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. Items can also be dropped off at the police station. Please include a contact person's name and numbers.

Planning Board

On Thursday, April 5, the Rockport Planning Board invites prospective write-in candidates to meet and chat with board members, and tour the office in the Town Hall Annex, on Thursday, April 5, from 7 to 7:30 p.m. There is one open seat on the Planning Board up for election May 8. The Board's regular meeting, which is open to the public, will take place after the Open House at 7:30 p.m. For information, call Barbara Sparks, 978-546-9098.

Tennis registration

Rockport Recreation Department Tennis Registration is April 12, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Rockport Elementary Cafeteria. For more information, call Caitlin Chandler at 978-290-4343.

Pigeon Cove Circle

Pigeon Cove Circle members will meet at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 10, with lunch at 12:30 p.m. The board meets at 10:30 a.m

T-Ball

The Rockport Recreation Department T Ball Program is holding Signups for children grades K-2 on Saturday. April 28, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at Evans Field. Admission is $20 for 6 weeks. For more information, call Caitlin Chandler at 978-546-1309.

Jewelry Class

Joanne Wood of Rockport will provide a free jewelry class at the Rockport Senior Center, 58 Broadway, Rockport, on Thursday, April 19, from 1 to 3 p.m. Participants may choose the jewelry they'd like to make and may keep the item at the end of the class at no cost. Pre-registration is requested by phone at 978-546-2573. All are welcome.

Life's a laugh!

The Rockport Council on Aging and Den Mar Rehabilitation and Nursing Center are co-sponsoring comedian Mel Simons at the Rockport Senior Center, 58 Broadway, on Friday, May 4, at 7 p.m. for an evening of comedy & music. The $5 admission includes complimentary dessert and coffee served from 6 to 6:45 p.m.. Pre-reservations required by phone; call Diane Bertolino at 978-5460-2573.

Maundy Thursday

As part of its Easter celebration, the Rockport Baptist Church, 4 High St., invites the Cape Ann community to the following events: a Maunday Thursday Tenebrae Service on Thursday, April 5, at 7 p.m.; a Good Friday prayer vigil from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Friday, April 6; sunrise service at the Rockport Headlands at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 8, and Easter service on Sunday, April 8, at 10:30 a.m. For more information, visit: FirstBaptistRockport.Org. or call 978-546-6121.

Tennis registration

Rockport Recreation Department's tennis registration is May 1, from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Rockport Elementary Cafeteria. For more information, call Caitlin Chandler at 978-290-4343.

Annalivia

The Annalivia string folk band will give a free community concert at the Shalin Liu Performance Center on Wednesday, April 4, at 7 p.m. Join these virtuoso musicians for a rich exploration of folk, bluegrass, old time, Irish, Scottish, and Norwegian music, played on guitar, fiddle, banjo and bass. This concert concludes a two-day residency in the Rockport and Gloucester public schools; a post-concert reception with the artists will follow the concert, and all are welcome! The Shalin Liu is located at 37 Main St., Rockport.

DAR program

The Cape Ann Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will hold a program on Tuesday, April 10, at the Rockport Police Station, Main Street, at 1 p.m. All are welcome to hear Kim Smith — author, illustrator, garden/interior designer, and conservationist. For more information, visit: www. kimsmithdesigns.com.

Open Door bowls

On Wednesday, April 18, the Open Door invites guests to help paint and decorate pottery bowls in a free event from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Rockport Council of Aging, located at the Rockport Community House, 58 Broadway. All are welcome; children and adults. Space is limited, so registration is required at: 978-546-2573.

Empty Bowl dinner

The Open Door/Cape Ann Food Pantry's annual Empty Bowl Dinner will be held at Cruiseport Gloucester on Thursday, May 10, from 4 to 8 p.m. The meal is simple; soup, bread and cookie. Guests may choose and keep a hand-crafted "empty bowl" as an unspoken reminder of all those whose bowls are empty.

