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

Night critters

The Sawyer Free Children’s Library presents “Creatures of the Night” this Wednesday, Aug. 8, at 10:30 a.m. in the Friend Room. This live animal show includes a fruit bat, an armadillo, a chinchilla, a 4-eyed opposum, a legless lizard, a gecko, a scorpion, and a python, and is free of charge and open to the pubic. For more information, call 978-281-9763.

Sea creations

On Monday, Aug. 13 and Wednesday, Aug. 15, from 1 to 5 p.m., local artist Camilla MacFayden will teach collograph print making workshops at Maritime Gloucester. Students use seaweed and other organic materials to print 40 yards of fabric with sea patterns and local fish, sewing and stuffing them to create 3D fish “pillows” to be incorporated into a virtual aquarium, exhibited in the Boathouse at Maritime Gloucester (oepning party, Aug. 18, 1 to 6 p.m.) It’s a fun, ambitious and messy project for all ages. Families are welcome to work as teams, and children ages 5 to 8 must be accompanied by adult. Register at Maritime Gloucester, 23 HarborLoop, or at: http://maritimegloucester.org/visit/events.php. For more information, call 978-281-0470 or email: tbalf@maritimegloucester.org

Parent & Child

Pathways for Children invites parents and children aged 5 to join our Monday morning “parent & child walk & talk” on Aug. 13 and 27. Meet new families, enjoy fresh air and exercise, share a healthy snack and social time at Cape Ann Families space at 29 Emerson Ave.,and learn about more activities and programs offered year round to families on Cape Ann. For more information, call Amy Larsen at 978-281-2400, x 110, or email: alarsen@pw4c.org.

NSAA art classes

The North Shore Arts Association is offering these art classes for children and teens this August.

Children, 8 to 12:

Aug. 7 and 8, 10 a.m. to noon: Go!! Figure drawing with Brett Dunton

Aug. 14 and 15, 10 a.m. to noon: Tree house Design/Sculpture with Simon Paddock

Aug. 21 and 22, 10 a.m. to noon: Boats and all that floats/Printmaking with Simon Paddock

Teens, 13 to 19:

Aug. 7 and 14, 1 to 4 p.m.: Painting Fundamentals with Linẽ Tutwiler

Aug. 21 and 22, 1 to 4 p.m.: Still Life in Oil with Claudia Kaufman

TBA: A Portfolio Class will be offered in September

For information/registration, call the NSAA at 978-283-1857.

Schooner Adventure

The Schooner Adventure’s offers these events this August:

Aug. 10, 10 a.m., “Gillnetting on the Phyllis A., a Gloucester History Sharing Program, at Rose Baker Senior Center

Aug. 15, at 7 p.m., “In the Company of Whales,” Rocky Neck Cultural Center, with Iain Kerr. Ph.D., CEO, Ocean Alliance, Gloucester,August 10, 6 to 8 p.m., narrated harbor history cruise, $25 advance purchase /$30 at the door.

For more information, call the Gloucester Adventure, Inc., at 978-281-8079, or visit: www.schooner-adventure.org

Harbor Loop concerts SOS!

The Harbor Loop 2012 Concert Committee of Gloucester is in need of donations to keep our great, free Thursday night concerts going through August. Help keep this series a Gloucester cultural family tradition and summer tourism destination. For more information, email Bradley Royds/Harbor Loop Committee Coordinator at: royds@aol.com.

Overdose vigil

The 2nd Annual Gloucester Overdose Vigil will be held on Friday night, Aug. 31, in conjunction with International Overdose Awareness Day. Join us at the flag pole at the Cut Bridge, Stacy Boulevard, for a night of healing and remembrance of those we have lost and help shed light on this ongoing tragedy. Program includes: dedication of luminaries, speakers, music, and reading of the names. Photos for the memorial table are welcome and will be returned at the close of the event. In case of rain, vigil will be held Sunday, Sept 2. For more info contact Adrian 978-764-7344 or Kathy 781-258-8948.

Skeptics in The Pub

The Aug. 21st Skeptics in the Pub will host a very special program, with former Cold War spy Larry Martin-Bittman sharing extensive original material and learning from his involvement in American intelligence in 1946 and deception conducted by the Czechoslovak intelligence in 1994. The program — “Secret Nazi archives and gold cages: legends and reality” — starts at 6:45 p.m., following social time starting at 6 p.m., at La Trattoria, 64 Main St, Gloucester. For more information, visit: www.capeannskeptics.com/

Gloucester Emblem Club

The Gloucester Emblem Club No. 339 will not hold a business meeting during the month of August; the next regular business meeting will be held in September.

