#Robert Murray Helpmann

[homomenhommes]

THIS DAY IN GAY HISTORY

based on: The White Crane Institute's 'Gay Wisdom', Gay Birthdays, Gay For Today, Famous GLBT, glbt-Gay Encylopedia, Today in Gay History, Wikipedia, and more … April 9

1476 – Italy: Leonardo Da Vinci and three other young men are accused of sodomy anonymously, but subsequently acquitted.

1821 – The French poet Charles Baudelaire (d.1867), a central figure in nineteenth-century French literature, was born on in Paris (d.1867). Two collections of Baudelaire's poetry continue to intrigue and influence writers: Les fleurs du mal (Flowers Of Evil, 1857) and Le spleen de Paris (Paris Spleen, 1869). In the latter collection, published posthumously, he essentially invented the "prose poem." For a while lived the modish life of a literary dandy on an inheritance from his father, reluctantly joining the Paris boheme when his fortune ran dry.

Speculation continues about his personal life. Some early writers suggested that he died a virgin; many others now believe that he died of syphilis acquired in 1841. He had complicated relations with Jeanne Duvall, a prostitute; Madame Sabatier, a courtesan for the wealthy and socially prominent; and Marie Daubrun, an actress. The poems Duvall inspired portray her as both the apex of beauty and the nadir of evil.

Lesbianism fascinated Baudelaire. He even considered naming his first book of poems Les lesbiennes. "Lesbos," from Les fleurs du mal, celebrates lesbian love and evokes Sappho, who is described as both "mannish" and "beautiful." Further, the speaker challenges the authorities who would "dare" judge those who inhabit Lesbos. Even the gods would not dare to judge these women, he asserts.

Two other poems called "Femmes damnées" also explore lesbianism. Here the lovers, with their disordered souls, must suffer in a world wound tight with rules. The bourgeois considers such women demonic; that alone makes them fascinating to Baudelaire.

Male homosexuality does not receive this kind of direct treatment; gay men can find no equivalent "Lesbos" in his work.

He was probably homosexual himself, or at least Marcel Proust thought so, as did Andre Gide, Roger Peyrefitte, and many others. The floppy cravat that Baudelaire affected became all the rage of European dandies and homosexuals during the first decades of the 20th century, gays having adopted him as their very own at an early date.

1909 – the Australian dancer, actor, director and choreographer Sir Robert Helpmann CBE was born on this date (d.1986). Born Robert Murray Helpman, he added the extra 'n' to avoid his name having 13 letters, at the suggestion of the dance diva Anna Pavlova, who was a devotee of numerology.

He was born in Mount Gambier and also boarded at Prince Alfred College in Adelaide, South Australia. The Helpmann Academy in South Australia, a partnership of the major visual and performing arts education and training institutions in South Australia offering award courses for people seeking professional careers in the arts, was named in his honor.

in 1932 he went to London. He joined the Sadler's Wells, later the Royal Ballet and was a principal dancer from 1933 to 1950. He established a great partnership with Margot Fonteyn, and together with choreographer Frederick Ashton, created many great roles, whilst also occasionally undertaking straight acting roles. Helpmann and Fonteyn toured the United States as principal dancers with the Royal Ballet in 1949 and caused a sensation, making stars of them all.

In 1938, Helpmann met a young Oxford undergraduate while fulfilling an invitation to dance at the university. Immediately drawn to the handsome and intelligent Michael Benthall, the pair formed a relationship that was to last for 36 years until the English theatre director Benthall's untimely death in 1974. The couple lived and often worked together quite openly for the time.

In 1965 Helpmann returned to Australia to become co-director of the Australian Ballet. Since he was Gay and flamboyant, his arrival in what was at that time a very conservative country caused some consternation. Australians were proud of his international fame, but not sure what to make of him personally. His most significant contribution to the development of theatre in Australia was his time with the Australian Ballet. The avant-garde nature and sexual overtones of much of his work unsettled many Australians. He did not endear himself with the comment: "I don't despair about the cultural scene in Australia because there isn't one here to despair about."