Balance Screening

The Center for Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine of Addison Gilbert Hospital is offering a free balance screening at the Rockport Senior Center, 58 Broadway, on April 26, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Two physical therapists will be screening participants for fall-risk on a first-come, first serve-basis. Appointments are not necessary; screenings take about 15 minutes. All are welcome. Register at the Rockport Senior Center, or call 978-236-1650.

Tennis registration

The Rockport Recreation Department will hold tennis registration on May 1, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Rockport Elementary Cafeteria. For more information, call Caitlin Chandler at 978-546-1309

Good Friday at the UU

The Unitarian Universalist Society of Rockport, 4 Cleaves St., will hold a Good Friday service on Friday evening, April 6, at 7 p.m. The service addresses the dark side of life — pain and loss; dying and death. We are a community whose roots are in the Christian liberal tradition. While Jesus is not our Lord and Savior, his death and lasting influence on our culture are worthy of remembrance. The service will be filled with beautiful music and poetry, and time for reflection of our own losses. Please join us.

Republican Town Committee

The Rockport Republican Town Committee will meet Wednesday, April 11, 7 p.m., in the Rockport Police Station conference room, Main Street, to re-organize the Republican Town Committee and to discuss other committee business. The positions of chair, vice chair, secretary and treasurer will be voted on. All registered Republicans are welcome. Call Mike Boucher at 978-500-0715.

Boating course

A seven-week boating course, approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard and the state of Massachusetts, will be offered Tuesdays, 7 to 9 p.m., at the Sandy Bay Yacht Club, beginning May 1. The 14-hour introductory course is for both sail and power boaters. Topics include: navigation rules, chart work, GPS, marine radio, boat handling and trailering. Successfully completing the course meets the educational requirements for boat operation in all states. The course is free, but student materials cost $50 and may be shared. Open to all adults and children over 12, on a first-come basis. To register, call 978-546-3221.

Egg hunt

The Rockport community egg hunt will take place Saturday, April 7, 2 p.m., at Millbrook Meadow.

Adult soccer

The Rockport Recreation Department is sponsoring an Adult Indoor Soccer Program on Tuesday nights, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Rowell Gymnasium at Rockport High School. Cost is $20 for 6 weeks. For more information, call Caitlin at 546-1309 or email: Caitlin@rockportrecreation.com.

Balance screening

The Center for Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine of Addison Gilbert Hospital is offering free balance screenings at the Rockport Senior Center on April 26, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Two physical therapists will conduct 15 minute balance screenings, on a first-come first serve-basis; no appointments. Screening will assess for some, but not all factors contributing to fall risk. All are welcome. Please register at the Rockport Senior Center or call 978-236-1650.

Theater workshops

Theater Pie Workshops will present "Mark Twain's Boys," a theater workshop for boys in grades one through four, Monday, March 12-April 30, 3:30 to 5:15 p.m., at the Unitarian Universalist Society, 4 Cleaves St. Adventures from the tales of Mark Twain will be played into short scenes through imagination, creative story telling, story construction and invention without a script. A show will be held Monday, April 30, at 5 p.m. Cost is $68. To register, email Dona Lambert at donalambert1@gmail.com.

Bible Group

Every Wednesday morning the Rockport Baptist Church holds a free Bible discussion group from 9:30 to 11 a.m. During the winter of 2012 the group is studying the book of Exodus. Anyone from the community is welcome to join this discussion group. For more information, call 978-546-6121, or visit: FirstBaptistRockport.org

Arts scholarship

The Cape Ann Shakespeare Troupe has established a $500 scholarship to be awarded to a Cape Ann high school senior who has been accepted to a college theatre arts program. Prerequisites include participation in high school drama programs and involvement in one CAST production. For more information and applications, contact Ray Jenness, President of Cape Ann Shakespeare Troupe at: kjenness045@netzero.com. Or: 73 High Street, Rockport MA 01966.

