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.

Sargent House picnic

On Thursday, May 24, from 5 to 7 p.m., on the front lawn (Main St. side) of Gloucester's Sargent House Museum, there will be readings from selected works of Judith Sargent Murray by local artists, writers, members of the clergy and community leaders. Bring lawn chairs, picnics, and kick-off Memorial Day weekend learning how Mrs. Murray's writings on issues effecting women played a pivotal role in early American feminist history. An active leader in founding the country's first Universalist Church in Gloucester, she educated many local girls, prepared many young men for Harvard, and contributed importantly to post-Revolutionary thinking. Following the readings, there will be a sneak preview of the house, prior to its summer opening on Friday, May 25, from 12 to 4 p.m. There is a suggested donation of $5. For more information, call Chris at 978-283-2063.

Hello Spring!

The Gloucester Garden Club will hold its annual "Hello Spring!" plant sale on Saturday, May 26, from 9 a.m to 12 noon on Western Avenue, beside the tennis court. Choose from a good and diverse selection of perennials from members' own gardens, all reasonably priced and well suited to local growing conditions.

Fair housing

On Thursday, May 24, from 10:30 a.m, to 12:30 p.m., the City of Gloucester, Grants Division, and the Fair Housing Center of Greater Boston will hold a free Fair Housing / Fair Lending Training seminar at Maritime Gloucester, 23 Harbor Loop, Gloucester. Learn your legal rights under current Federal and State Fair Housing Laws, while you relax with coffee and pastries provided by TD Bank. To register, email your name, address, telephone number and organization to: sshea@gloucester-ma.gov, or call 978-282-8003 for information.

Beneath the fisheries

"Looking Beneath the Surface at Fisheries" — the final free spring lecture series at Maritime Gloucester is set for May 24, at 7 p.m. Join a conversation about fisheries management that explores the nexus of environmental, social, and economic issues. The session is hosted by the Northwest Atlantic Marine Alliance (NAMA) at Maritime Gloucester, 23 Harbor Loop, and open to the public. Space is limited.

GFC Ladies auxiliary

On Wednesday, June 6, the GFC Ladies Auxiliary will hold their "Beach Blanket" meeting at 27 Webster St. with a 6 p.m. indoor barbecue. Reservations can be made with Barbara at 978-282-4704; if you need a ride to the meeting, call Annette at 508-320-3788.

Strawberry festival

The Holy Family Guild is having a Strawberry Festival, plant sale, and "General Store" on June 2, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Get a first taste of summer with home-made preserves, fresh-baked pies, cookies and goodies, delicious Strawberry Shortcake, and much more! The event will be held on the Rectory lawn on the Prospect Street side; or, in case of rain, in the Parish Hall. If anyone can help with plants, or can donate plants, baskets, perserves, etc., call Jane Marshall 978-283-5111.

Saving Sweetbay Magnolia

The Trustees, Cape Ann's "Saving the Sweetbay Magnolia" hike is Saturday, June 2, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Ravenswood Park, Gloucester ( members $8, nonmembers $10). Join The Trustees for the mysterious story of our famous sweetbay magnolia stand as we journey the Great Magnolia Swamp trails of our treasured Park. Recommended for ages 10 and older. Register in advance at 978-281-8400, or visit: capeann@ttor.org.

Jewish heritage

Sawyer Free Library's Matz Gallery is exhibiting artist Jacqueline Cooper's series of 18 framed multimedia prints that portray a historical and cultural timeline of Jewish life in Europe, from May 18 to June 30. The prints portray Jewish life in Eastern Europe, immigration to New York's Lower East Side, and the challenges Jews faced as they developed the ready-to-wear garment industry in America. The exhibit is free and open to the public.

Children's Library

On Tuesday, May 29, the Children's Library at Sawyer Free Library presents "Science with Lisa," at 3:30 p.m. This science club is for second- through fifth-graders. Please register in the Children's Library, or call 978-281-9763 x18.

Lego Club

On Thursday, May 31, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. the Lego Club meets in the Children's Library at Sawyer Free Library. This program is for kids ages 6 and up. Please register in the Children's Library, or call 978-281-9763 x18.

