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 Times 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.

Catmobile reservations

The Catmobile, operated by the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society and staffed by a licensed veterinarian and two veterinary technicians, will be parked at Gloucester Crossing in Gloucester on Friday, Aug. 31. The Catmobile offers low cost spay neuter for cats only. The package consists of spay/neuter, rabies vaccinations, exam, nail trim, treatment for fleas and ear mites. Cost is $100 for spay package, $75 for neuter package, $50 for kittens four months and younger. The package is available to anyone and there is no qualification process. Reservations are required; visit www.catmobile.org or call 978-465-1940.

Theater in the Pines

Theater in the Pines celebrates its 25th anniversary season with its 18th production “Lend Me A Tenor” by Ken Ludwig at the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport, on Friday, Sept. 14, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 15, 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 16, 2 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the door or at Toad Hall Bookstore in Rockport and The Bookstore in Gloucester, or by calling Rockport Music at 978-546-7391.

Political Theater Festival

The second annual Tragabigzanda Political Theater Festival will take place Aug. 16-Sept. 2, at The Annie, 1 Washington St. The short plays have been written locally about local topics. A discussion will follow. Featured plays include “You Are My Sunshine,” developed in collaboration with The Postpartum Task Force of the North Shore and directed by Henry Allen; “Unexpected,” written and directed by Carson afKlinteberg; and “In A Birds Eye,” directed by Henry Allen; book, music and lyrics by Mary Janus; and additional music by Timothy “Cowboy” Bagley. Show times are at 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students/seniors. For tickets, call 978-381-4373, email Tickets@TheAnnieArts.org. Visit TheAnnie.org.

Dog licenses

Dog licenses are now available at the Gloucester City Clerk’s Office on Monday to Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cost is $22.50 per dog, if paying in person, and $23.50, if paying by mail. Payment can be made by cash or check. Rabies vaccination certificates must be presented at the time of registration. A $10 late fee is no imposed. Call 978-281-9720.

Military families

Gloucester military family members may call the Gloucester Office of Veterans’ Services at 978-281-9740 to register their active-duty family members. Military members’ names will be announced during upcoming city ceremonies.

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 theater arts program. Prerequisites include participation in high school drama programs and involvement in one CAST production. For an application, contact Ray Jenness at kjenness045@netzero.com or 73 High St., Rockport, MA 01966.

Friday night bingo

Bingo is held in the St. Ann Church hall, 74 Pleasant St., Friday nights at 6:30. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Anyone 18 and older is invited. Proceeds support school and parish programs. Call 978-281-4820.

Morning meditation

Teachers from the ACI-Cape Ann Buddhist Center will conduct silent meditations and discussion on Sundays, at 222 Arts & Wellness Center, 222 Eastern Ave. The first meditation runs from 9 to 9:30 a.m., followed by a tea break with discussion, or if you wish, a walk through the woods, before the second half-hour meditation session starts at 10 a.m. Chairs and yoga equipment are available; please arrive early, so all will be quiet for the start of the first meditation session. Donations are gratefully appreciated. Email mkdyer@juno.com.

Homebuyers workshop

The Cape Ann Homeownership Center is offering a First Time Homebuyers Workshop hosted by the Gloucester Housing Authority at 259 Washington St., Gloucester, on Aug. 7 and 8, 14 and 15. The four nights of classes are from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Topics include credit scores, safe mortgages, home inspections, legal issues, and more. Class size is limited and expected to fill quickly. The cost is $55. Preregister online at; www.ghama.com, or call Kathy Erkkila at 978-281-4770 ext. 110, or stopping by the office.

Rummage sale

St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1123 Washington St. will hold a rummage sale Saturday, Aug. 4, from 9 a.m. to noon. Also, the 41st annual yard sale is on Aug. 18. Choose from good quality women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, accessories and shoes. Books, puzzles and CDs, DVDs and tapes will also be available. Gently used donations accepted at the church.

Support group

Pathways for Children offers free monthly drop-in parent support group meetings for Cape Ann families of children with special needs. Preregistration is necessary if child care is needed in order to attend. Meetings are on the fourth Thursday of the month, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Pathways, 29 Emerson Ave. Call Cheryl De Primio at 978-281-6920.

Peer support training

The Northeast Recovery Learning Community (NERLC) provides peer-run support and services to people with psychiatric disabilities throughout the North Shore and Merrimack Valley, and are training facilitators for peer-run self-help meetings on Cape Ann. If you are interested, there will be a training session from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 48 Middle St., Gloucester. (parking at 47 Washington St.). The NERLC offers recovery-oriented, trauma informed care and culturally sensitive peer support, both in group settings and on an individual basis. Call Vida Whitcomb or Pablo Leon at 978-687-4288, or email: vwhitcomb@nilp.org, or pleon@nilp.org.

