question is the island home of 125 refugees from the apocalypse and one morally ambiguous AI entity. A carnivorous fog has been held at bay for the last 90 years, but the murder of the village matriarch triggers a dead man’s switch, leaving little time to unravel a century of noble lies and find a way to secure a future for sentient life on Earth.

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    Katherine Mangu-Ward

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  • Why are credit card interest rates so high in Canada? – MoneySense

    Why are credit card interest rates so high in Canada? – MoneySense

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    Credit card interest rates hover around 20%, roughly where they have been since the early 1980s when inflation and interest rates were in double digits. Canada’s inflation has averaged about 2% between 1992 and 2022, and all interest rates have declined dramatically with it except credit card rates. Even as inflation has exceeded 2.0% for the past few years, the recent back-up in other interest rates remains well below credit card rates. In fact, one has to squint to see any decline in credit card interest rates since 1980.

    Let’s compare some numbers. In 1981, the interest rate on a Visa or a Mastercard was about 25%. Inflation was 12%, and the bank rate—the rate at which the Bank of Canada loans to the banking system—was a bit over 21%. The prime rate, or the rate of interest offered to a bank’s best customers, was 22.75%, so the additional charge to use a credit card was a mere 2.25%, which compensated the bank for demanding fewer income and collateral requirements relative to prime loans.

    In summer 2024, credit card interest rates are about 20%, with an even steeper 23% rate for a cash advance. The prime rate for the bank’s best customers is 6.95%, putting the credit card spread at a whopping 13.05%. If you think that’s disturbing, back in the pandemic years, inflation was 2%, the Bank of Canada’s overnight rate was one quarter of 1%, and the prime rate was 2.45%. The credit card premium over the prime rate then was a staggering 17.45% compared to just 2.25% in 1981. The credit card interest rate has declined a mere 5% in forty years compared to a 20.3% decline in the prime rate marked in the depths of the pandemic, and 15.8% as of summer 2024.

    Think about what an interest rate of 17.45% would do for your savings if you could get it. And bear in mind that your savings account was likely earning a fifth of a percent during the pandemic, and it’s your savings that are contributing to the funding of the very credit card balance on which you pay about 20%.

    Or compare that heavenly credit card investment return you can’t get to the return on a government bond that you can get. If you were to invest $1,000 in a thirty-year Government of Canada bond at 3.3%, you would have $2,250 by 2053. Alternatively, if you were able to invest that $1,000 at 17.45% for thirty years, you’d have $124,621 by 2053.

    The rates charged on credit cards are staggeringly rapacious, but many people are forced to pay them because they have no other borrowing options, at least none that come with the convenience of fewer income and collateral requirements.

    The banks, in fact, prefer that you borrow against credit cards rather than take out a prime-based loan. To borrow at prime, the bank will ask for collateral, making the hurdle to a low(er)-rate line
    of credit more difficult to clear than the hurdle to credit cards. They do this because they make so much more money off credit cards. OSFI (Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions) data show that banks make almost as much every quarter on credit cards as they do on their entire mortgage book, which has a significantly higher principal value.

    More outrageous still are the high rates of interest charged to a credit card borrower who slips up and misses a payment, as I once did during a busy period of life. After missing a monthly deadline, I received a message from TD Canada Trust—the people who advertise that their customer service is like sitting in a big comfy green chair—that screamed at me in capital letters like a text from Donald Trump:

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    Andrew Spence

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  • Common risks to retirement, investing and financial freedom – MoneySense

    Common risks to retirement, investing and financial freedom – MoneySense

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    While enthusiasm may be necessary for great accomplishments elsewhere, on Wall Street it almost invariably leads to disaster.

    —Benjamin Graham

    Inflation delays retirement for half of older Canadians

    Results of a survey of Canadians older than 55 conducted in June 2022.

    I have delayed (or plan to delay) my retirement because…
    I don’t have enough savings/investments 62%
    Rising inflation/cost of living this year 54%
    I have too much debt 40%
    My children still require financial support 26%
    I love my job too much to quit 23%
    The COVID-19 pandemic 21%
    I am taking care of my partner/spouse 13%
    I am taking care of my partner or other family member 10%

    The goal of this chapter is education, which, in my mind, is key to eliminating fear of the future. So, let’s look at some of these risks and what can be done to plan for each one.

    Get free MoneySense financial tips, news & advice in your inbox.

    Lifestyle inflation

    When people think of the word “inflation,” they naturally recognize it as an economic term. Inflation affects all aspects of our economy, and we’ll talk about this shortly. However, lifestyle inflation is just as important to discuss.

    Think about this. You have been working for a particular company for several years, and you just got hired by another business that pays you a lot more; in fact, your take-home pay has increased 30 percent overnight.

    The first thing you do is think of how you are going to spend that extra money: a new car, a larger home or apartment, a vacation, new clothes—the list is endless.

    Lifestyle inflation is a simple equation that most people follow: The more you earn, the more you spend. It is termed “lifestyle inflation” because one’s standard of living goes up in relation to the income earned.

    The problem is that people tend to spend like there is no tomorrow instead of saving for tomorrow. And in doing so, they shortchange their financial future.

    For example, if you were to spend $500 of extra pay from your new job, you could cost yourself literally years of extra work. Consider that investing $500/month over ten years at an annualized 5% rate of return would net an extra $75,000.

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    Francis Gingras Roy, CIM

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  • Blink-182’s Mark Hoppus Announces New Memoir Fahrenheit-182

    Blink-182’s Mark Hoppus Announces New Memoir Fahrenheit-182

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    Blink-182 singer-bassist and co-founding member Mark Hoppus has announced Fahrenheit-182, his new memoir co-written with Sellout author Dan Ozzi. The book hits shelves on April 8, 2025 via Dey Street Books. In a cheeky infomercial-style video, Hoppus promises the memoir gets into skateboarding, ’90s music, and band breakups, as well as his diagnosis with cancer, which he’s since treated with chemotherapy.

    “This is a story of what happens when an angst-ridden kid who grew up in the desert experiences his parents’ bitter divorce, moves around the country, switches identities from dork to goth to skate punk, and eventually meets his best friend who just so happens to be his musical soulmate,” reads a description for the book. “Threaded through with the very human story of a constant battle with anxiety and Mark’s public battle and triumph over cancer, Fahrenheit-182 is a delight for fans and also a funny, smart, and relatable memoir for anyone who has wanted to quit but kept going.”

    Hoppus isn’t the first member of Blink-182 to write a book. Travis Barker released his own memoir, Can I Say: Living Large, Cheating Death, and Drums, Drums, Drums, back in 2016, and Tom DeLonge published the sci-fi novel Trinity this past June. As for Ozzi, this is the second memoir he’s co-written with an artist, following 2016’s Tranny: Confessions of Punk Rock’s Most Infamous Anarchist Sellout by Against Me! singer Laura Jane Grace.

    Earlier this month, Blink-182 rolled out an expanded version of One More Time…, their 2023 reunion album featuring the band’s classic lineup.

    Read about Blink-182’s classic single “Dammit” in “The 250 Best Songs of the 1990s.”

    All products featured on Pitchfork are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

    Mark Hoppus & Dan Ozzi: Fahrenheit-182

    Mark Hoppus Dan Ozzi Fahrenheit182

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    Nina Corcoran

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  • Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Unveils All-New Marvels in Dare to Discover Annual Book

    Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Unveils All-New Marvels in Dare to Discover Annual Book

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    Press Release
    •

    Sep 10, 2024

    On sale now, latest book showcases people, places, and things that truly must be seen to be believed.


    ORLANDO, Fla., September 10, 2024 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, the globally renowned purveyor of the extraordinary, is once again ready to astound audiences with its latest annual book, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Dare to Discover. Packed with jaw-dropping tales and mind-boggling feats, this newest edition continues the tradition of celebrating the world’s most unbelievable stories.

    From the depths of the oceans to the far reaches of space, Dare to Discover takes readers on an exhilarating journey through the strange and the wondrous. This year’s edition features a curated selection of the most incredible stories found by Ripley’s researchers and editors, including:

    •  Extraordinary feats, like the extreme flexibility of Liberty Barros or the dexterity of Robyn Slain, who can spin 10 basketballs at the same time!
    • Awe- Inspiring art, like the work of Justin Bateman, who turns pebbles into lifelike portraits, and Rajacenna van Dam, who can use both hands and feet to create eight detailed drawings—at the same time!
    •  Amazing animals, like Pearl the Chihuahua, the shortest living dog in the world! At two years old, Pearl is just 1.2 pounds (553 g)—the Ripley’s annual book is almost three times her weight!

    Dare to Discover is not just a book, but an invitation to explore the limits of human curiosity and the boundaries of what is possible. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! or discovering it for the first time, this annual edition promises to entertain, educate, and above all, astonish.

    The book’s packed 256 pages invite readers of all ages—especially reluctant readers—to get lost in a vortex of weird and wonderful stories with vibrant imagery, bitesize tales, fun lists, and silly callouts. Whether you choose to read it from cover to cover or simply open it to any random page, Dare to Discover promises to entertain, educate, and astonish.

    “Dare to Discover is a fantastic read for families or individuals. You can pick it up and enjoy it at any point,” said Amanda Joiner, Vice President of Believe It or Not! Creative Solutions. “Every story is meticulously fact-checked by our team of researchers and editors to ensure that what you see—although incredibly hard to believe—is undeniably true.”

    Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Dare to Discover is now available at all major retailers and on Amazon. For a peek into the pages, visit www.ripleys.com/stories/dare-to-discover.

    Source: Ripley Entertainment

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  • Top 25 timeless personal finance books – MoneySense

    Top 25 timeless personal finance books – MoneySense

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    6. Beating the Street by Peter Lynch (Simon and Schuster, 1993)

    “Beating the Street is one of the first investing books I ever read, and it’s stayed with me because it makes stock investing accessible to beginners. There are many highly analytical and slightly scary books on investing, but Peter Lynch managed to make stocks exciting and approachable using simple, real-world examples drawn from his own experience as a high-performing fund manager. It’s an oldie but a goodie.”
    —Aditya Nain, MoneySense contributor, author, speaker and educator about Canadian investments, personal finance and crypto

    Master the basics of personal finance—at any age

    Cover of the book Seventeen to Millionaire
    7. Seventeen to Millionaire by Douglas Price (self-published, 2022)

    “This book feels like your [parents] sat you down and taught you everything you need to know about money, before you ever encountered any of it. It gives you the opportunity to take on the world, with easily digestible knowledge in your back pocket.”
    —Reni Odetoyinbo, financial educator and content creator (Reni the Resource)

    8. I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi (revised edition, Workman Publishing Company, 2019)

    “A great book for anyone who wants to understand how the financial system works. I love that this book is incredibly practical. It breaks personal finance down in such an easy-to-understand way and helps you create systems around your finances that make things less stressful.”
    —Reni Odetoyinbo

    Cover of the book How Not to Move Back In With Your Parents
    9. How Not To Move Back in With Your Parents by Rob Carrick (Doubleday Canada, 2012)

    “This book teaches the basics of money management to young adults. It helps teach good financial habits for young people and their parents!”
    —Shannon Lee Simmons, an award-winning Certified Financial Planner, speaker, bestselling author, Chartered Investment Manager, founder of the New School of Finance, the money columnist on CBC Radio’s Metro Morning and a financial expert on the concluded The Marilyn Denis Show

    Cover of the book The Wealthy Barber
    10. The Wealthy Barber: The Common Sense Guide to Successful Financial Planning by David Chilton (Stoddart, 1989)

    “This was the first personal finance book I ever read, after learning personal finance at my father’s knee. Thanks to his coaching, I have filed my own income tax returns every year since I was 16. And it still stands up. The literary conceit of the titular barber allows author David Chilton to walk through scary-sounding money concepts in a relatable way. There’s a reason it’s sold millions of copies.”
    —Sandra E. Martin, two-time MoneySense editor (OG editor-in-chief Ian McGugan hired her in 1999, and she returned in 2019 as editor-in-chief), and currently The Globe and Mail’s standards editor.

    Cover of the book The Only Investment Guide You'll Ever Need
    11.The Only Investment Guide You’ll Ever Need by Andrew Tobias (revised edition, Harper Business, 2022)

    “Let me give a shout-out to the book that changed my life: The Only Investment Guide You’ll Ever Need by Andrew Tobias. Until I plucked this book at random out of a box of discards while working a night shift in 1979, I was a university student who thought money was boring and inexplicable. Tobias changed all that. He was smart, funny and human. He made money fascinating. He also delivered a truckload of practical wisdom. I remain a fan of this personal-finance classic—now updated many times, not just for its sage advice but also for its big personality.”
    —Ian McGugan, founding editor of MoneySense, and columnist for The Globe and Mail.

    12. Stop Over-Thinking Your Money!: The Five Simple Rules of Financial Success by Preet Banerjee (Penguin Canada, 2014)

    “If you’re looking for no-nonsense, clearly explained money tips, pick up this easy-to-read volume by Canadian writer and podcaster Preet Banerjee. He boils personal finance down to five rules: disaster-proof your life, spend less than you earn, aggressively pay down high-interest debt, read the fine print, and delay consumption. Do these five things and you’ll be in better financial shape than you are today.”
    —Jaclyn Law, MoneySense’s managing editor

    Find the courage to chase your dreams

    Cover of Barbara Sher's book I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It Was
    13. I Could Do Anything If Only I Knew What It Was by Barbara Sher (Dell, 1995)

    “I did all the ‘right’ things in my career. I went to business school and got a great corporate job. If I had just stayed on that path, money would have taken care of itself. Except I didn’t love the job. I was stuck. I needed something to crack my paradigm about what ‘right’ meant for me. This book did that. One transformational exercise was answering this question: ‘If you could do anything and knew you would be successful, what would it be?’ This was a light-bulb moment for me. My answer was to work in TV news, and I realized that it was just fear that was holding me back. As terrified as I was, I quit my job and pursued what I really wanted. I made less money than I would have in the business world, but the big switch was worth every penny.” 
    —Bruce Sellery, CEO of Credit Canada, host of Moolala on SiriusXM, the Money Columnist for CBC Radio

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    Stephanie Griffiths

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  • ‘We the Poisoned’: Flint water scandal uncovered in explosive new book

    ‘We the Poisoned’: Flint water scandal uncovered in explosive new book

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    click to enlarge

    Courtesy of Jordan Chariton

    Investigative reporter Jordan Chariton with his new book, We the Poisoned: Exposing the Flint Water Cover-Up and the Poisoning of 100,000 Americans.

    A decade after the Flint water crisis began, a new book chronicles the devastating impact on the city’s residents and how local and state officials covered up the disaster.

    We the Poisoned: Exposing the Flint Water Crisis Cover-Up and the Poisoning of 100,000 Americans was released Tuesday, and the 296-page book by investigative reporter Jordan Chariton features new bombshells that raise serious questions about the handling of the health disaster.

    The book also demonstrates that the catastrophic impact of the poisoned water continues today, even after local and national reporters have virtually stopped covering the crisis.

    Chariton calls the Flint water disaster “the biggest government cover-up this century.”

    One of the biggest revelations is that state officials, including then-Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, knew that the water was tainted long before alerting residents. The book also features exclusively obtained, confidential testimony from Snyder, who claimed under oath that he couldn’t recall details of the crisis and contradicted his congressional testimony.

    Chariton, an independent investigative reporter, also alleges in the book that Snyder lied about not knowing about the deadly Legionnaires’ outbreak.

    The book also explores Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s controversial decision to “shitcan” the criminal investigation involving city and state officials accused of covering up the crisis.

    Chariton, a frequent critic of corporate media, also casts blame on local news outlets for repeatedly failing to adequately cover the crisis. He writes that reporters often regurgitated local and state officials’ false claims while ignoring evidence that the water was poisoned.

    Chariton is a former producer for Fox News and MSNBC, and says he visited Flint 21 times; interviewed countless residents, and local and state officials; and combed through tens of thousands of records to write the book. At the time, he was writing news stories about Flint’s water for The Guardian, The Intercept, Vice, and Metro Times.

    “I didn’t even think about writing a book until about two years ago,” Chariton tells Metro Times. “I was getting frustrated because I had written several major stories about the cover-up. But it wasn’t really getting the reach that I wanted. I got so much information, and frankly I believe bombshell after bombshell of blatant corruption, so I thought the best way to tell this was through a book.”

    Chariton says the book is more than a retelling of a catastrophe.

    “I believe the book outlines very meticulously a pretty sinister conspiracy between public officials, Wall Street banks, and the state government,” he says. “I believe it really reveals in a timeline format the biggest cover-up this century. I don’t mean to be dramatic. I don’t know anything else that has killed so many people.”

    Chariton also scoffs at the state’s official claim that only 12 people have died as a result of the poisoned water.

    “It is unknowable how many people died from this because it has caused so many different health problems, from kidney and liver failure to cancer, which is surging right now in Flint. Legionnaires’ deaths could be in the hundreds,” he says.

    As he knocked on doors to interview residents, Chariton said he began to notice an unusual number of deaths of people in their 50s and 60s.

    The book, he says, is bigger than Flint.

    “In the broader psyche of America, when you think of a government coverup, a lot of older people think Watergate,” he says. “But I believe the Flint water cover-up makes Watergate look like child’s play. I say that because Watergate was a bunch of numbskulls screwing around. It didn’t kill anyone. Whereas with this, you have government officials, as it’s detailed in the book, knowing the water is unsafe while telling residents the water is safe. You have a governor who is aware the water is unsafe but is not taking action.”

    One of the still-unraveling tragedies, Chariton says, is the children who have been impacted from lead poisoning. Lead is highly toxic to the brain, nervous system, and other organs, especially in infants and young children. Even at low levels, lead is linked to reduced IQ, ADHD, irreversible brain damage, classroom problems, and even criminality and poverty. Lead can also cause headaches, hearing loss, and hyperactive behavior.

    There is no safe level of lead, and even a small amount can cause irreversible damage, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

    Despite the government-caused disaster, residents are not getting the help they need because there’s no access to free medical care, Chariton says.

    “There definitely is a lost generation,” Chariton says. “There are people dying slowly without the necessary health care because they can’t afford it. It’s really jarring. I saw people I’ve met in 2016, and I saw them two years later, and they looked like they had aged 10 years.”

    Chariton cautions that the failure to hold anyone accountable for Flint sends a dangerous message.

    “If the people who are responsible for this get away with this, it’s the playbook for everywhere else,” Chariton says.

    The forward to the book is written by Erin Brockovich, an American legal clerk and environmental activist who became famous for her role in building a case against the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) of California in 1993.

