Ledes from the Land of Enchantment

Cape Ann news in brief | community

Listings may be sent to: Goings On, Gloucester Daily Times, 36 Whittemore St.,Gloucester , MA 01930, or emailed to Joann Mackenzie at [email protected], at least two weeks prior to an event.

Pumpkin sales

West Gloucester Trinitarian Congregational Church, UCC, 488 Essex Ave. in Gloucester, hosts its third annual Pumpkin Sale, beginning Thursday, Oct. 6, in the church’s Sacred Grove. Pumpkins will be sold Thursdays and Fridays from 3 to 6 pm, Saturdays from 9 am to 6 pm, and Sundays from noon to 6 pm Pumpkins also will be sold from 9 am to 6 pm on Indigenous People’s Day, Oct. 10, and on Halloween, Oct. 31, from noon to 4 pm This is a fund raiser for the church and also supports the Navajo Indian Reservation in Farmington, New Mexico, which grow the pumpkins. Volunteers are needed to help unload the pumpkin truck on the afternoon of Oct. 1 around 2 pm If interested in helping, please call the church (978-283-2817) or email ([email protected]) so that the church can update you on the arrival time of the pumpkins.

Manchester 1772

MANCHESTER — Time-travel back into the history of Manchester with the multi-media exhibit “Manchester 1772: The Life & Work of a Small Fishing Town,” at Manchester Historical Museum, 10 Union St. From videos to actual fishing gear to a recreated fish yard with real salt codfish — you’ll see what was happening in Manchester 250 years ago. Time is running short, so plan to visit soon, free of charge. The museum is open Tuesdays 10 am to 5 pm; Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 10 am to 3 pm; Thursdays, noon to 3 pm; and Sundays, 1 to 4 pm Questions? Call 978-526-7230.

Senior Day at Fair

On Monday, Oct. 3, Manchester Council on Aging is offering a trip to the Topsfield Fair. The oldest fair in the country, it’s home to giant pumpkins, lots of animals, great food and tons of fun. This day is Senior Citizen Day, so admission is only $10 for ages 60-plus. The senior van will start pickup around 10:30 am Return expected about 2 pm For information and reservations, call the COA Office at 526-7500, or drop by the COA office at 10 Central Street, Town Hall, Manchester.

Water restrictions

The City of Gloucester is implementing an immediate ban on all non-essential outdoor water use through Sept. 30. This change means hand watering is no longer allowed. Considered “essential” are water use for health or safety reasons by regulation, production of food and fiber, livestock maintenance, the core functions of business. Failure to adhere to the restrictions can lead to the imposition of fines. Residents who wish to report a violation are asked to call the Gloucester Police Department at 978-283-1212. The ban will be assessed at the month’s end. Note: not mandatory but recommended for private well owners.

Fire restrictions

The current drought is increasing the wildland fire risk, with multiple brush fires in recent weeks. All outdoor fires, including the use of outdoor fireplaces, firepits and chimineas, are prohibited in Gloucester during this time. Residents are also asked to take care when disposing of combustible materials including cigarettes.

Water tips

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

Museum passes

MANCHESTER — Several museums are offering timed ticket reservations. To reserve library 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 your timed ticket. If you have any questions, please call the library at 978-526-7711.

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