Rockport
News, meetings, schools and sports from Rockport.
Final scores
Sunday on Cape Ann: Magtoberfest in Magnolia, the last day of the Artisans open studios and a plein air art sale
By Mateo Daniel How we work
Most of today's events wrap up before tonight's rain. Here is what is on Sunday and Columbus Day Monday, with times from each organizer.
The Daily Current
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Read by Kerry Jane. How we work
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Weekly roundup: Gloucester field hockey reaches 10 and 0, football beats Salem, and Rockport and Gloucester split a soccer doubleheader
By Mateo Daniel How we work
Gloucester field hockey visits Beverly on Tuesday for a rematch of its 1 to 0 win. Swampscott comes to Newell Stadium Friday night, and Manchester Essex plays at Triton.
Voter registration closes Oct. 24, and the state's guide to the nine ballot questions is online
By Kerry Jane How we work
Early voting runs Oct. 17 to 30. The Secretary of the Commonwealth's Information for Voters booklet is online, in audio and in five languages, and printed copies went to every household in September.
Rockport zoning board will visit Eden Road home before ruling on addition close to lot line
By Kerry Jane How we work
The owners want a rear addition with an art studio that would sit 1.8 feet from the back property line. The board meets at the site Monday and takes the case back up Oct. 28.
Business on Cape Ann: what our Business section offers, and a new Friday series
By Ana Lucia How we work
Jobs, pay, property taxes and a map of local businesses are all in one place. Starting Oct. 16, a three week series follows the public money that reaches Cape Ann businesses.
Town news
Rockport planners start drafting rules for tiny houses
Cape Ann Current Staff How we work
Voters' approval of a state 'Seasonal Community' designation in April means the town must allow homes of up to 400 square feet, and year-round housing on smaller lots, within two years.
Cape Ann buses are free through the end of the year. Here is how to ride.
By Kerry Jane How we work
Regular CATA bus routes cost nothing through Dec. 31, and Dial-a-Ride and ADA rides stay free through 2027. A new Current tool puts the train and bus schedules in one place.
In his own words: Gil Frieden, candidate for state representative
By Kerry Jane How we work
The Essex candidate in the Fifth Essex race answers the Current's questionnaire on housing, the waterfront, climate, school funding, transportation, his first bill and all nine ballot questions.
Cape Ann Votes: Your guide to the Nov. 3 election is live
By Kerry Jane How we work
Where and when to vote in each town, a Gloucester polling place map, every race on the Cape Ann ballot, the nine statewide questions and who is paying to pass or defeat them, all in one place.
Gloucester Republican wins Governor's Council ballot spot as a write-in
Cape Ann Current Staff How we work
William Falcetano will face incumbent Democrat Eunice Delice Zeigler of Methuen for the 5th District seat on Nov. 3.
Meetings
Rockport conservation board approves septic upgrade that moves wastewater farther from the shore
By Kerry Jane How we work
The Conservation Commission's Oct. 7 meeting took 18 minutes. One project won approval, a Long Beach order was extended and four other cases were pushed to November or December.
Rockport's water is 9 points below last year. The town's water committee wants more people to know how to save it
By Kerry Jane How we work
At its Oct. 7 meeting, the Ad Hoc Water Committee went over the latest reservoir levels, the shut off faucets at Granite Pier, a free leak test few people know about and the questions it wants the town to answer.
Rockport Select Board to weigh Christmas in Rockport plans and a joint lawyer for Comcast talks Tuesday
By Kerry Jane How we work
The board also interviews a Finance Committee candidate, takes up the Nov. 3 election warrant, votes on four public works contracts and gets a budget and Town Meeting update.
Public meetings after the long weekend: Gloucester City Council, Essex selectmen, the Essex school's community meeting
By Kerry Jane How we work
Town offices close for Columbus Day. Here are the public meetings posted for Tuesday, Oct. 13, and Wednesday, Oct. 14, with times and places.
Meetings today and Thursday: Rockport water and schools, Gloucester budget changes, the Essex school's next community meeting
By Kerry Jane How we work
More than a dozen public meetings across Cape Ann on Wednesday and Thursday, with times, places and how to watch.
Tonight on Cape Ann: Rockport's Select Board, Manchester Essex schools and Gloucester's arts plan session
By Kerry Jane How we work
Four public meetings Tuesday afternoon and evening, from a blasting study for a Gloucester waste transfer station to Christmas in Rockport, with times and how to watch.