Helpmann's obituaries in the Australian media were suitably laudatory, but also reserved. The country paid him the highest final recognition it could by honouring him with a state funeral in Sydney, the eulogy calling him "a genius, an outstanding communicator of unique inspiration and insight. He asserted his rights to pursue a path that improved the quality of life of the nation, and defeated the common herd of detractors." An obituary in The Times in London, characterised his appearance as "strange, haunting and rather frightening", and portrayed him as "a homosexual of the proselytizing kind" whose impact upon a company was "dangerous as well as stimulating", creating fresh headlines in Australia.

1929 – The Utah Supreme Court, although upholding the constitutionality of the 1925 sterilization law, rules that a prisoner caught in the act of consensual sodomy with another prisoner, and who is described as "acting lovingly toward other boys in the prison," can not be sterilized for that reason alone.

1948 – Bernard-Marie Koltès was a French playwright and director (d.1989).

Born to a middle-class family in Metz, his life was violent and anchored in revolt. He took off from home at 20 for a nomadic writing life that began with a stay in New York in 1968. For a social rebel seeking an uninhibited gay experience, the timing was perfect. He returned to New York frequently until his death in 1989. He he had tried his hand at writing as a youth but renounced it, and didn't take to the stage until the age of twenty. He first garnered recognition for his work on a production of Medea (Médée) in 1970.

After seeing the film actress Maria Casarès, he was inspired and resumed writing, completing around ten plays in his lifetime. His first piece, the long monologue, The Night Just Before The Forests, was staged in 1977 at the Avignon Festival, and subsequent productions were put on in collaboration with director Patrice Chéreau.

Koltès's work, based in real-life problems, expresses the tragedy of being alone and of death. Koltes is most famous for The Night Just Before the Forests (La Nuit juste avant les Forêts, 1976), r (1977) and In the Solitude of Cotton Fields (Dans la Solitude des Champs de Coton, 1986). Many of these plays were first directed by Patrice Chereau when he was artistic director of the Théâtre des Amandiers in Nanterre. Koltes also translated into French Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale.

Genet and the absurdists influenced Koltès's writing. Like other absurdist writers, he felt exiled - in his case, as a homosexual in a heterosexual world. In Africa, he saw native cultures being wiped out by European influences. This theme brought forth Black Battles with Dogs. After a visit to America he wrote Quay West (1985), about a brother and sister in a foreign culture. The title and the opening dialogue of that play, about tempting, dangerous life in moldy warehouses on a river, recall the West Street piers of the meatpacking district, and their vast, collapsing sheds that for two decades were sex resorts for venturesome gay men.

The psychopathic killer Roberto Succo provided the inspiration for his final play Roberto Zucco. It was first performed posthumously in Berlin in 1990, directed by Peter Stein. It has since been performed across Europe and the United States.

Although he did not attempt to deny it, Kolteès only ever referred fleetingly to his homosexuality, downplaying this as a motivating factor or theme behind his writing. He was rarely forthcoming about his private life, and what he did say is often contradictory or misleading.

Koltès died in 1989 due to complications from AIDS.

1963 – Marc Jacobs is an American fashion designer. He is the head designer for Marc Jacobs, as well as Marc by Marc Jacobs, a diffusion line, with more than 200 retail stores in 80 countries. He has been the creative director of the French design house Louis Vuitton since 1997. Jacobs is on Time Magazine's "2010 Time 100" list of the 100 most influential people in the world, and ranked 12th on Out Magazine's 2011 list of "50 Most Powerful Gay Men and Women in America".

Jacobs, who is openly gay was in a four-year relationship with salesman and retired escort Jason Preston. However, in February 2008, it was reported that Jacobs was engaging in an affair with escort and porn star Erik Rhodes who died in 2012.. Later he was in a relationship with advertising executive Lorenzo Martone. In March 2009, Women's Wear Daily reported that the pair was engaged after a year of dating. Several reports that they got married were later denied. On July 24, 2010, Martone announced via Twitter that he and Jacobs had not been together for two months.

