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Events listed here are open to the public and sponsored by nonprofit groups unless otherwise noted. Press releases may be sent to Goings on, Gloucester Daily Times, 36 Whittemore St., Gloucester, MA 01930, sent via email to gdt@gloucestertimes.com or faxed to 978-282-4397. Please include a contact person's name and telephone number and send at least two weeks prior to the event. The editorial department will do its best to run the announcement at least once prior to the event. Due to the volume of goings on listings received by the paper, listings are alternated once they run and the same listings are not printed every day.
Earth Day
Celebrate Earth Day in Gloucester by joining a citywide clean-up on Saturday, April 21. The city, in conjunction with Clean City Initiative, is asking everyone to choose a location and organize or join a group to work on it. Hot spots include a special concentration on Stage Fort Park from 9 a.m. to noon. Other problem areas include Fort Square, Maplewood Avenue, Railroad Avenue, Fitz Henry Lane, Thatcher Road, the Green Street Playground, Poles Hill, Cherry Street, Rogers Street. Contact Rose LoPiccolo at Gloucester DPW (978-281-9785) before the event to let her know where you'll be working and the estimated number of yellow trash bags and clear recycling bags you'll need. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own tools and re-usable gloves, although gloves will be available. For more information, email: rlopiccolo@gloucester-ma.gov.
DPW holiday schedule
In observance of Patriots Day, the DPW will not pick up trash on Monday, April 16. Trash pick-up in the city will be a day later than your normal trash day, as follows; Monday's pick up will be Tuesday, April 17; Tuesday's pick up will be Wednesday, April 18; Wednesday's pick up will be Thursday, April 19; Thursday's pick up will be Friday, April 20; Friday's pick up will be Saturday, April 21, For more information, call the DPW at 281-9785
Spring curb collection
Curbside leaf collection runs Tuesday, April 17 to 21. This is a holiday week, so trash will be collected one day later. Please place leaves in paper leaf bags or loose in marked barrels. Collection is for one week only on your trash day. No plastic bags! The compost facility located on Dogtown Road remains closed, as the public woods are still closed. Please take advantage of the curbside collection.
Honoring Ray Bentley
On Tuesday, April 17, at 7 p.m., the Sawyer Free Library and members of the North Shore Writing Group will honor their beloved departed member Ray Bentley with a reading at the library. Friends will read from Ray's wise and often humorous poetry collection, as well as share anecdotes and their own poems written in memory of Ray. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit: www.sawyerfreelibrary.org/
Look good, feel better
On Wednesday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to noon, Addison Gilbert Hospital, 298 Washington St. hosts the American Cancer Society's "Look Good, Feel Better" program with a volunteer cosmetologist teaching female cancer patients make-up, skin care, wigs and accessory techniques to overcome appearance-related effects of chemotherapy and radiation. Each participant will also receive a make-up kit valued at over $200.
Senior Cinema
The hugely popular, multi-award winning film 'The Help,' starring Viola Davis, will be the featured film at Rose Baker Senior Center's free Thursday Afternoon at the Movies, this afternoon at 12:30. On April 19, the featured film is "Midnight in Paris" starring Kathy Bates; on April 26, "Cowboys and Aliens" starring Daniel Craig.
Monday Music
The Good Old Salty Jazz Band will rock the Rose Baker Senior Center on Monday, April 23, from 1 to 3 p.m., The fun is free, and bring your dancing shoes. For more information, please call the Council on Aging at 978 281-9765.
Constituent service
Constituent service visits this April at the Rose Baker Senior Center are as follows: Congressman John Tierney, Friday, April 20; Senior Aide Cheryl Gresek will be available at 11:30 a.m.; State Senator Bruce Tarr, Friday, April 27, at 12:30 p.m. All are welcome. Call the COA at 978-281-9765 to schedule an appointment, or just stop in.
Brown bag day
Brown Bag Food Distribution Program at the Rose Baker Senior Center is Friday, April 27 , starting at 10 a.m. for those who qualify. For information/registration, call the Council on Aging at 978-281-9765.
Seafood retirees
The Gloucester Seafood Retirees Club will meet at the Rose Baker Senior Center on Monday, April 30, at 1 p.m. All members are encouraged to attend.