    “Maybe we got comfortable, maybe we became complacent, or maybe we bought into the illusion that some Superman was out there about to fly in and save us all,” Brockovich writes in the forward. “But now we are seeing that there is no wizard coming to our rescue. In reality, it’s up to us to find our courage, to use our hearts, and to think for ourselves.”

    The Flint water crisis began when the city, while under state emergency management, switched its drinking water supply to the Flint River to save money in 2014. The decision created one of the nation’s worst public health disasters in decades, contaminating drinking water with dangerous levels of lead.

    State officials ignored signs of serious health hazards in the predominantly Black city and failed to implement corrosion-control treatments, causing lead, iron, and rust to leach from aging pipes into the water supply.

    In 2018, Chariton launched Status Coup, an on-the-ground, investigative journalism company on YouTube. It has nearly 200,000 subscribers.

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    Steve Neavling

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  • Cape Ann news in brief

    Cape Ann news in brief

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    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.

    At Halibut Point

    ROCKPORT — Halibut Point State Park, 4 Gott Ave. in Rockport, offers programs and events, free to all. An adult must accompany children. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request. Guided group tours available with advance reservations by contacting 978-546-2997 or halibut.point@mass.gov, Questions? Email Ramona Latham at ramona.latham@mass.gov.

    When Granite was King!, Saturday, July 27, 10-11 a.m. Babson Farm Quarrying History Guided Tour, for ages 8 and older. Meet at parking area. Learn about the buildings, bridges, and breakwaters built to last. Touch tools of the trade. Find out how they moved these large, heavy stone pieces, and “paved” dirt streets in our nation’s growing cities.

    Club coffee

    ROCKPORT — The Sandy Bay Yacht Club, 5 T Wharf, hosts a coffee every Sunday morning from 9:30-11 that is open to the public. Folks can to check out the club and get questions answered.

    Summer at Windhover

    ROCKPORT — At Windhover Center for the Performing Arts, the evenings are for the enjoyment of great performances on the outdoor tented stage and in the studio and chapel. Here’s a line-up of what’s in store this summer at the performing arts center, 257R Granite St.For tickets and more information, visit: https://windhover.org/ Or call 978-546-3611

    Theater: Lanes Coven presents Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream at Windhover’s outdoor stage through July 28. Tickets, $10-45.

    Dance: Friday, Aug. 2, and Saturday Aug. 3, at 7 p.m. New York City’s Janie Brendel & Friends performs Brahms. Her seven dancers spent three years at a dance center retreat creating these works for the White Oak Dance Project, founded by dance legends Mikhail Baryshnikov and Mark Morris. Tickets, $20, $10 for students.

    Lanesville stories

    A free July 27-28 event, “Lanesville Stories — Forgotten, Remembered, Unforgettable,” will help attendees discover Lanesville’s forgotten, remembered, and unforgettable history from the 1700s on. The program includes talks, a panel, photos, documents and more during the inaugural event. This event begins assembling contents for a Lanesville time capsule. Everyone is welcome to participate. The program runs July 27-28 from 9 a.m. to 4 a.m. at the Lanesville Community Center, 8 Vulcan St., Gloucester. More information at lanesvillestories.com.

    Literary tours

    {div class=”elementToProof”}The free Literary Gloucester Walking tours started in 2023 under the auspices of the Gloucester 400+ Literary Committee, and were so popular, they are continuing under the sponsorship of the Gloucester Writers Center on Saturdays, July 27, Aug. 10 and 17, and Sept. 7 and 21. Gloucester has been home to great writers since the 1700s when Judith Sargent Murray penned her feminist poems and essays. For T.S. Eliot, Nobel Prize winner, Gloucester was his boyhood summer home and the sea themes are a signature part of his poetry. Charles Olson and Vincent Ferrini maintained a poetic dialogue in the 20th century. Rudyard Kipling wrote “Captains Courageous,” while staying in Rockport, Henry Wordsworth Longfellow’s “The Wreck of the Hesperus,” was inspired by a ship that wrecked off Gloucester’s coast, to name but a few. Tours start at 10 a.m. in front of the Sargent House Museum and run till noon, guided by noted raconteur Phil Storey. Rain or shine.{/div}

    Bandstand concerts

    David Benjamin, summer music director for the city of Gloucester, is helming free seaside concerts at Stage Fort Park’s Antonio Gentile Bandstand, on Sundays, through Aug. 25. Performances start at 6:30 p.m. A highlight of the season will be the Cape Ann Community Band “Barbie, Ken and Taylor” concert Aug. 17, with vocalist Alexandra Grace and her music students singing tunes from the Eras tour and the Barbie movie. The full season schedule is July 28, Compaq Big Band with Marina Evans; Aug, 4, Daisy Nell & Capt. Stan (acoustic fun); August 11, 4Ever Fab (Beatles tribute band); Aug. 18, The Continentals (pop-rock band); and Aug. 25, Martin & Kelly Band (country western). To learn more, visit www.DavidLBenjamin.com or telephone 978-281-2286. Parking’s free, bandstand located on Hough Avenue, Gloucester. Restrooms are ADA accessible. Bring lawn seating.

    GHS Sail auction

    GHS Sail is holding is an auction fundraiser Wednesday, July 31, at Maritime Gloucester, from 5-8 p.m. With only one loss in the season of matches, this is a testament to Gloucester’s determination and skill on the water. GHS Sail works to keep the barrier to entry at nothing, relying on fundraising for youngsters to have a chance to learn the skills of sailing and teamwork. Sail GHS’s summer drop-in program is open to any local child whose middle or high school does not have a sailing program. The silent and live fundraising auction offers items including a scenic flight out of Beverly Flight Center, a four-pack of Red Sox box seats, tickets to North Shore Music Theatre, a police cruiser ride to school, and a harbor sightseeing tour with Jimmy T, plenty of local gift cards, and a 100 to 1 odds raffle for an inflatable Zodiak including motor provided by Brown’s. Tickets at $25, including food, fun, music and cash bar. RSVP to Unis.Kathleen@gmail.com.

    At Essex library

    ESSEX — Stop by the T.O.H.P. Burnham Public Library in Essex for summer reading fun and programs for kids, teens, and adults. Visit essexpl.org for hours, events, and great new reads at the library.

    World’s Fair for children is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 20, at 6 p.m. Register at essexpl.org.

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    Food drive

    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.

    Thrift Shop open

    ROCKPORT — The Unitarian Universalist Church thrift store is open every Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon, through Sept. 28. Jewelry, art, toys and puzzles, indoor and outdoor decor, household wares, and beach reads. Donations gratefully accepted. More information available by calling the Unitarian Universalist Society of Rockport at 978-546-2989.

    Zoom in on arthritis

    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.

    Meals on Wheels

    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.

    Creativebug

    ROCKPORT — The Rockport Public Library has Creativebug, an online database that 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.

    Indigenous Cape Ann

    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/event.

    Women singers sought

    Sorellanza, a small, established women’s a cappella chorus with a diverse repertoire, is seeking new members. Experience is needed, and reading music is an asset. For an audition, please contact Patti Pike at Pikeharp@comcast.net.

    Old Salties Jazz Band

    Dave Sags’ Old Salties Jazz Band plays jazz every Monday at 1 p.m. at the Rose Baker Senior Center, 6 Manuel F Lewis St., Gloucester. All are welcome to stop by and enjoy some great live jazz. Just tell them at the entrance desk that you’re there as a guest of the Old Salties Jazz Band. Questions? Call 978- 325-5800.

    Comfort baskets

    A group of friends — participants of the Relay for Life for many years — have raised over $100,000 for the American Cancer Society. During that time one of its members had cancer and came up with the idea of providing comfort baskets containing products to help make the side effects of chemotherapy more bearable to patients. Many have been given away and are being donating to the Addison Gilbert Hospital infusion center each month. The bags contain, a blanket, knitted hat, gift card, lotions, mug, tea, a pillow and other varied items which can help the person undergoing chemotherapy treatments. To help continue this non-profit program, you can find Friends for Friends on VENMO or send a donation care of Sue Lovasco, 24 South St., Rockport MA 01966.{div class=”elementToProof”}

    GHS 1969 reunion

    Gloucester High School Class of 1969 will hold its 55th reunion Oct. 19, at the Castle Manor Inn, 141 Essex Ave,, Gloucester, from 6-10 p.m. with cocktail hour, dinner buffet, and DJ Leo Francis for $70 per person. If you or someone you know has not received notice, or has any questions, contact Linda O’Maley Martin at lilomartin@comcast.net or 978 281-0670. Checks are payable to GHS Class of 1969 and mailed to Linda O’Maley Martin, 3 High Popples Road, Gloucester, MA 01930 by Sept. 1.

    Cribbage

    A cribbage league plays Thursdays at 7 p.m., at the Pilot House, 3 Porter St, Gloucester. Cost is $5 a week and each round lasts ten weeks. For more information, call 978-491-8660.

    Magnolia Cribbage is on hiatus for the summer, returning after Labor Day. For more information, email dotsieradzki@gmail.com.

    The Open Door

    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 one to three 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 snap@foodpantry.org. 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.

    Transient moorings

    The Gloucester Harbormaster’s Office is taking reservations for the 30 transient moorings in the Inner Harbor, Southeast Harbor, and Western Harbor. Moorings include services and amenities such as WiFi, transient storage, floating docks, service and maintenance, as well as access to the state-of-the-art transient boaters lounge and launch services. Reservations fill up quickly for high traffic dates: weekends, and Labor Day weekend (Aug. 30 to Sept. 2). A waitlist is also available. To reserve moorings through Columbus Day weekend, visit https://bit.ly/43DLyTQ.