In April 2018, Jacobs proposed to his new boyfriend, Charly Defrancesco, via a flashmob while in a Chipotle restaurant. The flashmob did a routine to the song "Kiss" by Prince. They were married in a lavish wedding held in New York City in April 2019.

Jacobs and Defrancesco purchased a home in Rye, New York in April 2019. The Westchester home was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and is known as the Max Hoffman House.

1999 – Montero Lamar Hill, known by his stage name Lil Nas X, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. He rose to prominence with the release of his country rap single "Old Town Road", which first achieved viral popularity in early 2019 before climbing music charts internationally and becoming diamond certified by November of that same year, moving over ten million certified units in streaming and sales combined.

"Old Town Road" spent 19 weeks atop the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming the longest-running number-one song since the chart debuted in 1958. Several remixes of the song were released, the most popular of which featured country singer Billy Ray Cyrus. As "Old Town Road" was atop the Hot 100, Lil Nas X came out as gay, becoming the only artist to do so while having a number-one record.

Montero Lamar Hill was born in Lithia Springs, Georgia. He was named after the Mitsubishi Montero. His parents divorced when he was six, and he settled in the Bankhead Courts housing project with his mother and grandmother. Three years later, he moved in with his father, a gospel singer, north of the city in Austell. Although initially reluctant to leave, he later regarded it as an important decision, "There's so much shit going on in Atlanta—if I would have stayed there, I would have fallen in with the wrong crowd." He started "using the Internet heavily right around the time when memes started to become their own form of entertainment"; about when he was 13.

He spent much of his teenage years alone, and turned to the Internet, "particularly Twitter, creating memes that showed his disarming wit and pop-culture savvy." His teenage years also saw him struggling with his coming out to himself as being gay; he prayed that it was just a phase, but around 16 or 17 he came to accept it. He began playing trumpet in the fourth grade and was first chair by his junior high years, but quit out of fear of looking uncool.

In early June 2019, Lil Nas X came out to his sister and father and he felt "the universe was signalling him to do so", despite his uncertainty whether his fans would stick by him or not. On June 30, 2019, the last day of Pride Month, Lil Nas X came out publicly as gay, tweeting: "some of y'all already know, some of y'all don't care, some of y'all not gone [fuck with me] no more. but before this month ends i want y'all to listen closely to c7osure. 🌈🤩✨" The tweet confirmed earlier suspicions when he first indicated this in his track "c7osure". Rolling Stone noted the song "touches on themes such as coming clean, growing up and embracing one's self". The next day he tweeted again, this time highlighting the rainbow-colored building on the cover art of his EP 7, with the caption reading "deadass thought i made it obvious". He was unambiguous in an interview several days later on BBC Breakfast, where he stated that he was gay and understands that his sexuality is not readily accepted in the country or rap music communities.

The response to the news was mostly positive, but also garnered a large amount of homophobic backlash on social media, to which Lil Nas X also reacted. The backlash also came from the hip hop community, drawing attention to homophobia in hip hop culture. In January 2020, rapper Pastor Troy made homophobic comments on the outfit Lil Nas X wore during the Grammy Awards, to which Lil Nas X responded: "Damn I look good in that pic on god."

In January 2023, Lil Nas X tweeted a new statement about his sexual orientation, writing "be [for real] would y’all be mad at me if i thought i was a little bisexual". The next day, he tweeted "that was my last time coming out the closet i promise".

[queerasfact]

May I request Sir Robert Murray Helpmann, Australian ballet dancer, actor, director, choreographer, and namesake of the Helpmann awards as a topic (if he's not already on the long list)?

Thanks for the suggestion! He's not on the list yet, and we do enjoy doing Australian topics =)

-Alice

[semioticapocalypse]

Angus McBean. Sir Robert Murray Helpmann. 1950

[::SemAp Twitter || SemAp::]

[awkwardlyamusing-blog]

Gloucester Goings On | Community

New Post has been published on http://doggietrainingclasses.com/gloucester-goings-on-community/

Gloucester Goings On | Community

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 the event.

