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.

Preschool registration

Anniquam 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.

Empty bowls exhibit

The Sawyer Free Library is displaying bowls that have been hand made and painted for the 12th annual Empty Bowl dinner benefit for the Open Door, on May 10, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Cruiseport, Gloucester. The bowls were made by North Shore potters, seniors at the Rose Baker Senior Center, students of Cynthia Curtis, and many other community members. For more information, visit: www.foodpantry.org.

Who decides?

As part of the Regional Watershed Discussion Series, "Who Decides", a Cape Ann organization, is hosting a discussion on Monday, April 23, at 7 p.m. at Ravenswood's Cape Ann Discovery Center, Trustees of Reservations, featuring guest speaker Mark Carlotto, an engineer and author, discussing his second book about Dogtown, "Island Woods," in which he correlates findings through Dogtown exploration on foot with aerial images and maps and information from historical sources. For more information, visit: www.whodecides.net, email: info@whodecides.net, or call 978-282-1758.

League of Voters

The League of Women Voters of Cape Ann will hold its annual breakfast meeting on Saturday, May 5, from 8:30 to 11 a.m., at the Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center, 23 Harbor Loop. At 9 a.m., Senator Bruce Tarr and Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante will discuss "Campaign Finance Since Citizens United" describing recent legislation which attempts to curb the influence of money in politics. LWVCA business meeting is at 10:30 a.m. Breakfast is $12. Reservations are appreciated. Call Judith Blye at 978-546-2191.

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.

Safe boating

The Gloucester harbormaster and Massachusetts Environmental Police will be holding a Safe Boating class on April 23, 24, 25, 30 and May 1, in the lecture hall at Gloucester High School, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Please call the Harbormaster's Office at 978-282-3012 to sign up.

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. For more information, 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, ext. 1212.

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.

Pet adoptions

Cape Ann Animal Aid 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 Web site, www.CapeAnnAnimalAid.com, monthly. Call 978-283-6055.

Share the Music

Share the Music performs "Songs of the Roaring Twenties!" at Gloucester Stage Co., 267 East Main St., on Saturday, April 14, 7 p.m., and Sunday, April 15, 8 p.m. The musical revue, set in a speakeasy bar, features singers under the direction of Wendy Betts. Tickets are $25. For tickets, call 978-281-4433 or visit www.gloucesterstage.org.

Canned food drive

A canned food drive to benefit the St. Vincent de Paul Society Food Pantry will take place Saturday, April 14, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Gloucester Knights of Columbus and the Boy Scouts will collect appropriate food stuffs at Stop & Shop and Shaw's on Eastern Avenue. Visit www.kofc215.com or email grandknight@kofc215.com.

Flea market

The Gloucester Fraternity Club's Ladies Auxiliary will hold an indoor flea market Saturday, May 5, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the club, 27 Webster St. There will be a white elephant table, books, jewelry, a clothing corner, a bake table and a 50/50 raffle. Members are urged to donate items. Table rentals are $30. Call Annette at 508-320-3788.

Homeowners class

"After the Move," a HUD and MHP certified class for new homeowners, will be offered Tuesday and Wednesday, April 24 and 25, 6 to 9 p.m., at the Gloucester Housing Authority, 259 Washington St. The workshop covers equity loans, refinancing, preventing foreclosure, maintenance, tax issues, home safety and landlord issues. Cost is $30 per household. Space is limited. Preregistration required; visit www.ghama.com, stop by Housing Authority or call Kathy Erkkila at 978-281-4770, ext. 110.

'Beer & Benevolence'

The Pub at Cape Ann Brewing Company will host a fundraiser for multiple sclerosis titled "Beer & Benevolence" on Tuesday, May 1, from 5 to 11 p.m. There will be music, no cover, a 50/50 raffle, raffle prizes. Ten percent of all proceeds go benefit finding a cure for MS.

Parish yard sale

The Holy Family Women's Guild will hold a parish-wide yard sale Saturday April 21, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., in Msgr. Sullivan Hall, St. Ann Church. Tables rentals are $35 for an eight-foot table, $30 for a six-foot table. Donations will be accepted (no electronics or large furniture) and can be dropped off at the parish hall in the designated area. Call Jane Marshall at 978 283-5111 or Arlene Lesch at 978-281-2061.

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, ext. 204, for a free van ride. Visit www.foodpantry.org.

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.

Sidewalk Sweeping Day

The Building Center and the Clean City Initiative will sponsor the annual Sidewalk Sweeping Day on Saturday, April 14. Residents are asked to sweep the winter sand off the sidewalk and into the street for the DPW to collect on the scheduled sweeping day. Keep sand in small piles so the street sweeping machine can sweep it up. Call Patti Amaral at 978-412-4201 or visit www.cleancity.us.