Gloucester planners take up Sargent Street subdivision Thursday as council panels weigh police grants
Cape Ann Current Staff How we work
Also this week: Essex selectmen meet with public works and finance boards, and Essex's school community meetings are set for Oct. 8 and Oct. 13.
Public Safety
Ten days after Rockport fire, no official word on the Broadway building or displaced families
Cape Ann Current Staff How we work
The state fire marshal's office has called the Sept. 20 fire that destroyed Rockport House of Pizza accidental, a spokesperson told the Boston Globe.
As Fire Prevention Week ends, a thank you to Cape Ann's firefighters, EMTs and police
By Mateo Daniel How we work
Fire Prevention Week runs through today. Manchester's firefighters opened their station for a chili cook-off Friday night. Here is who answers the call in each town, and one safety step to take this weekend.
Fire Prevention Week: check your alarms, charge with care and give space heaters room this winter
By Mateo Daniel How we work
Before heating season, here is what fire officials want every household to do, where to get a free smoke alarm, and how to help the Rockport families who lost their homes on Broadway.
Our new police log: what's in it, where it comes from and what we're learning
Cape Ann Current Staff How we work
Cape Ann's police calls are now searchable in one place, starting with Manchester-by-the-Sea and Rockport. We add more every day as departments send their logs.
License plate readers and Cape Ann: the crime numbers, the unions, the money and the questions to ask
Cape Ann Current Staff How we work
Automated license plate readers are spreading across the North Shore, but not on Cape Ann. Here is what local crime data, the research, police unions, Washington and the companies selling the cameras say about whether our towns should have them.
Schools
Rockport schools fall short of several state targets, and leaders say this year is about results for students
By Mateo Daniel How we work
At its Oct. 7 meeting, the School Committee heard the state's 2026 accountability results, set its own goal around student achievement and learned the district ended last year with $2.9 million in restricted reserves.
Following the money in Cape Ann's school kitchens
By Mateo Daniel How we work
What Gloucester, Rockport and Manchester Essex spend to feed students, who supplies the food, and what the state's reviews of their meal programs found.
No school Monday across Cape Ann, and Rockport students are off Tuesday too
By Mateo Daniel How we work
All three districts and Essex North Shore Aggie are closed for the Columbus Day holiday. Gloucester PreK to 8 schools have an early release next Thursday for conferences.
School lunch for everyone: how each Cape Ann town feeds 4,500 kids for free
By Mateo Daniel How we work
Three districts, three ways of feeding about 4,500 students every school day, and what the research says those meals are worth to kids and families.
What's for lunch in October: every Cape Ann school menu, side by side
Cape Ann Current Staff How we work
Pizza Fridays in Gloucester and Rockport, fish on Fridays in Manchester and Essex, a new protein bowl at Rockport High, and no lunch listed on two Gloucester half days. All of it is free.
School calendar: committee meetings, an Oct. 7 half day and an Essex Elementary forum
Cape Ann Current Staff How we work
Manchester Essex students have a half day Wednesday, Oct. 7, and the Essex School Building Committee holds a community meeting the next night.
Sports
Rockport boys soccer rallies from two goals down to beat Georgetown
Cape Ann Current Staff How we work
The Vikings put five goals past the Royals in the second half. Rockport is back to .500 in the Cape Ann League.
Gloucester volleyball swept at Swampscott; Rockport boys soccer falls 1 to 0 at North Reading
Cape Ann Current Staff How we work
Gloucester's three match winning streak ended in a league loss. Rockport held North Reading scoreless for a half before the Hornets broke through.
Scoreboard: Rockport girls and Gloucester boys split the soccer doubleheader, Manchester Essex falls twice
By Mateo Daniel How we work
Saturday's finals from the MIAA, and two field hockey games on Columbus Day morning.
Scoreboard: Gloucester football and field hockey win, Rockport ties Haverhill, Rockport visits Gloucester for soccer
By Mateo Daniel How we work
Friday's finals and the rest of the Columbus Day weekend schedule, from the MIAA.
Scoreboard: Salem visits Gloucester for Friday night football, Manchester Essex at Hamilton-Wenham
By Mateo Daniel How we work
Friday's games and the rest of the Columbus Day weekend, from the MIAA, plus Thursday's finals.
Scoreboard: Gloucester volleyball sweeps Saugus, Manchester Essex boys blank Amesbury
By Mateo Daniel How we work
Thursday's and Wednesday's finals and the rest of the long weekend, from the MIAA.