‘Rule of Four’

Cape Ann Museum has extended its popular exhibition, “Rule of Four: Highlights from the Permanent Collection,” through the summer. The exhibit features works by 20 artists and craftsmen who have worked on Cape Ann and spotlights works in the museum’s growing contemporary collection with an emphasis on recent acquisitions. The museum, located at 27 Pleasant St., is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays, 1 to 4 p.m. Adults, $10; Cape Ann residents, students and seniors, $8; Children under 12 and members, free.

GHS Class of 2007

The Gloucester High School Class of 2007 will hold its five-year reunion Saturday, Aug. 11, 8 p.m., aboard the Hurricane II (Cape Ann Whale Watch, 415 Main St., Gloucester). Entertainment will be provided by DJ Lopic. For tickets, visit www.ghs2007.eventbrite.com. Contact Fitz Lufkin at 978-836-1299 or fitzlufkin@gmail.com.

Gloucester preschool

The Gloucester Integrated Preschool, which provides developmentally appropriate early education services for children age 3 to 4, is accepting applications for a limited number of fall openings. All children must take part in early developmental screenings. Sessions are four days a week, Monday to Thursday; morning sessions are 8:30 to 11 a.m., afternoons are noon to 2:30 p.m., and full days are 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For more information, call 978-281-9848.

Free flying lessons

For father and sons, father and daughters, the sky really is the limit when you learn to fly radio-controlled model airplanes. The lessons are free at Good Harbor Beach parking lot June 1 to Sept. 30, weekday evenings from 6 p.m. to sundown. Everything you need to llearn to fly radio and model airplanes is provided at no cost to students. If anyone would like to volunteer, we could use your help. For more information, call Lou Pascucci at 978-283-4904.

Buddhism salon

Want to know what a Buddhist practice is? How others maintain a daily practice? Share your thoughts and questions with teacher Mary Kay Dyer from Rockport’s Asian Classics Institute, and senior student and practitioner Elizabeth McLindon, on the fourth Sunday of every month at a new time, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at the 222 Wellness Center, 222 Eastern Ave. For more information, call Mary Kay Dyer at 978-283-8857, or email: mkdyer47@juno.com. Elizabeth McLindon may be reached at 978-879-9159, or by email at: eam@elizabethmclindon.com

Business advice

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 and call 978-282-7779 to make an appointment.

Drug outreach

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 (lower level), 302 Washington St., Gloucester, Wednesdays from noon to 5 p.m. Call 978-236-0251.

Cell phones for soldiers

Gloucester High School collects old cell phones for overseas troops. No cords, batteries or any other accessories are needed. Phones may be dropped off at the GHS ROTC office. Call Rick at 978-281-9870 x1212.

AWANA Kids Club

AWANA is a Christian kids club mixing fun games and activities with thoughtful devotions and Bible memorization. Open to preschool children through grade six, meeting Wednesdays, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at Cape Ann Bible Church, 8 Thompson St. Call 978-281-3941.

ESOL at the library

Wellspring Adult Learning Center provides ESOL courses at Sawyer Free Library, with free tutoring and small group classes in English for non-native speakers. The center is open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Thursday nights, 5:30 to 8. Walk-ins welcome. Call 978-281-9763, ext. 23.

Class of 1972

Gloucester High School Class of 1972 will hold a reunion on Friday, Aug. 17, at 7 p.m. at the Gloucester House Restaurant, with a buffet, live entertainment, and a photo booth. Cost is $35 per person. There will be no mailing, so please pass along this information to other classmates. Call Natalie at 978-879-7673, or Kathy at 978-283-7939.

Ferrini’s friends

In honor of Vincent Ferrini’s 100th anniversary, in June 2013, the Gloucester Writers Center is planning on publishing a collection of his poems. Throughout his life, the city’s former poet laureate sent many poems to local friends and colleagues. Inspired by events of the moment, they came from his heart, and “off the top of his head.” If you have a poem that Vincent Ferrini sent you, please send a copy to the Gloucester Writers Center, 126 East Main St., Gloucester, MA 01930, with a note about yourself and the occasion of the poem.

Annisquam auction

The Annisquam Village Church is running its third annual on-line auction with more items, more donors and more variety. The auction supports the ministries, maintenance and ever-expanding community outreach of the growing church. Over 145 items have been donated by artists, individuals and businesses on Cape Ann and beyond. Bid on sports tickets, local art, jewelry, travel opportunities, restaurant gift certificates, whale watches, landscaping, and more. Go to www.BiddingForGood.com/avc.

Bible camp

The Orthodox Congreagational Church in Lanesville, 1120 Washington St., will offer a free Backyard Bible Camp, for children ages 5 to 10, Aug. 6 to 10, from 9 a.m. to noon. Camp features Bible activities, games, crafts and snacks. Visit www.lanesvillechurch.org, email backyard@lanesvillechurch.org or call 978-283-2345.