Finnish literary history on Cape Ann

On Tuesday, July 23, from 3 to 5 p.m., the Lanesville Community Center, 8 Vulcan St., will host professor Kirsti Salmi-Niklander of the University of Helsinki discussing newly-discovered materials in the Finnish-American literary history of Lanesville and Rockport, where Finns shared books, newspapers, political broadsheets, poems, and songbooks in Finnish. Salmi-Niklander’s research has uncovered the 1903-1925 issues of the hand-written newspaper Walotar, which would have been read aloud at meetings of the Salon Leimu Temperance Society in Rockport. Also found: an 1899 children’s primary reader and other books reflecting strong ties to Finland and evolving assimilation in America, including the development of “Finglish.” Those in attendance are welcome to bring similar materials they might have. Traditional afternoon coffee and Nisu will be served.

Finns Celebrate Heritage

On Sunday, July 21, at 7 p.m., guest conductor Paul Niemisto will raise his baton at the bandstand at Back Beach to lead Rockport’s community band and guest musicians in a free, outdoor program of Finnish-American music. Sure to evoke nostalgia among Cape Ann’s Finnish-Americans, the concert is a rare opportunity for this now assimilated group to unite in a demonstration of their presence on Cape Ann and to celebrate their heritage. The band pays tribute to its 32 charter members, and gives thanks to the immigrant generation. Come early with family, friends, blankets, chairs and kanteles to picnic seaside ahead of the concert. If rain, see you at Rockport High School auditorium. Questions? Call 978-546-7529, 202-420-8548 or email capeannfinns@gmail.com.

Lobster Fest

Gloucester Legion’s second lobster fest gets steaming on Saturday, July 20, from 1 to 6 p.m. at American Legion, 8 Washington St. Ticket includes one fresh cooked lobster, unlimited clam chowder, corn on the cob, salad, bread and watermelon. Legion volunteers will provide service throughout the meal, with open seating and full bar. All proceeds benefit Legion’s holiday meals programs for seniors and veterans. $25 for full dinner. For advance tickets call 978-979-2224. Walk-ins are welcome.

GHS ’49 Reunion July 25

Gloucester High School’s Class of 1949 will gather for a reunion luncheon Thursday, July 25, at 1:30 p.m. at the Gloucester House Restaurant. For more information, call Bill Reilly ASAP at 978-283-3527 or 978-290-8097.

Sargent House recreates 1919 exhibit

The Sargent House Museum’s 100th anniversary brings together more than 25 works by John Singer Sargent, Theresa Bernstein, Childe Hassam and others from Saturday, July 13, to Sunday, Sept. 1, at the historic 1782 house’s new gallery at 42 Middle St. The exhibit is a recreation of the 1919 show that launched the museum, has as its centerpiece a portrait by John Singer Sargent of his cousin Charles Sprague Sargent, the Harvard botanist who co-founded the Sargent House Museum. Period costumes will evoke the era. As part of a centenary collaboration, the Sargent House and Cape Ann museums will partner on a variety of exhibits, lectures and events, including the display at Cape Ann Museym of a large portrait of Judith Sargent Murray by John Singleton Copley, on loan from the Terra Foundation in Chicago. For more information, visit www.sargenthouse.org.

Concerts on Meetinghouse Green

The fourth season of free Friday evening concerts on Meetinghouse Green is underway. The concerts run from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on the shaded green of the historical Unitarian Universalist Church, corner of Middle and Church streets, in Gloucester. This Friday, July 12, hear classic rock ‘n’ roll from the North Shore-based band Livin’ On Luck. Bring blanket or lawn chair. The Causeway Restaurant will cater, and donations for Pathways for Children will be appreciated.

Youth Acting Workshop

Classes start Friday, July 12, at the Gloucester Stage Youth Acting Workshop. A professional theater training program for ages 5 to 18, the workshop runs Fridays, July 12 to Aug. 16, providing a chance to develop self-confidence, communication and teamwork skills for daily life as well as the theater. Workshops cover theater basics, improvisation, movement, vocal and physical expression, character preparation, scene study, storytelling, writing and public speaking. Award-winning actress Heidi Dallin teaches in collaboration with special guests. Classes are divided by age. For details, visit www.gloucesterstage.com. The Gloucester Stage Company is located at 267 E. Main St. For information/registration, call Heidi at 978-283-6688 or go to the website.