    Youth Chorus

    ROCKPORT — Rockport Music has announced the start of a regional youth chorus, the Cape Ann Youth Chorus, for young singers ages 8-18, starting in September under the direction of Kristina Martin and Thomas Smoker. The chorus provides a comprehensive musical experience in an inclusive and supportive environment for singers ages 8 and up, with weekly rehearsals, concerts at different events, and at Shalin Liu Performance Center. Mentorship applications will be available for advanced high school singers. The vision is to provide engaging and interactive programming and encourage curiosity, participation and creativity through music and the arts. Rehearsals will be Mondays, 4 to 5:15 p.m, at the Shalin Liu, starting Sept. 9. Tuition is $300 per year and there are sliding scale scholarships available; no students will be turned away. Registration is open through the summer. For more details, visit https://rockportmusic.org/youth-chorus/ or contact Rockport Music’s Director of Education and Partnerships Elizabeth Stefan at estefan@rockportmusic.org. For more, visit rockportmusic.org or call 978-546-7391

    EMT training

    Beauport Ambulance Service Inc. is offering EMT basic training at a new training center at its office at 19 Pond Road in Gloucester. Classes typically run Wednesdays from 6-10 p.m. and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon. Signups are ongoing for the 144-hour course incorporating lectures and hands-on skills practice. Those who are interested in the course or who have questions can reach out to Beauport Ambulance Service’s education coordinator at sclark@beauportambulanceservice.com.

    Rummage sale

    St. John’s Episcopal Church, 48 Middle St. in Gloucester, offers clothing and accessories for men, women and children. Hours are Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mastercard and Visa accepted. Free parking at 33 Washington St.

    Tai Chi

    ROCKPORT — Amy Seabrook leads an Introduction to Tai Chi exercise each Tuesday, from 11 to 12:15 p.m., at Rockport First Congregational Church, 12 School St. This class focuses on simple, circling movements and the principles behind them. Participants will concentrate on weight transfer for balance and stability. Suggested donation of $7 pays for use of the hall and supports the church. Email Amy at seabrookarts@gmail.com for more information.

    First Light

    Now on view at Cape Ann Museum Green Campus, is “1st Peoples: Portraits of the First Light,” a new exhibition of photographic narratives by Matika Wilbur of the Swinomish and Tulalip Tribes made in consultation with SmokeSygnals, a Native creative agency based in Mashpee. These contemporary photographs of the original stewards of what is now known as New England include portraits of Nipmuc, Wampanoag, Shinnecock, Passsamaquody, and Penobscot peoples, all accompanied by excerpts from conversations around identity, culture, and sovereignty. The exhibit is on view in the Janet & William Ellery James Center at the Cape Ann Museum Green (CAM Green), 13 Poplar St. in Gloucester, through Sept. 1. For more information, visit capeannmuseum.org.

    School records

    ROCKPORT — Rockport High School folders for students who graduated 2019-2021 are scheduled for destruction on Aug. 15. Graduates who wish like to pick up their high school student folder should contact Connie Lucido at clucido@rpk12.org or 978 546-1234 x 30101 by Aug. 14.

    At Rockport library

    ROCKPORT — Rockport Public Library, 17 School St., offers programming for one and all. Zoom and in-person events require registration on the library event calendar at https://rockportlibrary.org/events/. Questions? Call 978-546-6934.

    Sit & Knit Circle, Mondays, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., in the Trustees Room to work on your knitting and needlecraft projects while enjoying lively conversation with similar creatives. No instruction provided, but all are welcome to pull up a chair, break out your needlecraft, and join the conversation.

    ESOL English Conversation on Zoom, Mondays from 3-4:15 p.m., Wednesdays from 7-8:30 p.m., and Thursdays from 2-3:15 p.m. Requires basic English; must be a resident of Massachusetts. To register, email literacyservices@bpl.org, or leave a message at 617-859-2446.

    LEGOs and Crafting, 3:15-4:15 p.m. Mondays, in the Brenner Room to build with the library’s collection of LEGO bricks, or create with crafting supplies. Children under 9 must be accompanied by a caregiver. Registration required.

    Modern Drama Discussion Group, 4 p.m. Mondays, on Zoom and in the Trustees Room. Questions? email: baudano@rockportlibrary.org.

    Essex Regional Social Worker Open Office Hours: with Jessie Palm, social worker for the Eastern Essex Regional Public Health Coalition, every first and third Tuesday of the month (note date change) from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Trustees Room. Support, information. No appointment necessary.

    Art & Sensory Class in the Garden, Tuesdays, 3 to 4 p.m. with Sarah Brown. Preschoolers to upper elementary. Please register and plan to remain with your child for the class.

    Summer Film Fun, Tuesdays at 4:15 p.m. in July and August. Following adult matinees, we will show a family friendly film. Cool off and have fun with a variety of adventures, characters, and stories.

    Dungeons & Dragons, Wednesdays, 4:30-6 p.m. Youth Group role plays in the Trustees Room. Registration required.

    Babies and Books, Thursday, July 25, 10:30-11 a.m., in the Brenner Room. A fun, relaxed introduction to early literacy for babies 0-2 with caregivers.

    Harvard Law School Legal Services Virtual Drop-in, Fridays, 10 a.m. to noon, on Zoom. Consumer loans, criminal record sealing or expungement (CORI), disability rights, divorce, custody, child support, housing law and tenants’ rights, LGBTQ+ related concerns, military record corrections, Social Security, public benefits, SNAP and veterans, small claims court, tax issues. Register for Zoom link at: https://rockportlibrary.org/events/.

    Toddler Storytime, Fridays, 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs, and rhymes in the children’s room. Ages 18 months to 3 years with caregivers.

    Stitch and Snack, teen craft meetup, Fridays, 4 p.m. in the Trustees Room. Bring a knitting or craft project, or just snack and talk crafts. Supplies and snacks provided. Email Emily at esouza@rockportlibrary.org with questions, snack requests, or food allergies. For middle and high school students.

    Craft Saturdays, 10 a.m., a new craft each week at the craft table in the Children’s Room. No registration required.

    Let’s Get Growing with PlantGuyEric, Saturday, July 27, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn to successfully, affordably, and legally grow your own cannabis at home! No registration required for this free event at the Rockport Public Library.

    Comedy Night

    Four of Boston’s top comedians will perform at the 18th Annual Rotary Club of Gloucester Comedy Night on Thursday, Aug. 29. Dave Rattigan returns to host Brad Mastrangelo, Jody Sloane and Jeff Koen at Cruiseport Gloucester, 6 Rowe Square, Gloucester. Rattigan, who has performed internationally and locally, will introduce Mastrangelo’s unique routine. Sloane, a Coast Guard veteran, cut her entertainment teeth doing her sit-down shtick as a cheeky “conducktor” named Penny Wise on the Boston Duck Tours. Koen’s family won $10,000 on America’s Funniest Home Videos. He’s known for playing the offensive “Uncle Rick” in the 2010 cult film “Heavy Times.” Doors open at 7 p.m. for the 8 p.m. show. Tickets are $30, available by calling or texting Mark Vadala at 978-490-0939 or emailing mark@vadalarealestate.com.

    Photo contest

    The Gloucester Rotary will publish a 12-month Cape Ann photo calendar for 2025 as a fundraiser. All profits support Gloucester Rotary’s many community and international activities. The 2025 calendar theme will be Flowers of Cape Ann. The club is requesting high quality digital photos that reflect the natural beauty of Cape Ann year-round, so need images from each season, from Gloucester, Rockport, Essex and Manchester-by-the-Sea. For full contest details, visit www.gloucesterrotary.org. Deadline for entries is noon Tuesday, Aug. 15. Details at www.facebook.com/RotaryGloucesterMA.

    Music on the Green

    Music on Meetinghouse Green is underway with another summer of great free music concerts Fridays from 6 to 8:30 p.m. through Sept. 6. Concerts will be held on the green in front of the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church at the corner of Middle and Church streets. In the event of rain, concerts will move indoors. Each concert features a different musical ensemble and benefits a local non-profit organization through 100% of the donations from the audience. Bring lawn seating and an appetite for some great picnic eats from local catering trucks. Details, www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org/summer-concerts.

    Stories under the Tree

    The Lanesville Community Center welcomes kids ages 3 to 8 to perk up their ears for some wonderful story telling at at the Virginia Lee Burton Writing Cottage, from 10 to 11 a.m., on Tuesday, Aug. 27. The cottage is located at the community center, 8 Vulcan Ave, Lanesville, Gloucester. Visit lanesvillecommunitycenter.{div class=”elementToProof”}

    Chorus meets

    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.

    Carillon concerts

    Carillonneurs Luann Pallazola, Cynthia Cafasso, and Thomas Dort will perform a Christmas in July concert, rain or shine, on Friday, July 26, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Good Voyage Church, 142 Prospect St. in Gloucester. The concert of familiar traditional Christmas songs and carols will be recorded for a special CD to help raise money for the parish. Our Lady’s guild members will also offer snacks and drinks for sale.

    Installed in 1922, the carillon bells in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church were the first toned set in the United States.

    The annual summer carillon concert series continues on Fridays at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 9, 16, 23 and 30. More information is available by contacting Pallazola at lpallazola@gmail.com.