Partners for AGH

Partners for Addison Gilbert Hospital will meet Thursday, Aug. 9, 6:30 p.m., in the Friend Room, Sawyer Free Library. Alan Sager of Boston University School of Public Health will present “Save Addison Gilbert — The Right Hospital in the Right Place.” Email pego56@comcast.net or call 978-283-9911.

Absentee voting

Absentee voting is now open in the city clerk’s office during regular business hours (Monday to Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) for the State Primary Election to be held Thursday, Sept. 6. Absentee voting is for voters unable to get to the polls on election day. Mailing of ballots available to those voters who are homebound or away. A family member can fill out a request form, or a request for a ballot can be mailed to 9 Dale Ave. Absentee voting closes Sept. 5, at noon. The last day to register to vote or make changes to voter registration is Friday, Aug. 17 (office open until 8 p.m. this day). Call 978-281-9720.

Entrepreneur Seminar

The Family Business Association will present an educational seminar, “How Entrepreneurship Keeps Family Business Competitive in a Changing Business Environment,” sponsored by BankGloucester, with ideas and strategies adaptable for business owners to help grow their businesses in the changing economic environment. Join local business owners serving as guest panelists at a buffet dinner at the Gloucester House on Tuesday, Aug. 7, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. The event fee is $35 and seating is limited; for reservations, contact Liz Pratt at lpratt@fbaedu.com or call 617-218-2077. Visit www.fbaedu.com or call Patrick Thorpe at 978-283-8200.

Over the Rainbow

Bubbles and Bites at Beauport, a fundraiser to benefit the Over the Rainbow Coalition, is Thursday, Aug. 16, at 6 p.m., at the Beauport Mansion on Eastern Point Boulevard. Sponsored by North Shore Elder Services and the Over the Rainbow Coalition, all proceeds from the event support the outreach work of the coalition to assist gay, lesbian and transgender elders on the North Shore. Tickets are $75. For tickets or more information, visit: www.beauport2012.eventbrite.com, or call 978-750-4540.

Summer reading

The Childrens Library at Sawyer Free Library is now into its summer reading program, “Dream Big ... Read!,” with special activities and lots of great books. Visit or call the Children’s Library at 978-281-9763 x18.

Music auditions

The Northeast Massachusetts Youth Orchestras is holding auditions throughout the summer for the 2012-2013 concert season. An additional audition date has been set for Friday, Aug. 24, at Ipswich High School. Musicians who are not available on that date can be accommodated for an alternate time during the summer. Music students from throughout the region are invited to register to audition for any of the ensembles NMYO offers: Symphony Orchestra, high school musicians; Wind Ensemble, advanced high school wind players; Intermezzo Orchestra, middle school level musicians; Overture and Prelude Orchestras, elementary and middle school string students seeking early ensemble experience; Junior Flute Choir, middle school flutists; Flute Choir, high school flutists;- Select Flute Choir, advanced high school flutists; Auditions for all ensembles will be held on this date.

Teen mentoring

Are you a high school student aged 16 and older who’d like to make a difference in a child’s life from your own community? Join the Pathways for Children Teen Mentoring Program. Volunteer mentors are matched with children, ages 5 to 12, who could benefit from a positive role model. A 12-week training in the fallContact Hailey Granger at 978-281-2400 x110 or hgranger@pw4c.org.

Waterfront tours

This summer, from July to September, the Gloucester Schooner Adventure History Sharing Program is conducting 90-minute narrated walking tours of the working harbor every Saturday, at 10 a.m., starting at the Fishermen’s Memorial. Bring comfy shoes and prepare to walk back in time! Cost is $5 per person. Call 978-281-8079 or visit www.schooner-adventure.org.

Historic harbor tour

On Friday, Aug. 10, the Gloucester Schooner Adventure will host a narrated historic harbor cruise of Gloucester’s waterfront from 6 to 8 p.m. Cost is $25 per person advance purchase; $30 at the door. For more information, call 978-281-8079, or visit www.schooner-adventure.org.

Open Door meals

On Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, the Open Door Food Pantry, 28R Emerson Ave., serves a family-style meal from 5 to 6 p.m., and Sundays, 4 to 5 p.m. Call 978-283-6776 x204, for a free van ride. Visit www.foodpantry.org.

GHS Class of 1942

The Gloucester High School Class of 1942 will celebrate its 70th reunion Friday, Aug. 31, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., at the Gloucester House restaurant. To RSVP, call Kay Schuster at 978-283-8719 or Charlotte Michon at 978-283-6667 by Aug. 8.