GHS Class of 1963 Reunion July 14

Gloucester High School Class of 1963 will hold its annual reunion barbecue on Sunday, July 15, at 11 a.m. at Stage Fort Park, across from the Cupboard. Bring your own food and beverage; a cook and grill will be on hand. For more details call Bob Whynott at 978-283-8230 or Rick Gonsalves at 351-444-8506.

GHS ’74 Reunion Aug. 10

Gloucester High School Class of 1974 will hold its 45th reunion on Saturday, Aug. 10, at the Gloucester House Restaurant, 6 to 11 p.m. with cocktail hour, dinner buffet, and DJ Leo Francis. $45 per person. If you or someone you know has not received notice, or have questions, contact Cyndi Bolcome at macybo@comcast.net or 978-546-3961. Checks are made payable to GHS Class of 74 and mailed to Class of ’74, 7 Highview Road, Rockport, MA 01966.

GHS Class of ’59 Reunion

Gloucester High School Class of 1959 will hold its 60th reunion on July 27 at the Gloucester House Restaurant, from 4:40 to 8:30 p.m. with cocktail hour, dinner buffet and a DJ. Mailings have been sent out, but only some have been returned. If you did not receive a mailing or know someone out of the area who would like to have the information, contact Gerri Kippen at gkipper412@gmail.com or 978-491-1781; or Id Doane at idafdoane@gmail.com or 508-878-5832.

Solo shows at North Shore Arts

The North Shore Arts Association is presenting two new solo shows by Faripour Forouhar of Avon, Connecticut, and Helene Pierce of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. On display are more than 20 works by Forouhar in oil and more than 20 works by Pierce in watercolor. The shows, which run through July 8, are on view, are free and open to the public, at the NSAA galleries, 11 Pirates Lane, Gloucester. For more information, call 978-283-1857 or visit www.nsarts.org.

’39 Steps’ at Gloucester Stage

Patrick Barlow’s witty mystery “The 39 Steps” will be on stage through July 28 at Gloucester Stage Company, 267 E. Main St., Gloucester. This award-winning comic thriller adapted from the 1915 novel by John Buchan and the 1935 movie by Alfred Hitchcock, has played in more than 40 countries, winning Olivier (United Kingdom); Helpmann (Australia); Moliere (France) and Tony Awards. Gloucester Stage Artistic Director Robert Walsh directs this adaptation, in a production running Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. Single tickets are $15 to $48 with discounts available for preview performances, senior citizens, military families, and college students and those under 18 years of age. For ticket information, visit www.gloucesterstage.com. On Saturday, July 6, the 2 p.m. show is “Pay As You Wish” for access to the arts for all. For more information, call 978-281-4433 or visit www.gloucesterstage.com.

Page2Stage

Page2Stage, a new collaboration between the Sawyer Free Library and the Gloucester Stage Theatre, is Thursday, July 11. The group will meet for the first time pre-show at 5:45 p.m. at the Gloucester Stage Theatre to discuss “The 39 Steps” by John Buchan. In this pre-show discussion of theater performances, participants explore the play’s subject through facilitated discussion of related content, including biographies and novels. The program is free and offers discounted $25 tickets for registered members. Registration is required at www.sawyerfreelibrary.org. The next program is Thursday, Aug. 8, and includes readings from Ben Butler’s autobiography and a presentation of Ben Butler. All books will be available at the library. For members’ discounted tickets, call 978-281-4433.

Aquarium summer passes

The Sawyer Free Library has received summer passes for the New England Aquarium, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Generally, the library only offers passes from September to June. But these special summer passes, which allows for a 50% discount on admission, are dated for the months of July and August. The passes and can be found on the “Reserve a Pass” link on the library’s website.