    Rockport renewals

    {div class=”elementToProof”}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 info@rockportlibrary.org, call 978-546-6934 or speak with a librarian. Drivers license or two other forms of ID are required at check-in. In most states age 16 must have parental consent, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health.{div class=”elementToProof”}

    Essex library

    ESSEX — TOHP Burnham Library, 30 Martin St., Essex, warms up for winter with a full house of activities to see you. Open weekdays until 7 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon. For all event requiring registration, sign up at essexpl.org/events. Questions? 978-768-7410.

    Regional social worker office hours, Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., in first floor meeting room. Free, private and confidential, learn resources, strategies and skills to assist in stress reduction and management. Call 978-983-1771 for appointment.

    Essex seniors

    ESSEX – The Essex Council on Aging offers events and trips for seniors. For more information or to register for an event, please call the office at 978-768-7932 or visit the Senior Center at 17 Pickering St. Also, tune in to the Cape Ann Virtual Senior Center for events and fitness opportunities on channel 67 sponsored by the Cape Ann Councils on Aging and the Friends of the Essex Council on Aging. Unless otherwise noted, events will take place at the senior center. Destination events require registration as noted for seat on CATA van.

    Walking Club, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., free at the Gordon College Bennett Center indoor walking track. Registration requested by calling Hamilton-Wenham Recreation at 978-468-2178. Transportation by CATA.

    Creative Connections, Mondays, 10 a.m. to noon. Bring art projects or start a new one. Supplies while they last.

    Arts Group, Tuesdays, 1 to 3 p.m. Paint, knit, crochet, or sew? Bring a project or help create items for the Friends Boutique.

    Computer & Technology Assistance, Wednesdays, 1 to 3 pm. Help with computer, tablet, phone? Drop in and ask for Curt or Bill.

    Games with Gil at the Senior Center, Wednesdays, 1 p.m. All ages welcome, for board games or Scrabble, Boggle, cribbage, backgammon. Join us or bring a friend and come play

    Mobile Market at the Essex Senior Center, first and third Fridays of each month, 10:30 a.m.

    Balance in motion — Tuesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m., $5 donation requested.

    Groove Fitness Video — Mondays, 9:30 a.m. Dance class to video, no instructor. $5 donation requested.

    Fitness with Gil — Wednesdays, 10 a.m., Strength and stamina through stretching, $5 donation requested.

    Cape Ann Virtual Fitness Senior Center — Tune into channel 67 for fitness programs sponsored by the Cape Ann COA and the Friends of the Essex Council on Aging.

    Grab and Go Meals, Mondays and Thursdays, noon (must be picked up by 12:30): Monday meals provided by The Open Door, Thursday meals provided by Senior Care. Please register two business days in advance at 978-768-7932.

    Sit ‘n Knit

    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.

    Exchange open

    The Annisquam Exchange opens it 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.

    GHS 50th reunion

    Gloucester High School, Class of 1974, will hold its 50th class reunion on Saturday, July 27, at the Bass Rocks Golf Club. Cost is $75 per person. Cocktails at 6 p.m., dinner and music by our favorite DJ Leo’s Classic Hits follow. Seating is limited. If interested, please email GHS197450@gmail.com or call Cyndi Bolcome at 508-527-3377.

    Descendants’ sails

    To honor the legacy and heritage of Gloucester’s schooner fishermen, the schooner Adventure offers free sails to descendants of the men who worked, sailed, and fished on board any Gloucester schooner. If you have an ancestor or relative from Gloucester’s schooner fishery, you are a descendant and eligible for these free sails. Please call the Adventure office at 978-281-8079 to confirm descendant status and book a spot for Wednesday, Aug., 17, sailing at 4:30 p.m., from the Harriet Webster Pier, 23 Harbor Loop, Gloucester. Learn more at https://www.schooneradventure.org/.

    At Manchester library

    MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA — Manchester-by-the-Sea Public Library, in partnership with the Manchester-by-the-Sea Cultural Council, has lined up an exciting month for readers of all ages and interests. In-person events will be held at the library, 15 Union St. For registration and more information about events all events and programs, visit www.manchesterpl.org, or call 978-526-7711.

    Summer Storytimes, for 0-3-year-olds, Wednesdays, from 10:30-11:15 a.m. with Miss Audrey.

    Manchester Reads 2024 is “Space themed.” Check out space-themed books, programs for all ages, crafts and a telescope! Recommended read: “Star Splitter” by Matthew J. Kirby, which imagines a future in which travelers get from point A on Earth to point B in deep space by running themselves through a 3D printer.

    Annual book sale on the library lawn during Festival by the Sea on Aug. 3.

    Tech Advice Appointments. Register for a session at noon or 12:30 p.m. Mondays, or drop in on most Fridays between 3 and 4 p.m. Questions answered. Problems solved. Learn app for library ebooks and digital audiobooks. Register your tech question with Maddy Willwerth at 978-526-2017 or email mwillwerth@manchesterpl.org.

    Children’s library

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

    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 to 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.

    Run for the Trails

    HAMILTON — Registration is open for the Essex County Trail Association’s 20th annual Run for the Trails to be held Saturday, Sept. 21. Registration fee is 5 Miles: $20 member, $30 non-member; 10 Miles: $25 member, $35 non-member. Proceeds go toward ECTA’s mission of maintaining trails in its member towns of Hamilton, Wenham, Topsfield, Ipswich, Essex and West Newbury for all types of passive recreation. Visit https://ecta27.wildapricot.org/event-5579436 for more details.

    At Sawyer Free

    Gloucester’s Sawyer Free Library offers fun and creative ways for kids of all ages to have a good time this summer with a host of ongoing activities, events and services at the library, temporarily located at 21 Main St., Gloucester. Unless otherwise noted, registration is required for all events at sawyerfreelibrary.org. For more details, email the contacts listed, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org, or call 978-325-5500.

    Open Play at the Library for ages 0 to 2 with caregivers, Thursdays, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Books and toys provided. No registration needed. Questions? jvitale@sawyerfreelibrary.org.

    Stories and Fun, Wednesdays, 11:15 a.m. to noon. Children and their caregivers’ fun morning of stories, songs, rhymes, bubbles with Children’s Librarian Christy Rosso at MAGMA, 186 Main St., fifth floor. Questions? 978-325-5500.

    SFL Device Advice, Thursdays, noon to 2 p.m., one-on-one appointments with a Library staff member assisting with tech issues. Call 978-325-5500 for appointment.

    SFL Home Delivery, free for residents of all ages with special needs, illness, or disability. Questions? email:moneill@sawyerfreelibrary.org.

    Sawyer Seed Library: Choose from a selection of vegetable, herb, and flower seeds for your own garden. The Library hopes people will explore the varieties and grow from seed to seed, enjoying the harvest and capturing seeds for future planting, or donating them back to the Seed Library. Questions? Contact: moneill@sawyerfreelibrary.org.{div class=”elementToProof”}

    Balance workshop

    {div class=”elementToProof”}{div class=”elementToProof”}“A Matter of Balance” workshop is an eight-week free workshop focusing on educating and supporting older adults around falling and the fear of falling. it will be held Wednesdays, through Aug. 21 at Addison Gilbert Hospital in Gloucester. 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, call Abby Considine of SeniorCare Inc. at 978-281-1750 x-581.{div class=”elementToProof”}

    Museum, zoo passes

    Local libraries offer cardholders passes to many regional cultural attractions.

    Funded by the Friends, Sawyer Free Library, 21 Main St., offers cardholders passes to the Boston Children’s Museum, Cape Ann Museum, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Maritime Gloucester , Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Science, Peabody Essex Museum, New England Aquarium, Sargent House Museum, Zoo New England and new additions North Shore Children’s Museum and Historic New England properties. Library patrons can visit sawyerfreelibrary.org to reserve passes. 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.

    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. Those who give blood in July will automatically be entered for a chance to win a 2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn. All who donate through July 31 get a Fandango Movie Ticketby email.

    Tuesday, July 30: Noon to 5 p.m., Manchester American Legion, 14 Church St., Manchester-by-the-Sea; and 2-7 p.m., Magnolia Library & Community Center, 1 Lexington Ave., Gloucester.

    Friday, Aug. 2: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., John T. Heard Masonic Lodge, 70 Topsfield Road, Ipswich.

    Monday, Aug. 12: 2-7 p.m., Magnolia Library & Community Center, 1 Lexington Ave., Gloucester.

    Monday, Aug. 19: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Cruiseport Gloucester, 6 Rowe Square, Gloucester.

    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.

    Republicans meet

    The Gloucester Republican City Committee will meet Thursday, Aug. 1, at Gloucester Fraternity Club, 27 Webster St. Doors open 6 p.m.. Meeting starts 7 p.m.. All welcome. For information call: 508-284-2418.

    Manchester seniors

    MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA — The Manchester Council on Aging, 10 Central St., Manchester, offers a full schedule of activities. Learn more or to reserve a seat on the van, please call the Council on Aging at 978-526-7500, or drop by the office at 10 Center St.

    Thursday, Aug. 1, trip to the Ipswich Farmer’s Market. Field-fresh produce, herbs, delicious treats. The van pick up starts 2:30 p.m. Return by 4:30 p.m.

    Friday, Aug. 2, trip to Wenham Museum’s Art Grows Here. Outdoor art created by members of the community throughout the towns of Hamilton and Wenham. Enjoy viewing art installations from the van. Van pick up starts at 10:15 a.m.