Gloucester volleyball sweeps Saugus; Manchester Essex boys blank Amesbury
By Mateo Daniel How we work
The Fishermen won 3 to 0 at home, and the Hornets beat Amesbury 4 to 0. Ipswich swept Rockport in soccer, and Amesbury edged the Manchester Essex girls. All finals are from the MIAA.
Scoreboard: Gloucester boys blank Winthrop, Manchester Essex field hockey wins at Amesbury
By Mateo Daniel How we work
Wednesday's and Tuesday's finals and the rest of the week, from the MIAA.
Gloucester boys shut out Winthrop; Manchester Essex field hockey wins at Amesbury
By Mateo Daniel How we work
The Fishermen won 3 to 0 at home, and the Hornets blanked Amesbury 3 to 0. Winthrop beat the Gloucester girls and Ipswich beat Rockport field hockey. All finals are from the MIAA.
Scoreboard: Gloucester field hockey stays perfect, Manchester Essex sweeps Rockport in soccer
By Mateo Daniel How we work
Tuesday's and Monday's finals, the week ahead and this season's golf results, from the MIAA.
Manchester Essex sweeps Rockport in soccer; Hornets golf tops Georgetown
By Mateo Daniel How we work
The Manchester Essex girls won 6 to 2 and the boys won 2 to 0. Gloucester field hockey stayed perfect, and Marblehead and Ipswich won golf matches over Gloucester and Rockport. All finals are from the MIAA.
Manchester Essex field hockey blanks Rockport 6 to 0; Gloucester volleyball sweeps KIPP Lynn
By Mateo Daniel How we work
Marblehead beat both Gloucester soccer teams, 2 to 0 for the boys and 6 to 0 for the girls, and Danvers won a golf match over Gloucester. All finals are from the MIAA.
Scoreboard: Manchester Essex field hockey blanks Rockport, Gloucester volleyball sweeps KIPP, Marblehead tops Gloucester soccer
By Mateo Daniel How we work
Monday's finals from the MIAA, and Gloucester field hockey hosts Beverly Tuesday in a meeting of the Northeastern Conference's two unbeaten teams.
Scoreboard: Gloucester and Beverly field hockey meet Tuesday in a week of rivalry games
Cape Ann Current Staff How we work
No Cape Ann varsity games this weekend after Friday's football. This week brings Rockport and Manchester Essex three times, Beverly at Gloucester and Salem at Newell Stadium.
Weekly roundup: Gloucester field hockey reaches 8 and 0, and football wins on homecoming night
Cape Ann Current Staff How we work
Beverly visits the unbeaten Fishermen on Tuesday. Rockport and Manchester Essex meet three times this week, and Gloucester hosts Rockport in a soccer doubleheader Saturday.
Gloucester's Fiona Black and Mia Rodolosi top the area field hockey scoring list, with Hornets close behind
Cape Ann Current Staff How we work
Goalie Aleena Brown leads area keepers. Manchester Essex has three players among the leaders, and Rockport's goalie makes the list too.
Unbeaten Gloucester field hockey ranks ninth in Division 3 in the MIAA's latest power rankings
Cape Ann Current Staff How we work
Manchester Essex field hockey is 10th in Division 4. Gloucester football sits fourth in Division 5, in rankings counted before Friday's win over Winthrop.
Scoreboard: Gloucester football wins its homecoming game, 28 to 7, and Amesbury beats Manchester Essex
Cape Ann Current Staff How we work
The Fishermen are 3 and 1 after beating Winthrop. The Hornets fell to 0 and 4. No varsity games for Cape Ann schools on Saturday, and field hockey's big one is Tuesday.
Winless Manchester Essex hosts Amesbury, the team behind its only league loss last fall
Cape Ann Current Staff How we work
The Hornets are 0 and 3 and the Redhawks are 2 and 1. Kickoff is 6:30 p.m. at Hyland Field in a Cape Ann League game.
Amesbury beats Manchester Essex 46 to 8
Cape Ann Current Staff How we work
The Hornets fell to 0 and 4 at Hyland Field. They visit Hamilton-Wenham next Friday.
Scoreboard: Gloucester field hockey stays unbeaten at 8 and 0, plus Thursday's results and Friday football
Cape Ann Current Staff How we work
The Fishermen beat Danvers 5 to 2 and host Beverly, the NEC's other unbeaten team, on Tuesday. North Reading beat Rockport girls soccer 5 to 1, and both football teams play Friday night.