Senior Reiki
Reiki Masters Dianna Porper and Laura Class offer Reiki sessions at the Rose Baker Senior Center for a reduced rate for seniors, on Fridays April 14 and 27, 10 to 12 noon. Call the COA at 978-281-9765 for an appointment.
Staycation
The Trustees of Reservations is hosting a series of Staycation programs during school vacation week, running from Saturday, April 14, to Sunday, April 22, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Cape Ann Discovery Center at Ravenswood, 481 Western Ave., will be base camp for spring adventures at our seven properties on Cape Ann. The schedule is as follows:
Saturday, April 14, 1 to 3 p.m.; vernal pool certification/exploration, at Agassiz Rock
Sunday, April 15, 8 to 10 a.m.; Beginning Spring Birding, at Halibut Point
Friday, April 20, 1 to 3 p.m.; Hermit's Tales on the Trails, at Ravenswood Park
Saturday, April 21, 10 a.m. to 12 noon; Earth Day Coastal Clean Up—volunteer opportunity at Halibut Point, Rockport and/or Coolidge Point, Manchester
Program prices vary and space is limited, so please call 978-281-8400 for information/registration. Children must be accompanied by adult.
Caregiver care
On Thursday, April 12, at 6:30 p.m. the Council on Aging hosts guest speaker Charlotte LaForest, MA, MSW, LCSW and Spiritual Care Coordinator for Asera Care, for an informal session for caregivers at the Rose Baker Senior Center, with information, strategies and tips for practicing self-care and recognizing and preventing burnout. Refreshments will be served. To register for this iportant session, call the COA at 978-2891-9765, ext 14.
Family fun fair
Pathways for Children will host a free family fun fair on Saturday, April 21, from 9:30 a.m. to noon at 29 Emerson Ave. With over twenty exhibitors, the fair features an interactive puppet show, face painting, seed planting, raffles, resources, adorably curious creatures, and much more! All made possible by the MA Department of Early Education & Care Coordinated Family & Community Engagement Grant and Pathways for Children.
Computer Classes
Action, Inc. is offering these free three-week career development classes at its main offices at 180 Main St. in Gloucester (enter through 5 Pleasant St.). To sign up, call 978-282-1000 or email: pbongiorno@actioninc.org.
Microsoft Windows for beginners; learn desktop computer keyboard and mouse and Microsoft Windows programs; April 24 to May 9, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Microsoft Word; learn to create, format, edit, and merge a wide range of documents. (for participants already familiar with Microsoft Windows) May 22 to June 6, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Microsoft Excel; learn to create spreadsheets, understand basic formulas, enter, manage and analyze data. July 10 to July 25, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Spring lectures
Gloucester Adventure's Thursday evening free spring lectures in the Sawyer Free Library are held at 7 p.m., in the Friend Room, and are as follows: Thursday, April 19; Don Cheney, Marine Science Center, Northeastern University "The Growing Problem with Seaweed Blooms and Their Newly Discovered Potential Harmful Effects." And, Thursday, May 17, Thomas French, Ph.D., Asst. Director, Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, Westborough, MA, "Protecting Biodiversity on Northeast Massachusetts." For more information, call 978-281-8079, or email: info@schooner-adventure.org
Polycythemia Support
A free Polycythemia Vera support group is held at Addison Gilbert Hospital will hold a free Polycythemia Vera support group on Thursday, April 26, at 4 p.m. in the Oncology Conference Room, 4th Floor, 298 Washington St. Family members and friends are welcome and refreshments will be served. For information/registration, call Joanne Gibbs, R.N., at 978-283-4000, ext. 559.
Tax Assistance
Free Income Tax Assistance is available at the Rose Baker Senior Center through Friday, April 13, for seniors and low income adults. Monday sessions are held at from 9 a.m. to 12 noon; Friday sessions run from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. RSVP Tax Volunteers are trained by the Internal Revenue Service. Please bring all necessary paper work; to schedule an appointment, call the senior center at 978-281-9765.
Audiology Screenings
Dr. Celia Logsdon offers seniors the opportunity for free hearing screenings, evaluations, hearing aid tests and cleanings at the Rose Baker Senior Center. Please call the Council on Aging at 978 281-9765 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Logsdon for Monday, April 23, 2012, starting at 10:00 a.m.