    Friday, Aug. 9, trip to Prince Pizzeria in Saugus. Pizza, pasta and all things Italian. Van pick up starts 11 a.m. Return is by 2 p.m.

    Monday, Aug, 12, trip to Beverly Farmer’s Market. Farm fresh produce and more. Van pick up starts 3 p.m. Return around 4:30 p.m.

    Wednesday, Aug. 14, trip to the Stonewall Kitchen Store and Café in York. Preserves, condiments, mustards, relishes, baking mixes, pancake and waffle mixes and more.

    Friday, Aug. 16, trip to Bearskin Neck in beautiful Rockport where you can check out the shops, look at the art, enjoy the view, or grab a snack at one of the many eating establishments. Van pick up seniors at 10:15 a.m., return around 2 p.m.

    Writers Center events

    The Gloucester Writers Center, 126 E. Main St., Gloucester, is a 501©(3) nonprofit founded in 2010. Its mission is to celebrate Cape Ann’s literary legacy and promote writing as an art and a tool. Here are some sessions coming up. Find more details at gloucesterwriters.org.

    Open Mic Nights, first Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m., 126 East Main St., Gloucester. Come early, sign up, enjoy refreshments and camaraderie. Bring five minutes of work to share! in low-key, supportive setting. Parking is at Chapel Street + North Shore Arts, just down the road.

    Volunteer at the Gloucester Writers Center, a small, community-focused nonprofit.

    Women artists

    On view at Cape Ann Museum, 27 Pleasant St., Gloucester, is a major retrospective of a wealth of works by Cape Ann women artists, from 1870-1970, many of whom have gained national recognition. Drawing from the museum’s collection, the works of 42 women artists are organized around the themes of portraiture, summer on Cape Ann, illustrators and authors, new visions and the collaborative spirit. On Saturday, Aug. 10, at 11 a.m., Sylvia Yount, Lawrence A Fleischman Curator in Charge of the American Wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, will give a lecture exploring artist Cecilia Beaux’s Green Alley Days. To register, visit: https://www.capeannmuseum.org/event/camtalk-exhibition-series-cecilia-beauxs-green-alley-days/

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  • Cher Announces the First Installment of Her New Memoir

    Cher Announces the First Installment of Her New Memoir

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    Cher has revealed that the first part of her memoir will arrive on November 19. Cher: The Memoir, Part One will be released via Dey Street Books, and the publisher has revealed the cover, which features a vintage black-and-white photo of Cher with her signature black bangs and cat-eye makeup. Check it out below.

    Part one of Cher’s memoir will focus on her early life; from a childhood marked by family chaos and the hurdles of dyslexia, to her relationship with Sonny Bono and their seismic fame as a pop duo in the 1960s and 1970s.

    Back in 2021, it was revealed that a Cher biopic is in the works, helmed by Judy Craymer and Gary Goetzman—the production duo responsible for the Cher-starring hit movie Mamma Mia! Cher was announced as an additional producer on the film, but, earlier this year, reports surfaced that Cher had rejected Academy Award–winning screenwriter Eric Roth’s script for the project.

    Read about Cher’s groundbreaking hit “Believe” in “How Auto-Tune Revolutionized the Sound of Popular Music.”

    All products featured on Pitchfork are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

    Cher: Cher: The Memoir, Part One

    Cher Cher The Memoir Part One

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    Madison Bloom

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  • Cape Ann news in brief

    Cape Ann news in brief

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    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.

    Block Party

    Join the fun at Gloucester’s first Main Street Block Party of the summer, on Saturday, July 13, from 6-10 p.m. Downtown Main Street will be closed to cars and open for action with live music, music, street performers, non-profits, food vendors, great entertainment, and more for the whole family. No admission, just put on your walking shoes and join the fun.

    Literary tours

    {div class=”elementToProof”}The free Literary Gloucester Walking tours started in 2023 under the auspices of the Gloucester 400+ Literary Committee, and were so popular, they are continuing under the sponsorship of the Gloucester Writers Center on Saturdays, July 13 and 27, Aug. 10 and 17, and Sept. 7 and 21. Gloucester has been home to great writers since the 1700s when Judith Sargent Murray penned her feminist poems and essays. For T.S. Eliot, Nobel Prize winner, Gloucester was his boyhood summer home and the sea themes are a signature part of his poetry. Charles Olson and Vincent Ferrini maintained a poetic dialogue in the 20th century. Rudyard Kipling wrote “Captains Courageous,” while staying in Rockport, Henry Wordsworth Longfellow’s “The Wreck of the Hesperus,” was inspired by a ship that wrecked off Gloucester’s coast, to name but a few. Tours start at 10 a.m. in front of the Sargent House Museum and run till noon, guided by noted raconteur Phil Storey. Rain or shine.

    Exchange open

    The Annisquam Exchange opens it 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.

    Bandstand concerts

    David Benjamin, summer music director for the City of Gloucester, is again helming free seaside concerts at Stage Fort Park’s Antonio Gentile Bandstand, on Sundays, through Aug. 25. Performances start at 6:30 p.m. A highlight of the season will be the Cape Ann Community Band “Barbie, Ken and Taylor” concert Aug. 17, with vocalist Alexandra Grace and her music students singing tunes from the Eras tour and the Barbie movie. The full season schedule is July 14, Horizon (pop hits); July 21, Grupo Fantasia (Latin dance); July 28, Compaq Big Band with Marina Evans; Aug, 4, Daisy Nell & Capt. Stan (acoustic fun); August 11, 4Ever Fab (Beatles tribute band); Aug. 18, The Continentals (pop-rock band); and Aug. 25, Martin & Kelly Band (country 2estern). To learn more, visit www.DavidLBenjamin.com or telephone 978-281-2286. Parking’s free, bandstand located on Hough Avenue, Gloucester. Restrooms are ADA accessible. Bring lawn seating.

    Old Sloop Fair

    ROCKPORT — The First Congregational Church of Rockport, first organized in 1755, will host its annual Old Sloop Fair on July 12 and 13, at 12 School St., Rockport, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on both days. Local and regional arts and craft vendors will for the first time exhibit fine-art photography, hand painted glass, sea glass art, sea glass jewelry, other hand-made jewelry, resin crafts, and hand sewn items on sale. Children’s activities include face painting and games, and burgers and hot dogs will be on the grill. The church’s traditional yard sale will feature art, jewelry, tools, baked goods, and more. The church sanctuary welcome visitors and the church historian will be present to answer any questions. For more information, email info@oldsloopfair.org or call 978-546-6638.

    At Halibut Point

    ROCKPORT — Halibut Point State Park, 4 Gott Ave. in Rockport, offers a new schedule of programs and events, free to all. An adult must accompany children. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request. Guided group tours available with advance reservations by contacting 978-546-2997 or halibut.point@mass.gov, Questions? Email Ramona Latham at ramona.latham@mass.gov.

    When Granite was King!, Saturdays, July 13, 20, and 27, 10-11 a.m. Babson Farm Quarrying History Guided Tour, for ages 8 and older. Meet at parking area. Learn about the buildings, bridges, and breakwaters built to last. Touch tools of the trade. Find out how they moved these large, heavy stone pieces, and “paved” dirt streets in our nation’s growing cities.

    Tide Pool Exploration, Saturday, July 13, from 10-11 a.m. Observe great diversity of life at the rocky shore. Explore different tide level zones containing ranges of salinity and water coverage. Discover animals and plants and how they survive at each tide level. Meet at Visitor Center. A ages. Heavy rain cancels.{/div}

    Comedy Night

    Four of Boston’s top comedians will perform at the 18th Annual Rotary Club of Gloucester Comedy Night on Thursday, Aug. 29. Dave Rattigan returns to host Brad Mastrangelo, Jody Sloane and Jeff Koen at Cruiseport Gloucester, 6 Rowe Square, Gloucester. Rattigan, who has performed internationally and locally, will introduce Mastrangelo’s unique routine. Sloane, a Coast Guard veteran, cut her entertainment teeth doing her sit-down shtick as a cheeky “conducktor” named Penny Wise on the Boston Duck Tours. Koen’s family won $10,000 on America’s Funniest Home Videos. He’s known for playing the offensive “Uncle Rick” in the 2010 cult film “Heavy Times.” Doors open at 7 p.m. for the 8 p.m. show. Tickets are $30, available by calling or texting Mark Vadala at 978-490-0939 or emailing mark@vadalarealestate.com.

    Photo contest

    The Gloucester Rotary will publish a 12-month Cape Ann photo calendar for 2025 as a fundraiser. All profits support Gloucester Rotary’s many community and international activities. The 2025 calendar theme will be Flowers of Cape Ann. The club is requesting high quality digital photos that reflect the natural beauty of Cape Ann year-round, so need images from each season, from Gloucester, Rockport, Essex and Manchester-by-the-Sea. For full contest details, visit www.gloucesterrotary.org. Deadline for entries is noon Tuesday, Aug. 15. Details at www.facebook.com/RotaryGloucesterMA.

    Summer at Windhover

    ROCKPORT — At Windhover Center for the Performing Arts, the evenings are for the enjoyment of great performances on the outdoor tented stage and in the studio and chapel. Here’s a line-up of what’s in store this summer at the performing arts center, 257R Granite St.For tickets and more information, visit: https://windhover.org/ Or call 978-546-3611

    Theater: Lanes Coven presents Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream at Windhover’s outdoor stage July 12-28. Tickets, $10-45.