College roundup: Gordon, Endicott and Salem State
Cape Ann Current Staff How we work
Endicott football rolled at homecoming and Gordon volleyball has won seven straight. Local players to watch include a Gloucester defender and a Manchester forward at Salem State.
Scoreboard: Gloucester boys soccer edges Saugus; Hornets football still seeking first win
Cape Ann Current Staff How we work
Short takes on the rest of the week's local high school results, Sept. 24 to 30, and what's next.
Manchester Essex field hockey posts another shutout; Rockport ties North Reading
Cape Ann Current Staff How we work
The Hornets beat Newburyport 2 to 0 for their second straight shutout. Gloucester field hockey puts its perfect record on the line Thursday against Danvers.
Gloucester field hockey stays perfect as Hornets and Vikings set up a week of rematches
Cape Ann Current Staff How we work
The Fishermen are 7 and 0 after three straight shutouts. Football opens league play Friday against Winthrop.
Business
12 Cape Ann Artisans open their studios for 43rd fall tour Oct. 10 and 11
Cape Ann Current Staff How we work
The self-guided tour of working studios in Gloucester and Rockport adds two new members this year. The group is taking applications for 2027 through Oct. 31.
Events
Rockport Harvest Fest is Oct. 17, and apple pie bake-off entries are open
Cape Ann Current Staff How we work
The free downtown festival runs 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Harvey Park, Barletta Park and Dock Square, with free parking at Blue Gate Meadow and a free shuttle.
Rockport Music's October calendar: Ruthie Foster, Neko Case and Cheyenne Jackson
Cape Ann Current Staff How we work
October concerts at the Shalin Liu Performance Center begin Oct. 1.
This weekend on Cape Ann: dahlias, a blessing for pets, three art openings and a cake swap
Cape Ann Current Staff How we work
Saturday brings the Boulevard dahlia sale and a Blessing of the Animals in Gloucester and new shows at the Rockport Art Association. Sunday has opera on the big screen, short films and a cake swap in Rockport.
Long weekend on Cape Ann: art shows, open studios, Magtoberfest and two big Rockport concerts
By Mateo Daniel How we work
The Annisquam Arts and Crafts Show, Cape Ann Plein Air's 10th year, open studios across Cape Ann, an Essex festival, the Rockport farmers market and Magtoberfest in Magnolia, Friday through Sunday.
Cape Ann this week: Plein Air turns 10, an Annisquam craft show and open studios next weekend
Cape Ann Current Staff How we work
The symphony's storm postponed concert is this afternoon. Then a week of painters at work outdoors, a free castle day for Gloucester residents, jazz in Rockport and two school building meetings in Essex and Manchester.
Topsfield Fair today: dock dogs finals, horse pulling and a lumberjack show
Cape Ann Current Staff How we work
The fair runs through Monday, Oct. 12. Sunday's program has sheep shows, racing pigs, State Police dogs and music on four stages from 10 a.m. into the evening.
Cape Ann Museum's October: a free day for residents, a Dogtown walk and a Folly Cove printing class
Cape Ann Current Staff How we work
The museum is free for Cape Ann residents on Saturday, Oct. 10. Registration is open for a four-week block printing course and a guided walk through historic Dogtown.
This week on Cape Ann: plein air painters, a storm-delayed symphony opener and a Dogtown dog walk
Cape Ann Current Staff How we work
Picks for Oct. 1 to 7, including the start of Cape Ann Plein Air's 10th year and Gloucester's Community Safety Day.
DPW and Roads
Rockport's transfer station costs $804,000 a year. Here is what a household pays, and how it compares
By Kerry Jane How we work
Rockport has no curbside trash pickup. A $140 sticker and blue bags pay for the dump. See how that stacks up against Gloucester's and Manchester's new carts and the towns that put trash on the tax bill.
The drought eased. Why did Rockport ban outdoor watering?
Cape Ann Current Staff How we work
The state's regional rating improved, but Rockport's reservoirs kept falling. How both can be true, what neighbors are doing, what would end the ban and how far saving water goes.
Cape Ann water rules: Rockport bans outdoor use, Gloucester limits it, Manchester lifts its ban
Cape Ann Current Staff How we work
Rockport bans all outdoor water use and Gloucester allows hand watering only, while Manchester has dropped its restrictions and Essex asks only for voluntary conservation.