Cape Ann Profiles
On-air host Rich Sagall interviews Paul Goldberg, a Gloucester photographer, on CATV channel 12's Cape Ann Profiles, Friday, April 13, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, April 15, at 2 p.m. Goldberg discusses his background in photography, finding subjects, and documenting the role of the Cafe Sicilia in the life of Gloucester. On the next Cape Ann Profiles, Noreen Burke, the new director of the Gloucester Department of Health, discusses her background and future plans. Sagall is a physician and founder president of NeedyMeds.
Gloucester lost
Schooner Adventure's monthly history sharing program at the Rose Baker Senior Center is Friday, April 13, at 10 a.m., and will focus on "Gloucester Lost: Urban Renewal Changes Around Duncan Point." What happened to Locust, Ivy, Railway, Wharf, Water and Pearce Streets? See images of the buildings and streets that were removed during the 1960's Urban Renewal Projects. This program is supported by New England Biolabs Foundation, Bruce J. Anderson and Thomas Anthony Pappas Charitable Foundation.
Friends Book Sale
The Friends of the Sawyer Free Library will hold their annual book sale benefiting the library on June 8 and 9, and need donations of the following items: hardcover and paperbacks in clean, presentable condition published within the last five years for fiction and ten years for nonfiction. No dated encyclopedia sets, informational reference materials, Reader's Digest condensed literature, or textbooks. We encourage recent magazines, music cds, videos in VHS and DVD format. If you'd buy it, then donate it! For more information, call John Prybot at 978-281-9763 x 24.
Second Glance
Second Glance Thrift Store, 2 Pond Road, has extended hours from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Shop for clothing, household goods, books, collectibles, furniture and more. The donation center is open during regular business hours. Furniture pickup is available by appointment. A tax receipt is available upon request. All proceeds support The Open Door. Call 978-283-4298 or visit www.foodpantry.org.
Skeptics in the Pub
Cape Ann Skeptics in the Pub will meet Tuesday, April 17, 6:45 p.m., in the back room of LaTrattoria, 64 Main St. Mary Warhol will present "What About That Voodoo, You Do So Well?" Hear the real story behind the oldest religion on earth, and make your own voodoo doll to summon "healing spirits." Meet and mingle at 6 p.m. Visit www.capeannskeptics.com.
Chocolate, wine tasting
Tuck's Candy Factory and Seabreeze Liquors will sponsor a Chocolate and Wine Tasting for the Schooner Adventure on Friday, April 20, 7 to 9:30 p.m., at the Gloucester House restaurant. Advance tickets are $25, $30 at door. For advance tickets, call 978-281-8079.
'The Seafarer'
Fishtown Players Theater will present Conor McPherson's "The Seafarer" on April 19, 20, 21, 27 and 28, 7:30 p.m.; and April 22 and 29, 3 p.m., at the Gloucester Stage Co., 267 East Main St. April 19 show is a pay as you can performance. Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors/students. For reservations, call 978-515-7957. There will be a benefit for The Gloucester Writers Center on April 26, 7:30 p.m. Call the Center for details; 978-283-7738.
Scrap metal drive
A scrap metal drive to benefit the Magnolia Historical Society is taking place from now until April 21, at Blynman School, Magnolia Avenue. Drop off your scrap metal, or arrange for a pick up. Call Lisa Ramos at 978-290-3005.
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.
Cape Ann Thrift Shop
Cape Ann Thrift Shop, 70 Middle St., is open Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The shop offers clothing for the whole family, linens, toys, jewelry and more. Donations of all types are appreciated.
Adult education
Action Inc. is currently offering Adult Basic Education classes (through May 2), Mondays and Wednesdays, from 6:15 to 8:30 p.m. Classes will be held at Action's main offices at 180 Main St. in Gloucester (enter through 5 Pleasant St.), and will include reading, writing, math, work skills, and referrals to support services as needed. Call 978-282-1000 to find out if you're eligible and apply. For more information, visit: www.actioninc.org.
Free ESOL classes
Action Inc. is currently offering free English classes for speakers of other languages (through May 17), on Tuesday and Thursday, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., at Gloucester High School. Beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels are available. (Advanced level covers reading comprehension and writing). If you or someone you know could benefit, call 508-284-6186; an Action staff member able to communicate in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Hospice volunteers
VNA Care Network & Hospice, a nonprofit home health care, hospice and wellness agency, needs volunteers to provide practical and emotional support to terminally-ill patients and their families on the North Shore and Cape Ann. Volunteers receive training, supervision and support. Call Nancy Barcelo at 1-888-663-3688, ext. 4271, visit www.vnacarenetwork.org, or call 1-800-728-1862.