    Dance: Friday, Aug. 2, and Saturday Aug. 3, at 7 p.m. New York City’s Janie Brendel & Friends performs Brahms. Her seven dancers spent three years at a dance center retreat creating these works for the White Oak Dance Project, founded by dance legends Mikhail Baryshnikov and Mark Morris. Tickets, $20, $10 for students.

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    By Joann Mackenzie | Staff Writer

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  • Barbie Book – Wicked Gadgetry

    Barbie Book – Wicked Gadgetry

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    Barbie took the world by storm and has become one of the most recognizable faces in the world over the past 60 years. This doll captivated young girls worldwide and now you can celebrate this iconic history with the Barbie Book. Gift your girls one of the most recognizable icons over the last 60 years.

    Wickedgadgetry.com is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate program that allows sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

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    Kyle

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  • House of the Dragon season 2’s premiere lets side characters take the spotlight in a way the book never could

    House of the Dragon season 2’s premiere lets side characters take the spotlight in a way the book never could

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    House of the Dragon has always been about how the smallest decisions can have unforeseen consequences, but rarely has that theme been as clear as it was in the season 2 premiere. In the show’s first episode back from break, Daemon Targaryen decides to take matters into his own hands with a plot that probably could have used a little more planning (classic Daemon). But while the book’s version of these events is fittingly brutal, the show’s approach is quieter, more human, and arguably a little more horrifying.

    [Ed. note: This story contains spoilers for House of the Dragon season 2 episode 1.]

    In the book version of the story, the assassins at the center of this episode’s action are named Blood and Cheese. And while they don’t get these silly names in the show, they do get a level of horror and humanity that the book doesn’t have time to afford them. The book versions are boogeymen, terrifying lowlifes who kill a handmaiden and a handful of guards, and seem gleefully cruel in the way they slay Prince Jaehaerys — tricking Queen Helaena into first naming her younger son for death before killing her firstborn instead.

    Image: HBO

    And while those versions of the characters are significantly more stomach-churning, the show’s approach feels much more appropriate thematically. Rather than the murderous wraiths of the book, who slip into the queen mother’s chambers, leaving a pile of bodies behind them, House of the Dragon’s assassins simply move through the castle unnoticed, a pair of hired hands of low status and low intelligence, functionally invisible to the royalty who own the halls. When they reach difficult junctures in the castle’s tunnels, or difficult choices, they panic and bicker and bumble. The Blood and Cheese of the show aren’t gifted killers, they’re just amoral men sent to do something too disgusting for anyone to have imagined possible.

    Adding to all of this is the sense of desperation that the pair’s meeting with Daemon seems to have instilled in them. According to showrunner Ryan Condal, the team wanted the set-piece to play out like a “heist gone wrong,” and as the scene stretches on, we can feel their worry set in, making them more reckless, cruel, and hurried in the process. While the show cleverly leaves Daemon’s final words a mystery, the pair’s fear over what Daemon will do to them if they fail is palpable.

    “We know who Daemon is; I don’t think he necessarily directly ordered the death of a child,” Condal said in a roundtable. “But he clearly said, If it’s not Aemond, don’t leave the castle empty-handed.”

    So when they can’t find their initial target, it makes sense that these two decide to settle for the first royal son they can find. It’s the kind of hurried decision that only these two brutes could make. And, in a scene that’s both grotesque and funny, the two assassins realize that they can’t even tell the two children asleep in their beds apart, and have to riddle their way through Helaena’s answer. The whole thing is a ridiculous farce from two people barely competent enough to pull any of this off.

    Aemond, flying among blue skies and clouds, looks stunned after his dragon bit the head off another dragon in House of the Dragon

    Image: HBO

    All of this builds into the show’s fantastic slippery slope of assumptions. While the audience may know that Aemond’s slaying of Lucerys Velaryon in the skies over Storm’s End was an accidental consequence of not understanding his own dragon’s power, for Daemon, it seems like an act of clear and predetermined aggression. He probably didn’t expect the assassins to come away with the head of a toddler prince, but he thinks letting two assassins loose in the Red Keep with less-than-clear orders is nothing more than a slight escalation.

    These are the kind of spiraling, misinformed decisions that House of the Dragon builds its beautiful, flawed, and deeply human history out of. Sure, the show is elevated to the heights of fantasy, but it’s still fundamentally a story of broken, furious, and faulty characters making rash decisions and then dealing with the consequences — those consequences just often happen to involve dragons and war.

    All of this is true to Martin’s vision, of course. It’s the same kind of storytelling he employs constantly in A Song of Ice and Fire, but while the original Game of Thrones series frequently had to cut down on the humanness of its story simply by virtue of its massive scale, it’s constantly thrilling to see how effectively House of the Dragon goes the opposite direction, expanding on Martin’s written history in Fire & Blood and turning these quasi-mythical historical figures into flesh-and-blood people and incredible characters, up to and including the lowlife assassins who don’t even need their silly little names.

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    Austen Goslin

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  • Cape Ann news in brief

    Cape Ann news in brief

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    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.

    At Windhover

    ROCKPORT — Windhover Performing Arts Center opens its summer season with two young dance companies sharing an evening of dance this Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. under the huge tent. Dallas-based Ballet Papillon and modern dance company Alison Cook Beatty will perform some magic to music ranging from J.S. Bach to Philip Glass, with contemporary modern to traditional ballet en pointe. Windhover Performing Arts Center is located at 257R Granite St. Rockport. Tickets available at https://windhover.org/. Or call 978-546-3611.

    Exchange open

    The Annisquam Exchange opens it 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.

    Volker Goetze Quartet

    On Saturday, June 15, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., the Volker Goetze Quartet, featuring composer and trumpeter Volker Goetze, Sri Lankan drummer Uthpala Eroshan, clarinetist Oran Etkin, and bassist Alexis Cuadrado, will return to Manship Artists Residency, 9 Leverett St, Gloucester, for a special fundraising performance entitled, Musical Crossroads. A gorgeous experiment in cross-cultural collaboration, Musical Crossroads brings together the traditions of Jazz and Kandyan percussion to create a new musical vision. Tickets are $75/person. Details and tickets available at manshipartists.org.

    Pride at the castle

    On Fridays, from now through July 4, Hammond Castle, 61 Hesperus Ave., Gloucester, will celebrate Pride Month with a curated series of Pride-focused mini-exhibits, each highlighting the life and accomplishments of a different set of significant Queer figures who either visited the museum or were associated with founder John Hays Hammond Jr. (b. 1888-d.1965). From now through June 20: “From Beauport to Fenway Court: A. Piatt Andrew, Henry Davis Sleeper, Isabella Stewart Gardner & Leslie Buswell”; June 21-27: “Anything Goes: Cafe Society and Lady Mendl”; June 28-July 4: “Sewing Circles: Natalie Hays Hammond, Alla Nazimova, and Queer Women of the Stage and Screen.” There is no additional fee to enjoy these exhibits. To reserve your visit and learn more about Hammond Castle and its programming, visit https://www.hammondcastle.org/

    Horribles fundraiser

    This Saturday, June 15, doors open at 6:30 p.m. to let Music Video Bingo begin at 7 p.m., one fun fundraiser for one fun cause: Gloucester’s 2024 Fishtown Horribles Parade. Tickets are $30, available online via square or Eventbrite or with cash or check by contacting Fishtown Horribles Parade Committee, PO Box 924, Gloucester, MA 01930. Space is limited so don’t wait! The 21-plus event will be held at 14 Kondelin Road, Gloucester. Cash bar and snacks for sale, as well as raffle prizes.

    At Halibut Point

    ROCKPORT — Halibut Point State Park, 4 Gott Ave. in Rockport, offers a new schedule of programs and events, free to all. An adult must accompany children. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request. Guided group tours available with advance reservations by contacting 978-546-2997 or halibut.point@mass.gov, Questions? Email Ramona Latham at ramona.latham@mass.gov.

    When Granite was King!, Saturdays, June 15, 22 and 29, 10-11 a.m.. Babson Farm Quarrying History Guided Tour, for ages 8 and older. Meet at parking area. Learn about the buildings, bridges, and breakwaters built to last. Touch tools of the trade. Find out how they moved these large, heavy stone pieces, and “paved” dirt streets in our nation’s growing cities.

    Spring Birding Walk, Sunday, June 16, 8 to 10 a.m., Symphony of Bird Song! All ages, meet parking area. Stroll seaside with birding basics. symphony of spring bird song! Learn their sounds, habits, flight patterns. Spectacular ocean views. Bring binoculars. For all ages. Meet at parking area.

    Tide Pool Exploration, Saturdays, June 15 and 29, 11 to noon. Observe great diversity of life at the rocky shore. Explore different tide level zones containing ranges of salinity and water coverage. Discover animals and plants and how they survive at each tide level. Meet at Visitor Center. A ages. Heavy rain cancels.