Block party volunteers

The Downtown Gloucester Block Party Series is looking for talent. Street performers, children’s acts and volunteers for three outdoor festivals, with three performance stages, dancing in the streets, al fresco dining, late-night shopping and more. Saturdays, Aug. 18 and Sept. 5. Email glostablockpahty@gmail.com, and tell us what you can bring to the party. Downtown Gloucester Block Parties is a community project under the auspices of the Cape Ann Business Incubator (CABI), a nonprofit organization.

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.

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.

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.

Sawyer Free hours

Sawyer Free Library bookworms, please take note that summer hours are now in effect, and are as follows: Monday and Thursday, 8:30 a.m to 6 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., closed Sunday. The Children’s Library hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 8:30 to 1 p.m.; closed Sunday.

Fireworks fund

The Gloucester Fireworks Committee is raising money for Labor Day weekend celebrations. The current economy makes this a difficult task but fireworks bring such a joy and have become Gloucester traditions. All donations are tax deductible, and any amount, large or small, is welcome. Send: c/o The Gloucester Fund, 45 Middle St., Gloucester, MA 01930. (Please note:“Fireworks”). If you are interested in helping or joining the committee, email gloucesterinfo@gmail.com.

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. Contact Dyer at 978-283-8857 or mkdyer47@juno.com, or McLindon at 978-879-9159 or eam@elizabethmclindon.com.

Annisquam Exchange

The Annisquam Exchange, 32 Leonard St., has started summer hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Annisquam Exchange, a nonprofit organization, offers antiques, collectibles, linens, cards and gifts. For more information, call 978-281-0358.

Teen Zone

During June, take advantage of “Food for Fines” at Sawyer Free Library. Sixth- through 12th-graders can erase their overdue book fines by donating non-perishable food items to the library to benefit The Open Door’s food pantry. Drop donations at the circulation desk with your library card. If you’ve lost your card, you can get a free replacement (for teens only).

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.

seARTS grants

seARTS’s Partner With an Artist (PWA) provides grants to artists to create new work in partnership with a business in Gloucester’s Rocky Neck Cultural District. To apply, visit www.facebook.com/PartnerWithAnArtist, call 978-281-1222 or email pwa.searts@gmail.com.

Help our homeless

The Action Emergency Homeless Shelter is accepting donations of deodorant, razors, feminine products, men’s sneakers and boots (larger sizes preferred), men’s jeans (larger sizes preferred), and socks.

Farmers market

Cape Ann Farmers Market’s summer 2012 season runs weekly, for seventeen consecutive Thursday afternoons, from 3 to 6:30 p.m. at Stage Fort Park, with fresh produce from local farms and backyard growers, and new vendors offering roasted nuts, herbs, homemade cheese, condiments, baked goods, gelato, fresh pasta, eggs, maple syrup, desert sauces, salsa, jams, fish from Fisherman’s Wharf Seafood, local wines and locally roasted coffee, and more prepared foods to take home or to a near-by picnic table. Craft tents offer organic soaps, hand-made jewelry, pottery, clothing and art. For more information, visit: www.capeannfarmersmarket.org.

Rummage sales

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

Story, songs & more

Storytellers Lucille LePage and Alicia Quintano present an hour-long program of stories, songs and on-your-feet fun for children and families, Tuesdays through Aug. 7, in Stage Fort Park at 10 a.m. The program takes place near the Antonio Gentile Bandstand in good weather and on the porch of the Welcoming Center on rainy or very hot days. Admission is free and open to all; bring a blanket or chair. For more information, call 978-281-6304 or 978-281-3524.

Good Old Salty Jazz

The Good Ole Salty Jazz Band rocks the Rose Baker Senior Center on Mondays, Aug. 13, and 20, from 1 to 3 p.m. The fun is free and open to all. For more information, call 978 281-9765.

Kids summer lunch

The Open Door Food Pantry serving free summer lunch to children under the age of 18, from June 15 to Aug. 24, at Riverdale Park, Willowood Gardens and The Open Door. Lunches are served Monday through Friday, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Summer Food Service Programs are federally funded through the USDA and sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Education. All meals are free to children under 18 without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, or handicap. No registration or sign-up is necessary.

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.

Sunday meditation

Explore the energy of group sitting, or boost your meditation practice to start the week off in balance, every Sunday morning at 222 Arts & Wellness Center, 222 Eastern Ave., Gloucester. Join teachers from the ACI-Buddhist Center. Arrive early to help set up; chairs and cushions provided, yoga equipment available; 9 to 9:30 a.m., silent meditation session one; 9:30 to 1 to 10 a.m., choice of tea break, discussion, or walk in woods; 10 to 10:30 a.m., silent meditation session two. By donation. E-mail mkdyer@juno.com.

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.

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.