Senior Steps
The Center for Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine at Addison Gilbert Hospital, 298 Washington St., offers a risk-reduction exercise program for seniors age 60 and older with fear of falling and balance difficulty. A free 30-minute screening is required; plus a $3 fee per class. Program meets Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 11 a.m. to noon, and from noon to 1 p.m. Space is limited and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Call 978-283-4001 x141.
For the troops
These goods and services are always needed by the Gloucester Veterans Office.
Knitters wanted: The office has received requests from troops in Afghanistan and Iraq for hand or machine knit helmet liners, scarves, neck gaters and socks. Contact the office for specifics.
Goods needed: The office is accepting goods, including AT&T telephone cards and donations for mailing boxes to send to the troops, as well as military families in need of aid.
The Council on Aging has a new program for seniors needing alterations and mending, at a lower cost for seniors by an experienced seamstress. Call the Senior Center at 978-281-9765.
The Clothes Closet
The Clothes Closet, in the basement of St. Ann School, corner of Prospect and Pleasant streets, is open Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Clothes Closet is made possible through the volunteer efforts of the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Holy Family Parish. Proceeds benefit local families in need. Call 978-283-7391.
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.
Healthy Streets Program
Northeast Behavioral Health (NBH) Healthy Streets Outreach Program provides HIV testing, hepatitis C information, access to drug treatment, overdose prevention and Narcan training. All services, provided by NBH Healthy Streets Program, are available at Gloucester Family Health Center, 302 Washington St., Gloucester, lower level, Wednesdays, noon to 5 p.m. Call 978-236-0251.
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.
Senior Day Care
The Council on Aging sponsors Social Day Care sessions with supervised activities and programs three days a week, for seniors who are homebound and isolated, at the Rose Baker Senior Center, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Daily lunch and snacks are included. Transportation is provided by CATA. Call 978-281-9765, ext. 20.
Yoga for seniors
The Gloucester Council on Aging provides gentle mat yoga sessions Tuesdays at 10 a.m., chair yoga on Wednesday at 12:15 p.m., and Thursday yoga at 10 a.m. each week at the Rose Baker Senior Center. Call 978-281-9765.
Handyman for seniors
The Council on Aging has a new handyman, a retired carpenter, available to help Gloucester and Rockport seniors with inside and outside work at a reduced cost. To make an appointment, call the Rose Baker Senior Center at 978-281-9765 and leave your contact information and a brief description of the work needed.
Bay View Brotherhood
On the second Tuesday of every month, Bay View Brotherhood Club Inc. holds a meeting at Brotherhood Club Hall, 889 Washington St., at 7 p.m.
Rotary Club
Every Tuesday, the Rotary Club meets at 12:15 p.m. at Cruiseport Gloucester.
CAMEN group
Cape Ann Gay and Bi Men, a discussion group, meets every Monday (except holidays) at the Community Center, 67 Middle St., from 7 to 9 p.m. The group plans other social events. Call Brian King at 978-927-4506, ext. 219 or visit www.gbmhp.org.
Homebound services
Sawyer Free Library offers homebound services for residents who need them. Books (large print or regular), magazines, CDs and audio books may be delivered on a monthly basis. Call Cindi at 978-281-9763 x24.
SeniorCare nutrition
SeniorCare serves lunch daily at the senior luncheon centers at 11:30 a.m., Monday through Friday. A $2 donation is requested. For reservations, call the Rose Baker Senior Center at 978-281-0081, Sheedy Park at 978-281-5128 or McPherson Park at 978-283-3141. Meals on Wheels are also available. Call 978-281-1750.
Food stamp screening
The Open Door's food pantry provides food stamps eligibility screenings with a trained outreach coordinator. To make an appointment, call 978-283-6776, ext. 201. Visit www.foodpantry.org.
Parent support group
Cape Ann Families offers a free parent support and education group weekly (ongoing throughout the year) for all parents and caregivers. Parent Connection meets Fridays, 10 to 11:30 a.m., at 29 Emerson Ave. Child care and transportation are provided. Call 978-281-7856 for more information, or drop in.