    Art in the Barn

    ESSEX — Creativity and conservation meet at Essex County Greenbelt Association’s annual Art in the Barn, June 14-15, at Allyn Cox Reservation in Essex. A North Shore premier art exhibition, it features a juried selection of works by 130 regional artists — altogether thousands of paintings, photographs, sculpture, ceramics, woodworking for sale, with 50% of artists’ proceeds donated to Greenbelt’s conservation mission to protect natural land and working farms across Essex County. The Cox Reservation is a stunning 31-acre property with open fields and trails on the edge of the Great Marsh and the Essex River; beautiful destination in and of itself, located at 82 Eastern Ave, Essex. For more information, please visit: ecga.org/artinthebarn

    Juneteenth event

    ROCKPORT — On Wednesday, June 19, Freedom Day will be celebrated in Rockport in a Juneteenth event hosted by the Unitarian Universalist Society of Rockport and the Congregational Church of Rockport, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the front lawn of the First Congregational Church, 22 Main St. Featured speaker will be Nicole McClain, founder/president of the North Shore Juneteenth Association. There’ll be plenty of food and fun at this family-friendly event.

    Old Salties Jazz Band

    Dave Sags’ Old Salties Jazz Band plays jazz every Monday at 1 p.m. at the Rose Baker Senior Center, 6 Manuel F Lewis St., Gloucester. All are welcome to stop by and enjoy some great live jazz. Just tell them at the entrance desk that you’re there as a guest of the Old Salties Jazz Band. Questions? Call 978- 325-5800.

    Cribbage

    West Gloucester Trinitarian Congregational Church, 488 Essex Ave. in Gloucester, hosts a monthly cribbage tourney. The next tourney is Monday, June 17, at 6:15 p.m. Entry fee is $10 per person. For questions, please contact the church at 978-283-2817 or wgtccucc@gmail.net. All are welcome.

    A cribbage league plays Thursdays at 7 p.m., at the Pilot House, 3 Porter St, Gloucester. Cost is $5 a week and each round lasts ten weeks. For more information, call 978-491-8660.

    Magnolia Cribbage is on hiatus for the summer, returning after Labor Day. For more information, email dotsieradzki@gmail.com.

    Garden tour

    ROCKPORT — To its ten gardens on the north shore of Rockport, the Rockport Garden Club 2024 Garden Tour has added at talk at African Stone Sculpture Garden, on Phillips Avenue. On Saturday, June 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., join the tour and meet the owner and creators of this much talked about and beautiful stone sculpture garden and learn the history of the 18 sculptures. New this year are student musicians in the gardens enhancing the experience with music, and returning, the popular “Artists in the Garden” following the tour with a luncheon reception at The Emerson Inn on-the-sea. All art painted that day will be available for sale. Tickets are $35, available with more information and link to pre-order your boxed lunch at Emerson Inn by June 17. Visit: https://rockportgardenclub.org/blossoms-%26-granite-tour

    Reflections on ‘Home’

    On June 21, from 5:30-6:30 p.m., the Gloucester Writers Center and the Rocky Neck Art Colony present an evening of prose poetry and the spoken word to accompany the current art exhibit: “Home.” The readers and story-tellers are Sharron Cohen, JoeAnn Hart, Eric Parkison, Kevin Perrin, and Heidi Wakeman. The art show is curated by Susan Erony, at the Rocky Neck Cultural Center, 6 Wonson St., Gloucester. The show and the reading explore the role that home plays in our lives and how the spaces we inhabit represent our values desires and cultures. This is event is free to the public. Donations are warmly appreciated by the two non-profits For more information https://rockyneckartcolony.org/ or https://www.gloucesterwriters.org/

    GHS 50th reunion

    Gloucester High School, Class of 1974, will hold its 50th class reunion on Saturday, July 27, at the Bass Rocks Golf Club. Cost is $75 per person. Cocktails at 6 p.m., dinner and music by our favorite DJ Leo’s Classic Hits follow. Seating is limited. If interested, please email GHS197450@gmail.com or call Cyndi Bolcome at 508-527-3377.

    Descendants’ sails

    To honor the legacy and heritage of Gloucester’s schooner fishermen, the schooner Adventure offers free sails to descendants of the men who worked, sailed, and fished on board any Gloucester schooner. If you have an ancestor or relative from Gloucester’s schooner fishery, you are a descendant and eligible for these free sails. Please call the Adventure office at 978-281-8079 to confirm descendant status and book a spot on either Sunday, July 17, sailing at 11 a.m., or Wednesday, Aug, 17, sailing at 4:30 p.m., from the Harriet Webster Pier, 23 Harbor Loop, Gloucester. Learn more at https://www.schooneradventure.org/

    Bandstand concerts

    David Benjamin, summer music girector for the City of Gloucester, is again helming free seaside concerts at Stage Fort Park’s Antonio Gentile Bandstand, on Sundays, July 7 through Aug. 25. Performances start at 6:30 p.m. A highlight of the season will be the Cape Ann Community Band “Barbie, Ken and Taylor” concert Aug. 17, with vocalist Alexandra Grace and her music students singing tunes from the Eras tour and the Barbie movie. The full season schedule is July 7, Cape Ann Big Band jazz; July 14, Horizon (pop hits); July 21, Grupo Fantasia (Latin dance); July 28, Compaq Big Band with Marina Evans; Aug, 4, Daisy Nell & Capt. Stan (acoustic fun); August 11, 4Ever Fab (Beatles tribute band); Aug. 18, The Continentals (pop-rock band); and Aug. 25, Martin & Kelly Band (country 2estern). To learn more, visit www.DavidLBenjamin.com or telephone 978-281-2286. Parking’s free, bandstand located on Hough Avenue, Gloucester. Restrooms are ADA accessible. Bring lawn seating.

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  • How to Smoke Pot (Properly) – Wicked Gadgetry

    How to Smoke Pot (Properly) – Wicked Gadgetry

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    Learn how to smoke your spliff properly with this fascinating cannabis guide from High Times editor and Vice Weed columnist David Bienenstock. This hilarious and informative guide will take you on a journey to discover everything about the amazing cannabis plant.

    Wickedgadgetry.com is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate program that allows sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

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    Kyle

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  • Ellyce Fulmore is putting the personal back into personal finance – MoneySense

    Ellyce Fulmore is putting the personal back into personal finance – MoneySense

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    What was the biggest money lesson you learned as an adult? 

    The understanding of how big a role your identity plays in your finances. Finance is deeply personal and intersectional, and your money is directly impacted by aspects of your identity such as privilege, race, gender, sexual orientation, mental health, disability, systems of oppression and more. The identities you hold will impact how you view, understand, spend and approach your money. 

    I didn’t fully understand this until I came out as queer and was diagnosed with ADHD. These realizations helped me make sense of a lot of my money behaviours and challenges. For example, I struggled with impulse spending for years, and ended up with $15,000 of high-interest debt because of that. I felt so ashamed of this debt, but I didn’t know that having ADHD makes me four times more likely to impulse spend than someone without ADHD. By understanding who you are, the privilege you hold and/or barriers you face, your lived experience and your trauma, you can begin to change your relationship with money and create a financial plan that makes sense for your life.

    Learning this lesson is what inspired me to write a book and start my financial literacy company, Queerd Co., where our approach to financial literacy goes beyond the conventional, giving folks permission to be full human beings—not just numbers on a spreadsheet. At Queerd Co., our goal is financial equity, and every course we create, resource we recommend, space we hold and discussions we lead will aim to take a shame-free and identity-based approach to money.

    What’s the best money advice you’ve ever received?

    That your financial situation is not your fault, and the shame you feel around money is not solely your shame to carry. I learned this inside of the Trauma of Money certification program, where we spent time examining and unpacking the idea of shame and responsibility when it comes to our money. The reality is that many of us inherit money trauma and learn our financial behaviours and habits from our caregivers. We also have to consider the government policies, financial institutions, and larger societal systems such as capitalism, and how those play a role in the decisions we make and the financial challenges we are subjected to. In the Trauma of Money, we were taught to ask ourselves, “Whose shame is this?” to help call attention to the fact that some of the shame we feel has been placed upon us, despite it not being our shame to carry. This advice really helped me reframe the way I felt about my past financial decisions.

    What’s the worst money advice you’ve ever received?

    I tell this story in chapter 1 of my book, which is all about finding safe spaces: The first time I went to talk to a financial advisor at the bank, the advisor made a misogynistic comment along the lines of, “When you have a husband, he will take care of this for you.” This was his response when I tried to ask questions about some financial terms he had briefly mentioned. This was horrible advice because: a) it was misogynistic; and b) it was encouraging me to not be in control of my own financial situation. I cannot stress enough how important it is to have financial autonomy, even within a marriage. If you ever find yourself in an abusive relationship, having access to your own money will give you the freedom to leave.

    Would you rather receive a large sum of money all at once or a smaller amount regularly for life? 

    It would depend on the amount. If the smaller amount was enough to cover my monthly expenses, then I would choose that option, because it would give me the immense privilege of never again stressing about paying my bills. It would also take a lot of pressure off my business and allow me to explore more creative pursuits. But if the amount wasn’t enough to cover my bills, then I’d prefer the lump sum. I could actually make more money from the lump sum in the long term by investing it, but the first example would be a better decision emotionally. 

    What do you think is the most underrated financial advice?

    Gamify your finances. This is great advice for almost everyone, but especially for anyone who is neurodivergent. If you can make managing your money fun and enjoyable, you’ll be more likely to actually keep up with it, and have greater success with reaching your goals.

    What is the biggest misconception people have about growing money?

    That being “good with money” and building wealth is just a math game, and that all you need to do is manipulate the numbers—it’s so much more than that. Creating the perfect spreadsheet, debt repayment plan or investment strategy will never address the root of your money issues. We’ve been taught that if we follow the formulaic system for success, we will be wealthy and happy. But there’s no magic formula for success, because everyone’s lived experience, values, goals and definitions of wealth are different.

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