Prayer service

Holy Family's St. Ann Church will hold a Divine Mercy Sunday prayer service Sunday, April 15, at 2 p.m. with a recitation of the Holy Rosary, Chaplet of Divine Mercy, exposition of the Holy Eucharist, benediction and veneration of the divine image of Jesus. Followed by fellowship and refreshments. Call 978-525-3943.

Docksiders' Scavengers

On Saturday, April 28, the Docksiders will hold a spring scavenger hunt fundraiser starting with instructions at the high school at 8 a.m. Join the fun and support local merchants hunting for specially marked items, and compete for cash prizes and giveaways. Teams of four players contribute $25 each. For information/registration, call at Mary Ann at 978-282-1379.

Docksider Concert

On Sunday, April 29, at 2 p.m. the Docksiders will perform a special concert at Gloucester High School. There will be a special 50/50 raffle with great prizes; Admission is a non-perishable food item for the Open Door Food Pantry.

Farmers Market fundraiser

The Cape Ann Farmers Market fundraiser kicks off its second season at Stage Fort Park on April 29, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Cape Ann Community Cinema, 21 Main St. Your $30 admission helps offset the market's expenses; and an additional $15 buys you half-price farmers market membership. It also buys you a great evening of film and food and raffles. Narrated by Edward Norton, "The Apple Pushers" explores how lack of healthful food is feeding rising obesity rates; and the evening's very healthful menu comes courtesy of the kitchens of Cape Ann's finest restaurants, caterers, breweries, wineries and distilleries. This fun event sells out fast, so get your tickets asap, by credit card or paypal at: www.CapeAnnFarmersMarket.org.

Day of reflection

The Guild of Our Lady of Good Voyage Church will sponsor a Day of Reflection on Tuesday, May 15, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Notre Dame Mission Center, Ipswich. Guest speaker is Rev. Richard Clancy, director of Campus Ministry for the Archdiocese of Boston and the campus chaplin at MIT. A film, "The Shroud of Turin," will be shown at 11 a.m. The offering is $35 and includes lunch. For reservations, call Peggy Perrin at 978-283-6621 or Mary Mitchell at 978-283-4804 before April 30.

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, ext. 1264, 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, ext. 2307.

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, ext. 302.

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.

Fuel assistance

The Action Fuel Assistance Program is available this heating season, from now until April 30, 2012. Gross yearly income limits are: one person, $31,218; two-person household, $40,824; three-person household, $50,429; four people, $60,035; and $69,641 for five people. Additional discounts for natural gas, heating oil, electricity, and phone service may also apply. Action also offers energy conservation and education programs to both homeowners and renters, which may include weatherizing your home through insulation and air sealing, replacing inefficient light bulbs and refrigerators, and more. For homeowners only, Action may be able to pay for heating system repairs, cleaning, and replacements. Call 978-281-3900 to learn more or 978-282-1003 to book an appointment. Visit www.action.org/energy_main.html.

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.

Dog licenses

Dog licenses are now available at the Gloucester City Clerk's Office during regular business hours: Monday-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. Licenses are due by April 30. Starting May 1, a $10 late fee will be imposed. Call 978-281-9720.

TAA celebrates Yom Ha'atzmaut

Temple Ahavat Achim, 86 Middle St., will present the Guy Mendilow Band in a Yom Ha'atzmaut (Israeli Independence Day) celebration Saturday, April 28, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 and are available to the public beginning March 19. Visit www.guymendilow.com or www.taagloucester.org.

Christian Men's Choir

The North Shore Christian Men's Choir will sing at the Gloucester United Methodist Church on Sunday, April 22, at 3 p.m. The group sings gospels, spirituals, contemporary praise and worship songs, as well as traditional hymns and classical compositions. An offering for GUMC and the Grace Center, a daytime shelter for the homeless and other Cape Ann residents in need, will be collected. Refreshments will follow. Call 978-281-1040.

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.

Police Association

The Gloucester Police Relief Association will sponsor a USWF Wrestling event Saturday, June 23, 7 p.m., at Fuller School. The association is also publishing its yearbook and will be soliciting businesses and residents. Proceeds support the betterment of the organization. This is the only association soliciting businesses and residents exclusively for the Gloucester Police Relief Association. Call Kevin Sauer at 857-526-5654.

Medications disposal

The Healthy Gloucester Collaborative will sponsor a community medication disposal event, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration's annual Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, on Saturday, April 28, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Rose Baker Senior Center parking lot. Acceptable items include: prescription and OTC medications, liquids, samples, vitamins and narcotics. Unacceptable items include: sharps, thermometers, IV bags, bloody or infectious waste, inhalers, hydrogen peroxide and personal care products.

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.