SeniorCare services
SeniorCare Inc. offers elder services in Beverly, Gloucester, Essex, Hamilton, Ipswich, Manchester, Rockport, Topsfield and Wenham. For more information, call the Intake and Referral Department at 978-281-1750 or toll free at 1-866-927-1050. SeniorCare is a Massachusetts Aging Services Access Point and federally designated Area Agency on Aging. Visit www.seniorcareinc.org.
Republican Committee
The Gloucester Republican City Committee meets on the last Thursday of each month, 7 p.m., at 101 Western Ave. Call Luke Noble at 978-394-1648.
Greasy Pole fund
The St. Peter's Fiesta Committee has a fundraising account to accept donations to rebuild the Greasy Pole, at the Cape Ann Savings Bank. Please note on your donation "Rebuild Greasy Pole Fund," and send to: Cape Ann Savings Bank, P.O. Box 330, Gloucester, MA 01930; or to St. Peter's Fiesta Committee, P.O. Box 3105, Gloucester, MA 01930.
Recovery programs
A variety of recovery programs meets weekly in Gloucester.
Daily — Early Bird recovery meetings, 7 to 8 a.m., Mondays through Sundays, First Baptist Church, 38 Gloucester Ave. Open discussions.
Monday — Alcoholics Anonymous 12 Steps to Freedom, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Veterans' Center, 12 Emerson Ave.
Tuesday — AA for young people, 7 to 8 p.m., Trinity Congregational Church, 70 Middle St. Open speaker discussion.
Wednesday — AA speaker meeting, Fish City Group, St. John's Episcopal Church, Middle Street, 7 to 8 p.m. 508-957-4690.
Friday — Al-Anon Family Group, 7:30 to 8:45 p.m., First Baptist Church, 38 Gloucester Ave.
Saturday — Alcoholics Anonymous "Saturday and Sober" meeting, 9:30 to 11 a.m., Trinity Congregational Church, Middle Street. Open speaker, discussion. Nonsmoking; AA discussion group, 10 to 11:15 a.m., Easler Building, 23 Duncan St.; AA meeting, Union Congregational Church, Magnolia, 8 to 9 p.m.; AA Open Big Book/discussion, nonsmoking, 8 to 9:30 p.m., St. John's Church, 48 Middle St.
Learn to Cope
Learn to Cope, a confidential support group for parents and caregivers struggling with a member of the family who is addicted to opiates or other drugs (opiates include heroin, Oxycontin, Vicodin, Percocet, etc.) meets every Tuesday, 7 to 9 p.m., at Gloucester Family Health Center, 302 Washington St., lower level. Call 508-801-3247 or visit www.learn2cope.org. Sponsored by the Healthy Gloucester Collaborative.
SCORE program
SCORE, a resource partner of the Small Business Administration, offers free business advice and resource information to prospective and existing business owners at Cape Ann Business Incubator (CABI), 33 Commercial St., third floor (side entrance), every Tuesday. Using a three-person team approach, SCORE's accredited counselors help develop a business plan, test the potential of a new business idea or determine the best solution to a business problem. Visit www.scorenemass.org or call 978-282-7779 to make an appointment.
Adult Education
Action Inc's Adult Basic Education classes are on Mondays and Wednesdays, 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Action's main offices, 80 Main St. Classes include reading, writing, math, work skills and referrals to support services as needed. Call 978-282-1000 or visit www.actioninc.org.
GHS building project
The Gloucester High School Carpentry/Electrical shops are accepting applications for a house building project for the 2012-2103 school year. Contact Jack Andrewes at GHS or at jandrewes@gloucester.k12.ma.us.
Narcotics Anonymous
Gloucester meetings of Narcotics Anonymous are as follows:
"Together We Can" meets Sundays, 7 to 8 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church, corner of Pine and Church streets.
"Living Clean" meets Wednesdays, 7:30 to 9 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church, corner of Pine and Church streets.
"Keeping It Real" meets Thursdays, 7:30 to 9 p.m. 5 Center St.
"Fishing for Recovery" meets Fridays, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church, corner of Pine and Church streets.
For more meeting times, visit www.NewEnglandNA.org or call 1-866-624-3578.
Arthritis program
The Council on Aging is sponsoring the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program "Life Improvement Series" at the Rose Baker Senior Center on Monday mornings, from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. This 12-week series is free and is offered by Carol Pallazolla, who is trained by the Arthritis Foundation. To sign up, call 978 281-9765.