Welcoming Center volunteers

Love Gloucester? The Stage Fort Park Welcoming Center is looking for people who know the city and want to welcome the world to it. It’s more fun than work. Those who can give three hours per week, Friday-Sunday, now through Columbus Day, should contact Carol Mondello 978-281-8865 or cmondello@gloucester-ma.gov.

A ‘life in pieces’

The Cape Ann Museum presents “My Life in Pieces: Painting with Stuff,” the first public exhibition of Rockport mixed media artist Stephanie Cole’s sculptural and eclectic collection. A Connecticut native, Cole studied at California College of Arts and Crafts and later at the Hartford Art School at the University of Hartford. In the mid-1960s, she and her husband settled in Rockport where Cole taught art in the Rockport Elementary School and her work evolved into intricate multimedia mosaics she called “memory sculptures.” The works are on view through July 7.

Bingo

Holy Family Parish invites those ages 18 or older to Friday night Bingo in the lower church hall of St. Ann’s, 74 Pleasant St. Five different types of pull tab tickets. All paper books and ink markers are available for sale at the game. For more information, call 978-281-4720.

Archive access

Sawyer Free Library’s local history Librarian, Jackie, will help you find out what the local history and archive collection contains. Some of it is online, on the library website. If you’re curious, ask for Jackie when you stop into the library, 2 Dale Ave., main desk.

Dog license renewal

Dog license renewal forms are enclosed in the census mailing for dog owners’ convenience. Residents are encouraged to license dogs online at www.gloucester-ma.gov. Mail in registration and in office registration is also available.

Pet adoptions

Cape Ann Animal Aid at 4 Paws Lane, located off Route 133 near the junction with Route 128, has dogs and cats available for adoption. Some dogs may have a reduced adoption fee and there is no adoption fee for cats 6 years or older. Photos, hours and adoption fees are posted on the shelter’s website, www.CapeAnnAnimalAid.org, or call 978-283-6055 for information.

Cape Ann Referral Group

The Cape Ann Referral Group, a membership of local business networking and referrals, meets every other Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. at the Masonic Building on Eastern Avenue. Visit www.CapeAnnBiz.com.

Insurance help

Financial councilors are available at Addison Gilbert Hospital, 298 Washington St., to assist you in accessing health insurance: MassHealth, Commonwealth Care, Commonwealth Choice, Medicare, Medicaid and other health insurance issues. Visit the hospital’s Financial Service Department, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Adult Education

Action Inc.’s Adult Education classes are offered in the evenings on Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays, depending on learning level. Classes take place at Action Inc.’s Timothy L. Riley Education Center at 5 Pleasant St. in Gloucester. Classes include reading, writing, math, work skills and referrals to support services as needed. Classes help students prepare for their high school equivalency test (formerly GED). For more information, visit www.actioninc.org or 978-282-1000.

Babson Library

Isabel Babson Memorial Library, 69 Main St., is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Named for Gloucester’s first midwife, the library’s books feature all aspects of family life including maternity, child care and women’s health. The collection is updated monthly. All are welcome to browse. Call 978-283-5624.

Legion Post

The Capt. Lester S. Wass American Legion Post 3 opens its smoke-free lounge for members and guests, Monday through Friday, at 3 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday at noon; and during many holidays. The upstairs hall may be rented for special events. Call 978-283-9710 after 3 p.m.

Notary services

Free notary services for seniors are available at the Rose Baker Senior Center. For an appointment, call 978-281-9765.

Cape Ann Special Olympics

Cape Ann Special Olympics provides athletic opportunities for individuals with intellectual or physical disabilities. The goal is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition at no cost to these individuals. Program currently offers bowling and basketball on Saturdays. Bowling is at 11 a.m. at Cape Ann Lanes, and basketball is at 4 p.m. at the Cape Ann YMCA. All special needs athletes are welcome. Email Shawn Williamson at williamsonshawn@yahoo.com or visit www.facebook.com/GloucesterSpecialOlympics.

DAV meetings

Cape Ann’s Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 74, meets on the third Tuesday of each month, 6:30 p.m., at the Veterans Center. All members and perspective members are encouraged to attend.