Wizard of Oz

The Annisquam Village Players presents The Wizard of OZ, a musical stage adaptation of Victor Fleming’s 1939 MGM classic, Monday, Aug. 6 through Sunday, Aug. 12,. Monday through Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday’s performance is 6 p.m. in the air-conditioned, handicap accessible Annisquam Village Hall, 36 Leonard St., off Route 127 North. Reserved seating, $30; general admission $15; online at: www.annisquamvillageplayers.com, or at Annisquam Exchange, 32 Leonard St., the Bookstore, 81 Main St., Gloucester, Lula’s Pantry, 5 Dock Sq, Rockport. Directions at: http://208.112.97.34/directions-parking. Refreshments at intermission.

Design contest

A toy sailboat design contest is being sponsored by Again & Again, GHS Sail, and Art Haven. Sailboats will be auctioned off at a benefit on Aug. 15, with proceeds supporting the Gloucester High School Sail Program. All sailboats must be made from “found” or recycled items, and contestants can pick up sailcloth at Again & Again at 195 E. Main St. For more information, call Heidi at 978-282- 6509.

Voters’ league

The League of Women Voters of Cape Ann will meet Wednesday, Aug. 8, 10 a.m., at St. John’s Church, Middle Street. All are welcome. The league is a nonpartisan political organization of women and men that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, espcically at the grassroots level. Visit www.lwvcapeann.org or call Judith Bly at 978-546-2191.

Whale Watch special

Seven Seas Whale Watch again offers seniors a whake of a price on a morning whale watch cruise. At $22 per person, tickets are available for sale (no later thn Aug. 9) at the Rose Baker Senior Center for a cruise departing at 8:30 a.m. from Seven Seas Wharf. For more information, call the COA at 978-281-9765.

Independent Living

The COA is offering an informational session at the Rose Baker Senior Center on Friday, Aug. 17, at 10 a.m. with Angel Daily, of Independent Living Peer Guide presenting an overview of the services and philosophy that makes the center a unique and important segment of North Shore service organizations offering choices that are available to consider when/if needed. Light refreshment will be served. For more information, call 978 281-9765.

Pancake Breakfast

The Annual Rotary Pancake Breakfast will be held at the Bandstand at Stage Fort Park on Saturday, Aug. 18, from 7:30 – 11 a.m. This fundraiser benefits the Rose Baker Senior Center, SeniorCare, Inc. and offers a mouthwatering pancake breakfast to kick-off the chamber’s waterfront festival. To avoid standing in ticket line, purchase yours in advance at the Rose Baker Senior Center.

‘Our Town’

On Wednesday, Aug. 22, from 3 to 5:30 p.m., students will join seniors for an exciting and fun-filled multi-generational event at the Rose Baker Senior Center, in celebration of each other and our centuries old community. The event will feature a special screening of “Our Town” — the film adapted by local youths from the American theater classic by Thornton Wilder, as well as games, snacks, art and other activities. Folks of all ages are invited to this event sponsored by the Healthy Gloucester Collaborative and the COA. For more information, call 978-281-0908.

Indoor barbecue

The Council on Aging invites seniors to attend our annual Barbecue at Rosie’s Café, on Thursday, Aug. 23, starting 11:15 a.m. This event and a regular program of Thursday free lunch is available at Rose’s Cafe, thanks to a generous memorial donation through the Friends of the Gloucester COA.

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.

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 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.

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. Drivers 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.

Preschool registration

Annisquam kindergarten and nursery school is holding an open house for parents looking for a nurturing creative and fun preschool for ages 2.9 to 6 years. Massachusetts preschool standards are followed, learning is made fun with games, and interesting monthly themes. Individual, creative programs and a wonderful art room and art program are offered; our Spanish teacher provides drama and play twice a week. Visit from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 24. No appointment needed; or when convenient. Our extended hours are 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at new, low prices.

Chargers Youth Program

Gloucester’s Chargers Youth Program is accepting football and cheerleading registrations online at: chargersyouthprogram.org. Please do not delay.

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.

Youth Basketball

Coed Youth Basketball registration for students finishing grades five through 12 will be held Tuesday nights through August 14, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Community Church of East Gloucester, 7 Chapel St. Fee is $25 prior to May 31 or $35 after May 31. For information, call Pat Keeley at 978-283-5527

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.

TAA religious school

The Sylvia Cohen Religious School of Temple Ahavat Achim will hold an open house Sunday, Sept. 9, at 10 a.m. The event will feature magic, drumming, dancing and food. Admission is free.

Food drive, bake sale

Members of the St. Vincent De Paul Society will hold a food drive and bake sale Saturday, Aug. 11, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Shaw’s plaza, 127 Eastern Ave. Holy Family Conference, through volunteer efforts, services the needs of many local families.

Learning Express

Sawyer Library patrons have access to Learning Express Library from any computer with their library card. Prepare for the CLEP, ACT, PSAT, SAT, TOEFL, and ASVAB without the expense of buying practice books. Learning Express also offers tutorials for software, GED preparation, job searches, U.S. citizenship, and resources in Spanish. Visit www.sawyerfreelibrary.org.