GHS class of '46

The Gloucester High School Class of 1946 will meet at the Gloucester House on Saturday, July 21, at 11:30 a.m. for a luncheon to celebrate our 66th year since graduation. For more inforamtion, call 978-281-2056. or RSVP Elvira Spinney, 3 Cunningham Road, Gloucester, MA, 01930, by July 16th.

Help our homeless

The Action Emergency Homeless Shelter is now accepting donations of the following items: Deodorant, razors, feminine products, men's sneakers and boots (larger sizes preferred), men's jeans (larger sizes preferred), and socks. Thank you for your support!

Women's Guild

The Holy Family Women's Guild will meet June 5, at 6 p.m. in Monsignor Sullivan Hall, for a short business meeting followed by a Chinese dinner. Tickets are $8 for members, and $10 for guests. The evening's theme will be a Hawaiian Luau and guests are more than welcome! Please RSVP no later than June 1; call Alison Aiello at 978-281-0838.

I Hate Hamlet

Cape Ann Shakespeare Troupe presents its final season production, "I Hate Hamlet" a comedy by Paul Rudnick, directed by Ray Jenness, and featuring the trevails of Andrew Rally, a TV actor who has been offered the part of Hamlet with N.Y.'s Shakespeare In The Park Company. At once attracted by the challenge and afraid of it, he finds himself living in an apartment once occupied by John Barrymore, famous for his Hamlet, and when Barrymore's ghost is summoned at a seance, the laughs begin! "I Hate Hamlet" plays May 25, 26, 27 and June 1, 2, 3 at The Cape Ann (The Annie), 1 Washington St. (corner of Main). Tickets, $15; student, $10; under 19, $5, are available at the door or online at: cast2008@prodigy .net. For more information, visit: capeannshakespearetroupe.blogspot.com and Facebook.

Cemetery meeting

The Oak Grove Cemetery Trustees meeting of the Proprietors of Oak Grove Cemetery is Wednesday, May 30, at 3:30 p.m. at the Cape Ann Savings Bank, Investment Dept., 3rd floor board room, 109 Main St., Gloucester. For more information, call Mary Rudolph Black at 978-283-1219.

Chow Down!

Mark your calendar with a dog bone, and head to Cape Ann Brewery, 11 Rogers St. on May 22, from 4 p.m. to closing, for a Chow Down fundraiser in support of the Gloucester Dog Park. Join the 50/50 raffle and/or purchase one of our signature bandanas. A portion of all sales go to the dog park, and one lucky person will walk away with our custom made dog goodie basket!

Beauty & Botany!

The Trustees of Reservations in Cape Ann welcomes botanist and Gloucester native Rick Davis, presenting his "look 'n learn" program, "Lady's Slipper—Beauty & Botany," on Thursday, May 24, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Ravenswood Park. Recommended for kids ten years and older, this is one wonderful way to learn about these unique, delicate orchids in their own natural habitat. Meet at Ravenswood parking area; free to members, $5 for nonmembers.

Look good, feel better

The American Cancer Society's "Look Good, Feel Better" free program will be held on Wednesday, June 20, from 10 a.m. 12 p.m. at Addison Gilbert Hospital, 298 Washington St, Gloucester. Guided by volunteer cosmetologist, female cancer patients undergoing chemo and radiation learn make-up, skin care, wig and accessory techniques to disguise hair loss loss and other effects of treatments; and participants take home a make-up kit valued at over $200! To register, call Community Relations at 978-236-1650.

Fair Housing

Learn your legal rights under current Federal and State Fair Housing Laws on Thursday, May 24, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at a free informational session sponsored by the City of Gloucester, Grants Division, and the Fair Housing Center of Greater Boston. Maritime Gloucester. The event will be held at 23 Harbor Loop, Gloucester, and coffee and pastries will be sevred courtey of TD Bank. To register, email your name, address, phone number and organization to: sshea@gloucester-ma.gov, or call 978-282-8003.

Customer Appreciation Day

In celebration of BankGloucester's 125th anniversary you're invited to drop by the bank at 160 Main St., on Friday, May 25, to enjoy refreshments and enter a free drawing in the lobby from 8:30 am to 6 p.m. For more information about this free event, call 978-283-8200.

