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.
Downtown Cleanup
The third Annual Gloucester Downtown Clean-up kicks off at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, from Gloucester High School, 32 Leslie O Johnson Road, and branches out through downtown streets and greens until noon. There will be plenty of water and snacks on hand for volunteers. No need to signup, just show up to help keep the city clean. Organized by City Councilor Jeff Worthley.
Mushrooming
MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA — The Manchester Essex Conservation Trust is hosting a free foray for fungi. On Saturday, Sept. 28, at 10:30 a.m. Jana Harris of Essex Forays will guide walkers through the world of fungi in the local woods. If it’s too dry for mushrooming, this 2-hour hike will be rescheduled; registering will ensure you receive notifications about any changes. Sturdy shoes recommended; bring an ID field guide if you have one, and a basket (optional) to collect findings. Space is limited to 16 participants. Register for this and other free hikes at mect.org/savethedate to receive meetup location, details, and updates. Hikers should wear appropriate footwear (sneakers or hiking boots), bring water and dress for the weather.
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. The show runs through Sept. 29. To register, visit: https://www.capeannmuseum.org/event/camtalk-exhibition-series-cecilia-beauxs-green-alley-days/.
Thrift closing
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.
Symphony season
MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA — Cape Ann Symphony’s 73rd concert season starts Sunday, Sept. 29, at 2 p.m. in the auditorium at Manchester Essex Regional High School, 36 Lincoln St. in Manchester-by-the-Sea, under the direction Conductor Yoichi Udagawa. The season features guest artists cellist Owen Young and pianist Myron Romanul, and the Cape Ann Symphony Chorus under the direction of choral director Brittany Betts. Tickets are $50 adults; $45 seniors; $20 students with valid student ID; $5, 12 and under. For season subscriptions and more information, visit www.capeannsymphony.org, or call 978-281-0543.
At Halibut Point
ROCKPORT — Halibut Point State Park’s free September programs are open to the public at 4 Gott Ave., Rockport. Guided group tours available with advance reservations: Fees, $5 Mass license plate and $20 out-of-state plates. An adult must accompany children. Reasonable accommodations available upon request. For questions or advance reservations, call 978.546.2997 or email halibut.point@mass.gov.
A Quarryman’s Tales & Tools, Saturday, Sept. 28, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Fred Peterson shares quarrying tales and his vintage quarryman’s tools. Learn the 150-year granite quarrying industry of yesteryear and today’s use of granite! Granite splitting demonstration.
Psychic Fair
ROCKPORT — The Psychic and Mystical Crafts Fair will take place Sunday, Sept. 29, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Apothecary Suil Crow at 9 Whistlestop Mall.
“This is an old-fashioned psychic fair from tarot readings to sound healers to oracle readings to spiritual guidance and shopping, unique and wonderful handmade items,” Rebeccah Pearson, owner of Apothecary Suil Crow, said.
More information is available at apothecarysuilcrow.com.
Hospice walk
DANVERS — Care Dimensions, the largest hospice and palliative care provider in Massachusetts, invites the public to attend the 37th annual Walk for Hospice on Sunday, Sept. 29, at 9 a.m. on the campus of St. John’s Prep, 72 Spring St. in Danvers. The walk offers an opportunity to remember and honor loved ones who have died, while also raising funds for Care Dimensions, a nonprofit hospice provider serving more than 100 communities in Eastern Massachusetts. Funds from the walk support programs such as grief support, music therapy, and other services that benefit hospice patients and their families. Learn more and register at: CareDimensions.org/Wal.
Calling all artists
MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA — Manchester Public Library’s second annual “Falling for Art Exhibit and Sale” is set to run Oct. 18-20. Artists are invited to submit 3-5 digital jpeg images by Sept. 30. Submissions should be emailed to fallingforartmbts@gmail.com and labelled “last name, first name, title of piece, price.” Fifty percent of the proceeds benefit The Friends of the Manchester Public Library. Manchester Public Library is located at 15 Union St., Manchester. Visit https://www.manchesterpl.org/.