Senior art
The Council on Aging art program at the Rose Baker Senior Center is led by art instructor Juni VanDyke. For information about the ongoing weekly art projects on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, at 10 a.m., call 978-281-9765.
Adventure series
The Schooner Adventure lecture series will be held Thursdays, 7 p.m., in the Friend Room, Sawyer Free Library, on the following dates:
Thursday, April 19 — Christopher McGuire, marine program director, The Nature Conservancy, "Ocean Use Planning in New England: Supporting Resilient Ocean Ecosystems and Sustainable Marine Industries."
Thursday, May 17 — Thomas French, Ph.D., assistant director, Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, "Protecting Biodiversity on Northeast Massachusetts."
The series is supported by Cape Ann Insurance Agency Inc. and VarianSEA, and sponsored by Gloucester Adventure. Call 978-281-8079 or email info@schooner-adventure.org.
Reiki for seniors
Reiki masters Dianna Porper and Laura Class offer reiki sessions at the Rose Baker Senior Center at a discounted rate for seniors, on Fridays, 10 a.m. to noon. For an appointment, call 978-281-9765.
Knitting group
The COA knitting and crochet group meets Tuesdays, 10 a.m., at the Rose Baker Senior Center. New members are welcome. Call 978-281-9765.
Senior Scrabble
A friendly group of Scrabble players meets Tuesdays, noon, at the Rose Baker Senior Center. New members are welcome. Call 978-281-9765.
Teen boat building
Maritime Gloucester is currently running a boat building course for high school students with eight weeks of classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Dory Shop. Taught by Geno Mondello, the program offers hands-on experience in laying out, lofting and making full-sized patterns and pieces and assembling and finishing a skiff. No prior experience necessary. The fee is $50, and the course is limited to six participants. To register, call 978-281-0470.
Mall Mondays
A CATA bus departs the Rose Baker Senior Center each Monday morning at 10 a.m. destined for the Liberty Tree and North Shore Malls. Return pick-up time at the mall is 1:30 p.m. Five or more passengers are needed, so call CATA by the Friday afternoon before the trip. For information/registration, call 978 283-7916, or 978-281-9765.
Legion Post open
The Capt. Lester S. Wass American Legion Post 3 opens its lounge for members and guests, Monday through Friday, noon to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Health Expo
The 17th annual Gloucester Health & Wellness Expo will be held Saturday, April 14, 9 a.m. to noon, at Addison Gilbert Hospital, 298 Washington St. Features more than 60 exhibits, food demonstrations and samples, free health screenings, a reiki clinic, Andy-the-Ambulance and more. Hosted by Addison Gilbert Hospital in partnership with the Gloucester Health Department.
Fundraiser dance
Support "Susan's Hope" at its first dance fundraiser to be held Friday, April 13, 7:30 p.m., at the Elks at Bass Rocks, 101 Atlantic Road. Music by the classic rock band Easily Distracted from 8 to 11 p.m. Features a cash bar, silent auction and 50/50 raffle. A $10 donation is requested. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society and the Relay for Life of Cape Ann. Call Stephen Tyler at 978-282-8990 or email Dance@SusansHope.org.
Recognition awards
The Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church's call for nominations for the 2012 community recognition awards is now open. The awards honor 10 volunteers whose work has made outstanding contributions to making Gloucester a better place and whose spirit best reflects the spirit that guides the UU Church. Nominations are due by Friday, April 13, in writing, including the nominee's address, why they should be honored, and contact information of the person making the nomination. There are no age limits. Send to: Gloucester UU Church, 10 Church St., Gloucester, MA 01930, or email gloucesteruu@earthlink.net. Awards will be presented at an event at the church Sunday, May 20.
'50s dance
The Night Prowlers Car Club's annual dance to benefit the Gloucester Fraternity Club's special needs people will be held Saturday, April 21, 7 to 11 p.m., at the GFC, 27 Webster St. Features music by Leo Francis, pizza at 9 p.m., door prizes, a raffle, and a a mystery guest. Admission is $15 per person.
Blue Star Banner
Capt. Lester S. Wass Post 3, American Legion, honors military personnel by presenting the parents of anyone on active duty with a Blue Star Banner. These banners may be obtained by calling 978-283-9710. Leave your name and telephone number and a representative will return your message.
GED preparation
The Compass Youth Program offers GED preparation for ages 16 to 21, through Action Inc. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., throughout the summer. Call 978-281-9682.