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.

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.

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.

Greasy Pole fund

The St. Peter's Fiesta Committee has a fundraising account to accept donations to rebuild the Greasy Pole, at the Cape Ann Savings Bank. Please note on your donation "Rebuild Greasy Pole Fund," and send to: Cape Ann Savings Bank, P.O. Box 330, Gloucester, MA 01930; or to St. Peter's Fiesta Committee, P.O. Box 3105, Gloucester, MA 01930.

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.

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.

Family solutions

Parents and caregivers of children, age birth through age five, are welcome to join a six-week parent education workshop, "Positive Solutions for Families," on Tuesdays, April 24-May 29, 5:30 to 7 p.m., at 29 Emerson Ave. Learn why children do what they do, how play is a powerful parenting practice and strategies to promote positive behavior. Childcare and dinner provided. To register, contact Amy at alarsen@pw4c.org or 978-281-2400, ext. 120.

Friends book sale

The Friends of the Sawyer Free Library will hold its annual book sale Friday and Saturday, June 8 and 9, and needs donations of the following items: hardcover and paperbacks in clean, presentable condition published within the last five years for fiction and 10 years for nonfiction. No dated encyclopedia sets, informational reference materials, Reader's Digest condensed literature, or textbooks. Recent magazines, music CDs, videos in VHS and DVD format are welcome. Call John Prybot at 978-281-9763, ext. 24.

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.

Computer Classes

Action, Inc. is offering these free three-week career development classes at its main offices at 180 Main St. in Gloucester (enter through 5 Pleasant St.). To sign up, call 978-282-1000 or email: pbongiorno@actioninc.org.

Microsoft Windows for beginners; learn desktop computer keyboard and mouse and Microsoft Windows programs; April 24 to May 9, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Microsoft Word; learn to create, format, edit, and merge a wide range of documents. (for participants already familiar with Microsoft Windows) May 22 to June 6, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Microsoft Excel; learn to create spreadsheets, understand basic formulas, enter, manage and analyze data. July 10 to July 25, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

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.

Cancer Screening

Cancer Services at Beverly Hospital will conduct a free community skin cancer clinic on Thursday, June 7, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, in the Hematology & Oncology Clinic at the hospital, 85 Herrick Street, Beverly. To schedule an appointment, call the Health Connection at 1-888-253-0800. Anyone concerned about a skin abnormality is welcome, but this is not a dermatology clinic and surgical procedures will not be performed. The clinic's purpose is to determine if treatment is needed. Representatives from the American Cancer Society and New England Melanoma Foundation will also be available with educational materials about skin cancer prevention and detection.

Youth Basketball

Coed Youth Basketball registration for students finishing grades five through 12 will be held Tuesday nights, June 5 and 19, 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

Learning Express

Sawyer Library patrons have access to Learning Express Library from any computer with their library card. You can prepare for the CLEP, ACT, PSAT, SAT, TOEFL, and ASVAB without the expense of buying 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/ and Learning Express Library will be one of the many databases you can access with your library card.

Book Sale

The Friends of the Sawyer Free Library hold its annual book sale benefit for the library on June 8 and 9, and need your donations. Please donate the following items: hardcovers and paperbacks in clean, presentable condition published within the last five years for fiction, and ten years for nonfiction. We cannot accept dated encyclopedia sets, informational reference materials, Reader's Digest condensed literature or textbooks of any kind. We encourage recent magazines, music cds, videos in VHS and DVD format. If you'd buy it, donate it! For more information, call John Prybot at 978-281-9763 x 24. Please do not leave donations outside of the library.

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.

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.

Adult education

Action Inc. is currently offering Adult Basic Education classes (through May 2), Mondays and Wednesdays, from 6:15 to 8:30 p.m. Classes will be held at Action's main offices at 180 Main St. in Gloucester (enter through 5 Pleasant St.), and will include reading, writing, math, work skills, and referrals to support services as needed. Call 978-282-1000 to find out if you're eligible and apply. For more information, visit: www.actioninc.org.

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.