CAST scholarship

Cape Ann Shakespeare Troupe will award a $500 scholarship to a senior studying at one of Cape Ann’s secondary schools, or one who has worked with a CAST production, who plans to continue studying performing arts. CAST has been awarding this scholarship for several years. For more information or an application, email Ray Jenness at kjenness045@netzero.net.

Gloucester400 design competition

Organizers of Gloucester’s 400th anniversary celebration are holding an international commemorative medal design competition open to amateur and professional designers. Commemorative medals are a time-honored part of Gloucester’s historic celebrations. The competition is accepting entries for Phase I. Designers must upload their original sketches to GloucesterMA400.com by Aug. 31, after which three semifinalists will be selected and receive a cash award of $3,000. In Phase II, the semifinalists’ designs, submitted as three-dimensional plaster models, closes on Dec. 1. The final winner will be announced in February 2020. The winner will receive a cash prize of $10,000 and his or her initials will appear on the final medal. See complete guidelines at www.GloucesterMA400.com.

Lanesville Al-Anon

Al-Anon support group, based on 12 Step Program, meets Sundays, 7:15 to 8:15 p.m., at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1123 Washington St., Lanesville. Al-Anon is anonymous and free. Group welcomes people dealing with difficult and challenging alcoholic relationships. Call 978-546-6698.

Health care help

PACE at Element Care in Gloucester has openings for patients. The nonprofit health care organization and primary care doctors office specializes in taking care of elders age 55 and over who are either on disability or have medical conditions. For those on MassHealth, PACE can help cover health care expenses, medical needs, home care, transportation, medication and more. Call 877-803-5564 or stop in for a tour at 29A Emerson Ave. (across the street from The Open Door) and ask for Carol Pallazolla. Visit www.elementcare.org.

Veterans counseling

Many veterans experience difficulty in adjusting to problems in civilian life after serving in combat. The Lowell Vet Center offers counseling at the Gloucester Veterans Center for area veterans and their families, free of charge. For an appointment, call the Gloucester Office of Veterans’ Services at 978-281-9740.

Handy Sewing Lady

The Council on Aging Handy Sewing Lady is at the Rose Baker Senior Center on Mondays, from 10 a.m. to noon. Items needing repairs may also be left at the reception desk, along with your name, phone number and a description of the work needed.

Senior Scrabble

A group of seniors meets to play Scrabble on Tuesdays, 12:30 p.m., at the Rose Baker Senior Center. New members are welcome. Call 978-281-9765.

Free educational classes

Never finished high school? Have trouble with math or writing? Give yourself the gift of a free education with free classes at the Adult Learning Center at North Shore Community College. To apply, contact Erin O’Brien at 978-236-1226 or email eobrien08@northshore.edu. Onsite classes are available on the Danvers campus, or study from home in the online Distance Learning program. If you are interested in distance learning, contact Zoe Fogarty at zfogarty01@northshore.edu.

Community socials

The Lanesville Community Center, 8 Vulcan St., has launched monthly senior socials for the community, open to all on the first Friday of the month from 1 to 3 p.m., with games, knitting, hand work, chatting, lots of laughs and games (bring your own to share). Coffee and tea will be provided, but bring something yummy. Door prizes a bonus. Any questions or comments, contact Cheryl Davis at cdavis_62@hotmail.com or visit the Lanesville Community Center website.

Manship Ribbon Cutting and Tour

On Wednesday, July 10, at 6:30 p.m., join city and state dignitaries as Manship Artists Residency (MARS) celebrates the opening of its international, interdisciplinary artists’ residency in Lanesville. Then, on July 28 from 3 to 5 p.m., in conjunction with the Cape Ann Museum, join Rebecca Reynolds, curator and art consultant specializing in American sculpture and president of the MARS board of directors, on an intimate tour of the private home and grounds of sculptor Paul Manship, now the Manship Artists Residency & Studios in Lanesville. Light refreshments will be served. $10 CAM members; $20 nonmembers. Reservations required through Eventbrite. Address will be disclosed after RSVP to info@ManshipArtists.org or call 978-290-8438.

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