Pathways volunteers
Pathways' Cape Ann Families, 29 Emerson Ave., seeks men and women to volunteer as parent mentors. The program has been running for 20 years, serving parents of the Cape Ann community who are experiencing stress or isolation. Volunteers are matched with parents, beginning year-long mentorships/friendships. Contact Hailey Granger at 978-281-2400, ext. 110, or hgranger@pw4c.org.
NAMI support groups
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) hosts recovery support groups for persons suffering depression or other brain disorders and their families on the first Wednesday of each month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and third Thursdays from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at 43 Gloucester Ave. Call 978-281-1557, email namicapeann@comcast.net or visit www.namicapeann.org.
Entrepreneurial seminar
Cape Ann Business Incubator's Center for Entrepreneurial Development holds free lunchtime workshops for business owners and entrepreneurs every Wednesday, noon to 1 p.m., at 33 Commercial St. Topics include an introduction to bookkeeping, financial management, how to secure financing and more. To RSVP, call Desmond at 978-540-9977, ext. 101.
Volunteers needed
SeniorCare Inc.'s "Meals on Wheels" program is in need of volunteer drivers to deliver noon-time meals to homebound seniors. Hot meals are fully prepared and packaged for delivery. Volunteers may volunteer for one morning a week or more. Call Linnea or Paula at 1-866-927-1050 or 978-281-1750, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Walking Club
The Rose Baker Senior Center's walking club needs a volunteer leader. Free training will prepare leaders on recruiting walkers to join the club, and understanding the benefits of walking. Call 978-281-9765.
Pathways playgroups
Pathways for Children hosts parent and child play groups Mondays, 10 to 11:30 a.m., at its Cape Ann Families play space, 8 Emerson Ave. Parents, caregivers and children, from birth to age 5, are welcome. Contact Amy Larsen at 978-281-2400, ext. 120, or alarsen@pw4c.org.
Open Door Pantry
The Open Door Food Pantry, 28R Emerson Ave., provides free food assistance Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 6 to 7 p.m.; Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 to 7 p.m.; and Friday, 10 a.m. to noon and 3 to 5 p.m. Valid ID required. Call 978-283-6776 or visit www.foodpantry.org.
Books sought
Gloucester United Methodist Church, 436 Washington St., is raising money through donations of new and used books, CDs, DVDs, records and audio books. The church has a drop-off donation container to collect these items. The church will be paid on an ongoing basis for all items collected in the donation container. The program is an ongoing fundraiser and donations can be made by the public at any time. All funds raised benefit the general funding of the church. Visit www.GotBooks.com.
Paperless poetry
April is National Poetry Month, and the Lyceum at the Sawyer Free Library is holding its 10th annual Poetry Without Paper, an online contest for all levels of students living in Gloucester, regardless of whether they attend Gloucester schools. Prizes include a book of poetry, savings bonds, a certificate of recognition and publication of winning poems. Contest runs from now until April 30. A presentation ceremony, hosted by Mayor Carolyn Kirk, will be held Thursday, June 7, 7 p.m., at the library. Visit www.sawyerfreelibary.org.
Family solutions
Parents and caregivers of children, age birth through age five, are welcome to join a six-week parent education workshop, "Positive Solutions for Families," on Tuesdays, April 24-May 29, 5:30 to 7 p.m., at 29 Emerson Ave. Learn why children do what they do, how play is a powerful parenting practice and strategies to promote positive behavior. Childcare and dinner provided. To register, contact Amy at alarsen@pw4c.org or 978-281-2400, ext. 120.
Friends book sale
The Friends of the Sawyer Free Library will hold its annual book sale Friday and Saturday, June 8 and 9, and needs donations of the following items: hardcover and paperbacks in clean, presentable condition published within the last five years for fiction and 10 years for nonfiction. No dated encyclopedia sets, informational reference materials, Reader's Digest condensed literature, or textbooks. Recent magazines, music CDs, videos in VHS and DVD format are welcome. Call John Prybot at 978-281-9763, ext. 24.
BankGloucester's 125th anniversary
BankGloucester is celebrating its 125th anniversary with special events throughout this year, starting with a customer appreciation day Friday, April 13. Come by the bank from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., to enjoy refreshments and enter a free raffle to win an iPad2. For details about this and other upcoming events, visit www.BankGloucester.com.