Budget and Finance
New: compare property taxes in Gloucester, Rockport, Essex and Manchester on one page
By Kerry Jane How we work
Our new property tax page has a bill calculator for all four towns, 10 years of average bills, and state and Census figures that update on their own. Here is what it shows.
Harbor and Environment
Mostly cloudy Sunday, then a soaking rain tonight before a drier Columbus Day
By Ana Lucia How we work
Clouds and a high near 60 today. Rain showers are all but certain tonight, with a half to three quarters of an inch possible. Columbus Day turns partly sunny near 63. Midday high tides near 10 feet.
State moves Cape Ann's region to Level 2, a significant drought
By Ana Lucia How we work
The Northeast Region went from a mild drought to a significant one on Oct. 9, even after a wet September elsewhere in the state. Here is what the state asks residents and towns to do.
Sunny and cool Saturday, then rain Sunday night into Columbus Day morning
By Ana Lucia How we work
Sunny near 59 today and mostly cloudy near 60 Sunday. Rain showers are all but certain Sunday night, with a half to three quarters of an inch possible. Midday high tides near 10 feet.
Sunny and breezy Friday, cooler Saturday, showers Sunday night into Columbus Day
By Ana Lucia How we work
Sunny near 66 today with gusts near 28 mph, sunny near 61 Saturday, then rain showers likely Sunday night and Monday morning. High tides near 10 feet late morning through the weekend.
Hurricane Isaias will not reach Cape Ann this weekend, but its leftovers may bring rain Sunday night
By Ana Lucia How we work
The storm is headed for the northern Gulf Coast. Forecasters expect a dry, sunny weekend here, then a quick round of rain late Sunday into Columbus Day, with no flooding or damaging winds expected.
Morning shower chance, then sunny and cooler into the weekend
By Ana Lucia How we work
A 30 percent chance of a shower this morning, then mostly sunny near 68. Sunny Friday near 65 and Saturday near 60. A small craft advisory ends at 11 a.m. High tides near 10 feet late morning Friday and Saturday.
Breezy night, near 69 Thursday with a chance of a morning shower
By Ana Lucia How we work
A mild night around 54, then a mostly sunny Thursday near 69 with a 30 percent chance of a morning shower. A small craft advisory runs until 11 a.m. Thursday. Evening high tides near 9.8 feet.
Sunny, cool and gusty Tuesday, then warming to near 69 by Thursday
By Ana Lucia How we work
A high near 58 today with northwest gusts up to 32 mph, a chilly night around 42, then sunny days in the 60s. The small craft advisory on the bay ends at 8 a.m., and evening high tides run near 9.7 to 9.8 feet.
Clear and breezy tonight, then a sunny, gusty, cooler Tuesday with a small craft advisory on the bay until 8 a.m.
By Ana Lucia How we work
A low around 46 tonight, then sunny Tuesday with a high near 57 and northwest gusts up to 32 mph. The small craft advisory on Massachusetts Bay and Ipswich Bay runs until 8 a.m. Tuesday, and evening high tides run near 9.7 feet.
Mostly sunny Sunday, showers tonight, then a breezy, milder Monday
Cape Ann Current Staff How we work
A high near 60 today, a 40% chance of showers this evening and a high near 66 Monday. Northwest winds pick up on the water Monday night, and evening high tides run near 9.7 feet.
Sunny and cool on Cape Ann this weekend, with showers possible Sunday night
Cape Ann Current Staff How we work
Highs near 61 Saturday and 59 Sunday under mostly clear skies. A milder Monday follows, and afternoon high tides run close to 10 feet.
Warm Friday with a chance of evening showers, then a crisp, sunny weekend on Cape Ann
Cape Ann Current Staff How we work
Highs near 74 Friday give way to the low 60s Saturday and Sunday. Afternoon high tides run near 10 feet.
Warm start to October, then a sunny, cooler weekend on Cape Ann
Cape Ann Current Staff How we work
Highs reach the low 70s Thursday and Friday before a chance of showers Friday night. Afternoon high tides run near 10 feet through Saturday.
Cape Ann mostly spared as nor'easter brings 61 mph gust and needed rain
Cape Ann Current Staff How we work
Weather service reports show strong gusts off Rockport and Gloucester Saturday night and up to about 2 inches of rain in Manchester, with little damage reported.
Official sources