Fitness classes

The Rockport Recreation Department offers these classes:

Sunrise Pilates/Yoga class meets Mondays and Wednesdays, 7 to 8 a.m., Rockport Community House, Broadway, Feb. 13-April 4. Bring a yoga mat. Cost is $50 for 12 classes, $5/first time drop in fee.

Cardio Fusion class meets Tuesdays, 9:15 to 10 a.m., Rockport Community House. Bring light weights, yoga mat and water, Feb. 7-March 6. Cost is $25 for five weeks.

Adult indoor soccer, for anyone 18 and over, meets Mondays, 7 to 9 p.m., Rockport High School gym, Feb. 27-April 2. Cost is $20 for six weeks.

Call 978-546-1309, visit www.rockportrecreation.com or email caitlin@rockporecreation.com.

Youth groups

The First Baptist Church of Rockport welcomes all area youth to its weekly Middle School and High School Fellowship Groups. The Middle School group meets at 6 p.m. and the high school group at 7:30 p.m. Call 978-546-6121 or visit www.FirstBaptistRockport.org.

Story time

Story time, for children ages 3 to 5, is held every Tuesday, 10 a.m., in the Brenner Friends Room, Rockport Public Library. Doors open at 9:45 a.m. for preschoolers and their parents. The 45-minute program includes storytelling and a short film. The program runs through April 26. Call 978-546-6934.

RAA classes

The Rockport Art Association, 12 Main St., offers these classes and sketch groups in its studio:

Figure sketch group (short pose) meets Mondays, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Model takes several short poses progressing to 20 minutes. No instruction. $10. Meets year-round. No preregistration required. Peter DeNigris monitors. 508-662-9985.

Figure sketch group (long pose) meets Thursdays, 1 to 4 p.m. Adequate time to study subject and complete works of art. All mediums. No instruction. $10. No preregistration. Fred Jillson monitors. 978-281-5144.

Drivers for seniors

RSVP Volunteers of the North Shore seeks volunteer medical transportation drivers. SeniorCare is in need of volunteers from Gloucester and Rockport for local and out-of-town appointments. Volunteers choose when and how often they drive. Drivers are compensated. Call 978-281-1750.

History museum

The Sandy Bay Historical Society museum on King Street is open Mondays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., for research. Cost is $5 for nonmembers, free for members. Tours of the museum are also offered.

Girl Scouts

To celebrate 100 years of scouting, the Girl Scouts of St. Ann are looking for photos, videos and memories that show what being a Girl Scout means. Help make a program that shows what Cape Ann Girl Scouts have accomplished over the past century. For more information, or to volunteer a donation, email Rhonda Ryan-Nelson at rhonaryannelson@hotmail.com.

Tai Ji class

A tai ji class is held every Wednesday, 9 to 10:30 a.m., at Rockport Senior Center, on the second floor of the Community House. Taught by Meredith Morgan, the class is appropriate for beginners as well as those who have done tai ji in the past. Tai ji is a gentle movement class that benefits health and well-being.

Meditation class

The Vajramudra Center, 154 Granite Street, holds free weekly meditation teaching and practice on Tuesdays, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Call Larry Wolf at 617-869-0666.

Scholarship fund

The Linda Wieditz Scholarship Fund is accepting donations. A scholarship, given in memory of the much beloved music teacher in the Rockport Public Schools, is presented at the Rockport High School graduation each year to one or more graduates pursuing music studies in higher education. Checks, made payable to the "Linda Wieditz Memorial Scholarship," should be mailed to: Linda Wieditz Memorial Scholarship, P.O. Box 191, Rockport, MA 01966.

Casting Shakespeare

The Cape Ann Shakespeare Troupe is casting for its fifth annual "Shakespeare Celebration" to commemorate the bard's birth date — April 23, 1564. The program consists of scenes from plays, sonnets and songs; this year's theme is clowns and comedy. Performances are April 27, 28 at the Rockport Congregational Church's Old Sloop Coffeehouse, 12 School St. Anyone interested should contact Joseph Stiliano at: cast2008@prodigy.net.