Pumpkin patch
West Gloucester Trinitarian Congregational Church, 488 Essex Ave. in West Gloucester, will again have a “pumpkin patch” in partnership with the Navajo Nation. Senior Deacon Karen Hunter explained that the farm where the pumpkins are grown is in New Mexico, and during the off-season, it is entirely staffed by Native Americans. During the harvesting season in September and October, the employment jumps by more than 700. Pumpkins are expected to arrive Saturday, Sept. 28 and the church is looking for volunteers to unload the truck. Pumpkins may be bought after Sept. 28 from the “patch” Monday through Friday, from 3-6 p.m.; Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, from noon to 6 p.m. For more information on the history of Pumpkin Patch Fundraisers, visit the website www.pumpkinsusa.com. If anyone from the community wants to volunteer for to unload the pumpkins or work a shift at the patch, please call 978-283-2817.
At Sawyer Free
Gloucester’s Sawyer Free Library has plenty going on at its temporary location at 21 Main St, downtown Gloucester, as well as at other locations and, for virtual events, online. For more information, and for all events, virtual and in person, requiring registration, go to: sawyerfreelibrary.org.
Musical Storytime with Ruthanne Paulson, Friday, Sept. 27, 11-11:45 a.m., Children with caregivers. No registration. Questions? jvitale@sawyerfreelibrary.org.
Genealogy Myths & Legends, Saturday, Sept. 28, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Michael Brophy, world-renowned genealogist, explains and debunks fiction about genealogy and family history. In the Brenner Room at Rockport Library, 17 School St., Rockport. Register as noted above. Questions? jtravers@sawyerfreelibrary.
SFL Home Delivery, free for residents of all ages with special needs, illness, or disability. Questions? email:moneill@sawyerfreelibrary.org.
Interactive Storytime with Tricia, Wednesdays, 10:30-11:15 a.m., all ages. No registration. Questions? Contact: jvitale@sawyerfreelibrary.org.
At Manchester library
MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA — September is Library Card Sign-up Month, so Manchester-by-the-Sea Public Library,15 Union St., would like to remind everyone of just how valuable a resource a library card can be. Your first card is free. You’ll receive a free book bag and lanyard with it, and be connected to all the library has to offer — from borrowing books, ebooks and audiobooks to getting tech help, or learning new skills. For more information about this and all events and programs at the library, and to register, visit www.manchesterpl.org. Questions? Call 978-526-7711, or email mwillwerth@manchesterpl.org.
Fall hours are Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Fall and Winter Storytime, Wednesdays, 10:30-11:15 a.m.,, For kids ages 0-3. and families, with Miss Audrey.
Touch-a-Truck, Saturday, Sept. 28, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Get up close and personal with trucks and other vehicles from the Public Works and Fire and Police Departments.
Lego Time, Mondays, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Drop-in, unstructured Lego building for kids ages 6 and up.
Teen Advisory Board (TAB): High schoolers may get involved in the library’s collection, promoting events, planning the annual Haunted Library, and more. Teens will get community service hours for school and pizza. Questions? Contact Tom Russo, at trusso@manchesterpl.org.
Manchester seniors
MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA — Autumn brings a harvest of happenings for Manchester-by-the-Sea seniors.
These are all out-of-town events, so require a reservation for a seat on the senior van. Call the Council on Aging at 978-526-7500, or stop by the office, at 10 Central St., Manchester.
Trip to Merrimack Valley Quilt Show, Friday, Sept. 27. 150-plus quilts vendors, food, penny raffle, silent auction, demonstrations, boutique. Senior van pick up 10 a.m. / Return around 2 p.m. $10 admission at door. Call as above to reserve your seat.
Trip to the Stonewall Kitchen Store and Café, Wednesday, Oct. 2, York, Maine is your destination, where you’ll enjoy all that Stonewall Kitchen has to offer. its award winning preserves and condiments and culinaries make great gifts to give and receive. Senior van pick up starts around 10:15 a.m.. returns 2ish.. Lunch is on your own. Reserve your seat at 978- 526-7500.
Trip to Cider Hill Farm in Amesbury, Friday, Oct. 4, this 145-acre family farm is famed for its fruit, flowers, farmhouse gifts and apple cider donuts. Plus a barnyard to visit. Senior van pick-up 10 a.m./ return around 1:30 p.m. Reserve your seat at 978- 526-7500
Seniors Day at Topsfield Fair, Monday, Oct. 7, America’s oldest fair has the biggest pumpkins, best barnyard animals and most delicious food anywhere. Admission for ages 60+ only $10, only on this day. Senior van pickup starts 10:30 a.m./Return around 1:30 p.m. Reserve your seat at 978-526-7500.
Community Shredding Event, Saturday, Oct. 19, 9 a.m. to noon behind Town Hall. Bring any documents you want shredded and they’ll be shredded on the spot.