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.
Holiday party
The Essex Shipbuilding Museum will host a holiday party Monday, Dec. 3, from 6:30 to 9 p.m., for members and their guests only. Bring an appetizer, a main dish or a dessert. For reservations, call 978-768-7541 and leave your name and the number of people attending. We check messages daily and will return your call to give you the address of the event. In case of inclement weather, bring slippers and enter the house from the side door on the left, facing the house. Punch, coffee and wine will be served, or BYOB.
Story hour
Children, ages 3-5 with a caregiver, can enjoy songs, stories, crafts and fun Thursdays, 10 a.m., at the T.O.H.P. Burnham Library, 30 Martin St. Call 978-768-7410 or email dfrench@mvlc.org.
Cursillo ultreya
The Cape Ann cursillo community will host its next ultreya and pot-luck Saturday, Dec. 8, at St. John the Baptist Church in Essex. The pot-luck is at 5 p.m., followed by the ultreya at 6 p.m. All are welcome and need not have been on a cursillo encounter weekend to attend. Call Al Mitchell at 978-879-3655.
Nutcracker party
On Saturday, Dec. 8, 2 p.m., children 5 and older, can settle into the season at the T.O.H.P. Burnham Library with storyteller Carolyn Martino narrating the spellbinding Christmas classic “The Nutcracker,” followed by holiday fare. Tickets are free, but always a sell out! Call 978-768-7410 asap, or email awanner@mvlc.org to reserve your seat. Funded by the Friends of the Library.
Holiday baskets
The Open Door Food Pantry needs help to provide holiday meal baskets to local families. A donation of $25 provides a turkey, potatoes, butternut squash, apples, stuffing, cranberry and more. Make checks payable to: The Open Door, with “turkey” on the memo line, 28 Emerson Ave., Gloucester, MA 01930. The Open Door serves residents of Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester, Essex and Ipswich. To donate online, visit www.foodpantry.org.
Skating lessons
Beginner and advanced skating skills group and private lessons are available for boys and girls ages 5-12, tots ages 2 1/2 and up, teens and adults. Instruction is by professional coaches certified by USA Hockey and U.S. Figure Skating associations. Lessons available at Talbot Rink on Tuesdays, 6 p.m., and Saturdays, 1 p.m.; at Pingree School in Hamilton on Tuesdays and Fridays, 9:30 a.m. and 12:45 p.m., and Wednesdays, 1:30 p.m. Private lessons also available. Enrollment is ongoing. For a registration form, visit www.cafsc.org or call 978-546-2290.
Meals on Wheels
SeniorCare Meals on Wheels program seeks volunteer drivers in Essex. Call SeniorCare’s Nutrition Department at 978-281-1750 or toll-free at 1-866-927-1050.
Yankee Networkers
The Yankee Networkers Chapter of BNI, a business referral organization, meets every Wednesday at the Farm Bar & Grill, 233 Western Ave. Business breakfasts are served from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Visitors are invited.
Achievement award
Donations are being accepted for the Neil G. Ramsden Academic Achievement Award — a memorial award given by the teachers of Essex Elementary School to Essex high school seniors who graduated from EES, and are enrolling in at least a two-year program of study. The award is based on academic achievement, citizenship and service. Donations may be made to Essex Elementary School with “Achievement Award” on the memo line, c/o Susan Hardy, Essex Elementary School, 12 Story St., Essex, MA 01929.
Rain barrel program
The town of Essex, in partnership with the Great American Rain Barrel Company, is offering rain barrels to residents at a discount ($69 vs. $119 retail) to help conserve water and save money. Each UV protected polyethylene barrel is made in the USA from a 39x24-inch recycled shipping drum weighing 20 pounds empty with a wall thickness of 3⁄16 inch, resulting in a rigid, heavy duty, long-lasting rain barrel, complete with overflow fittings, drain plug, screw-on cover, a threaded spigot with a choice of two ports to use with either a watering or gardening can, and instructions for easy installation. Visit www.greatamericanrainbarrel.com.
Business counseling
The Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce offers free small-business counseling at its office at 33 Commercial St., Gloucester, on the first and third Thursday of the month. Anyone starting a business can make an appointment with a representative from the Small Business Development Center of Salem State College. Call 978-283-1601 or email info@capeannchamber.com.
Spaulding Fund
Spaulding Education Fund, a private, nonprofit established to aid Manchester Essex public schools, relies on private donations. Tax-deductible contributions may be made at www.spauldingeducationfund.org or mailed to the Spaulding Education Fund, Box 192, Manchester, MA 01944.
Blood pressure clinics
The Essex Council on Aging holds a blood pressure clinic the third Thursday of each month, 10:30 a.m., at the Senior Center, 17 Pickering St.
Monthly lunches
Seniors age 60 and over are invited to lunch at the Essex Senior Center on the first and third Thursday of the month. Lunch is provided by SeniorCare. A $2 donation is requested. For reservations, call 978-768-7932.
Bible study
A women’s Bible study with Beth Moore, “James: Mercy Triumphs,” will be held Wednesdays, 10 to 11:30 a.m., at the First Congregational Church of Essex. Child care is available. Call Rama at 978-768-3319.
Christmas concert
Emmanuel Community Church, 180 Western Ave., will present a Christmas concert, “The Reason for the Season,” on Saturday, Dec. 8, from 7 to 9 p.m. Music, comedy, food and fun for all ages. Doors open at 6 p.m. Admission is free but donations are appreciated.
CATV Santa party
Cape Ann TV will host its annual Santa party Tuesday, Dec. 4, 3 to 7 p.m., at its studio, 38 Blackburn Center, Gloucester. Children are invited to the studio to meet Santa Claus. Meetings with Santa will be videotaped and shown on CATV’s Channel 12 on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The annual event is free and open to the public. CATV is a Project Uplift children’s toy and teen present collection site; new unwrapped toys or new clothes for a child, or gift cards for teens up to age 14 may be dropped off. Call 978-281-2443 or visit www.capeanntv.wordpress.com.
Jodi Arias: Death Penalty Would Cause More Pain
Looking for Love? Take the Prague Metro
Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister
First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge
Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion
Reunited Dad, Son: 'We Just Praise God'
Slow Pokes: Acupuncture Helps Sick Turtles
Moore, Okla. City of Reunions, Tears After Storm
Former IRS Chief: Can't Say How List Happened
Gov. Fallin: Okla. Facing Horrific Disaster
Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting
AP Photograher: 'It Was a Miracle' They Got Out
Raw: Crews Search for Survivors of Okla. Tornado
Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado
OKC Hospital Describes Treating Tornado Wounded
Obama Pledges Urgent Aid for Tornado Victims
Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