Pet adoptions

Cape Ann Animal Aid has moved to its new home at 4 Paws Lane, off Route 133, near the junction with Route 128. The shelter holds an Overlooked Pets Adoption Day on the third Thursday of every month. Adoption fees are reduced and are completed on a first-come, first-served basis, and all regular adoption requirements apply. Photos and fees will be posted on the shelter’s website, www.CapeAnnAnimalAid.com, monthly. Call 978-283-6055.

Weight loss clinic

Cape Ann Weight Loss Clinic provides a program based on individual goals, determined through health assessment. Fitness director Nicole Bembridge helps implement your five week program, with nutritional guidance and motivation. Classes are one hour and 15 minutes and includes unlimited email and phone contact. Contact Nicole Bembridge, 978-283-0470, or bembridgen@northshoreymca.org.

North Shore Friends

Every Sunday, the North Shore Friends (Quakers) meet at 10 a.m. Call 978-283-4585.

Northern Essex WIC

Northern Essex WIC (Women, Infants and Children) is a program providing nutrition and health education, healthy food and other services free to Massachusetts families who qualify. The Gloucester office is in the Gloucester Family Health Center, 302 Washington St.

Drivers needed

The Rose Baker Senior Center assists senior citizens in need of transportation to medical appointments. Drivers are needed for local rides to Addison Gilbert Hospital, the Cape Ann Medical Center, other local medical offices, as well as Beverly Hospital, Lahey Clinic and hospitals in Boston. A mileage stipend is provided. Call Bruce at 978-281-9765.

VNA Care Network

VNA Care Network, a nonprofit home health care, hospice and wellness provider, provides stipends to women with breast cancer who need financial assistance for medications, co-payments, transportation to treatment and services to help increase access to treatment and support recovery. Women must be residents of eastern or central Massachusetts to qualify. This program is funded by a grant from the Massachusetts Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Call Joan Schaefer at 888-663-3688 x1264, or email jschaefer@vnacarenetwork.org.

Clothes Closet

The Clothes Closet, in the basement of St. Ann School, corner of Prospect and Pleasant streets, is open Saturdays, from 9 a.m.. to 1 p.m. This 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.

AGH volunteers

Addison Gilbert Hospital needs volunteers. Positions are available in the hospital’s gift shop for all shifts, including days, evenings and weekends. The Volunteer Department provides training for the position, free parking, meal vouchers for the hospital’s cafe and gift shop discount. Call 978-922-3000, x2307.

GED help

Wellspring House Education Center, 302 Essex Ave., offers a free, drop-in GED skills session every Saturday, 9 to 11 a.m. Learn and practice GED skills in math, reading and writing; take practice tests; get tips on taking the test that will help you pass; and learn how to deal with stress and anxiety. Call 978-281-3558, x302.

Medical insurance help

For seniors and low-income residents needing help with health insurance forms or information, SHINE counselor Sefatia Romeo is at the Rose Baker Senior Center on Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Call the Council on Aging at 978-281-9765 to schedule an appointment.

Free blood pressure screenings

Free blood pressure screenings are offered each week here:

Mondays, 1 to 3 p.m., Women’s Health Center, Addison Gilbert Hospital. Appointments not necessary. Not held on Monday holidays.

Wednesdays, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Rose Baker Senior Center.

Free HIV/AIDS testing

Every Friday, free HIV/AIDS testing is held from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Addison Gilbert Hospital, third floor. Use the Washington Street entrance. No appointment is necessary. Call Mayra Rivera at 978-853-8633.

Knitting, crocheting group

Every Tuesday, a group meets to knit and crochet items for veterans and other worthy causes, 10 a.m. to noon, at Rose Baker Senior Center. Donations of yarn are always accepted. New members are welcome to join. Stop in or call the Council on Aging at 978-281-9765.

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

The Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at 12:15 p.m. at Cruiseport Gloucester.

Memorial bricks

The Gloucester World War II Memorial Committee is accepting requests for memorial bricks. For an appointment, call Lucia at the Veterans’ Center office at 978-281-9740. Bring a copy of the veteran’s discharge papers and a check for $200 for the perpetual care of the memorial.

Military Family Support

The Cape Ann Military Family Support Group meets at 7 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at the Major Fred W. Ritvo Veterans Center, 12 Emerson Ave. in Gloucester. Those with family and friends serving in the military are welcome to attend. Those wishing to attend to support our military by working on special projects are also invited; all are welcome. Refreshments served.

Parent mentors

Pathways’ Cape Ann Families is seeking men and women to volunteer as parent mentors. This program has served stressed and isolated parents of the Gloucester and Cape Ann Community for 20 years. Volunteers participate in a five-week Winter Parent Mentor Training, after which each will be matched with a parent, starting a year-long mentorship and friendship. Contact Hailey Granger at 978-281-2400, ext. 110, or email hgranger@pw4c.org.