Pathways volunteers

Pathways' Cape Ann Families 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.

Video Club for teens

Cape Ann TV is enrolling middle and high school students in its After School Video Club. The program, led by staff member Lisa Smith, meets Tuesdays, 3 to 5 p.m., at Cape Ann TV Studio, 38 Blackburn Center. Throughout the school year, students learn both studio and field production, brainstorm scripts, produce short creative videos, and produce interview style programming. Students develop hands-on experience with equipment and learn all aspects of video production. All club-produced programming will be aired on Channel 12. The $20 fee includes a year's membership to CATV. To register, contact Lisa Smith at 978-281-2443 or: lsmith@CapeAnnTV.org.

Musicians sought

Rockport Legion Band, a community band founded in 1932, is a non-audition musical group that plays all year, and is looking for competent musicians who play traditional concert band instruments. Players who played well in high school or college, but have "lapsed" are especially welcome. To attend a rehearsal, email rockportband@gmail.com or call 978-546-6199. The band rehearses Thursdays, 7:30 p.m., at the American Legion Hall on Beach Street, Rockport. Visit www.rockportlegionband.wordpress.com.

Library home delivery

Rockport Public Library offers outreach services for local homebound residents. The outreach librarian delivers regular, large-print and audio books as well as periodicals and videos. Call 978-546-6934.

Rental, mortgage aid

Action Inc. has rental and mortgage assistance (TBRA/MBRA) money available from Rockport's Community Preservation Act (CPA) to help Rockport families and individuals facing financial hardships in keeping their housing. Call Stella at 978-282-1000, ext. 115, to check eligibility status.

Recovery programs

A variety of recovery programs meet weekly in Rockport.

Sunday — Alcoholics Anonymous "Women in Recovery" 2 to 3 p.m., First Congregational Church, School Street.

Monday — Alcoholics Anonymous, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 24 Broadway.

Tuesday — Alcoholics Anonymous step meeting, noon to 1 p.m., First Baptist Church of Rockport, 2 High St.; Alcoholics Anonymous, 7:30 p.m., First Congregational Church, School Street.

Wednesday — Al-Anon group, 7:30 p.m., First Baptist Church of Rockport, 2 High St., for friends and relatives of people with alcoholism.

Thursday — Alcoholics Anonymous closed book meeting, noon to 1 p.m., Rockport Baptist Church, 2 High St. Alcoholics Anonymous "Men in Recovery" men's speaker discussion meeting, 7:30 p.m., United Methodist Church.

Friday — Alcoholics Anonymous, noon to 1 p.m., First Baptist Church of Rockport, 2 High St.

Saturday — Alcoholics Anonymous, 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., First Baptist Church of Rockport, 2 High St. (in July). AA meets at the First Congregational Church, School Street, the rest of the year.

Church lift

The First Baptist Church of Rockport offers free rides to church every Sunday for anyone living on Cape Ann. If you are interested in catching a ride contact the church at 978-546-6121 or FirstBaptistRockport.Org

'Power of the Purse'

The Women's Fund of Essex County will host its fourth annual "Power of the Purse" fundraising event Wednesday, April 4, 6 to 9 p.m., at Brookwood School in Manchester. The event will include hors d'oeuvres and wine, and a raffle featuring chances to win distinctive purses and bags donated by renowned designers and retailers. All proceeds fund special projects and annual grant awards made by The Women's Fund throughout Essex County. Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 at the door. Visit www.thewomensfundec.org.

Amateur radio license course

The Cape Ann Amateur Radio Association will offer a "Tech in a Day" course, for those who wish to earn the FCC Tecnician Class Amateur Radio License, on Saturday, April 28, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Lanesville Community Center, 8 Vulcan St., Gloucester. To sign up, email Stan Stone at techinaday@caara.net. Visit www.caara.net.