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.

Chow Down

Tonight, from 5 p.m. to closing, Cape Ann Brewery will hold a Chow Down with live music in support of the Gloucester Dog Park in Stage Fort Park. A portion of all food and beverage sales will be donated to the Park. Join the 50/50 raffle, buy a signature dog park bandana, take a chance on winning our custom made dog goodie basket! Cape Ann Brewery is located at 11 Rogers St. For more information, visit: www.gloucesterdogpark.org.

Ward 2 meeting

On Wednesday, Aug. 29, there will be a Ward 2 meeting concerning the foot path between Gloucester Crossing and the Perkins St neighborhood. All attending should meet at the foot path at 6 p.m. Weather permitting, rain location:TBD

Ravenswood walk

The Trustees of Reservations in Cape Ann is hosting a “Wilderness to Special Place Walk: Ravenswood through the centuries” at Ravenswood Park, Gloucester, on Sunday, Sept. 9, 1 — 3 p.m. Walk trails that take you back through the Park’s history, view the cultural evidence of cellar holes, stone walls, and carriage paths. Learn about the colorful cast of characters who transformed it and learn how you can help keep Ravenswood a community treasure. Free to Grandparents and Trustees Members; $5 non-members. Preregister at 978-281-8400 or e-mail: capeann@ttor.org.

Cancer’s changing landscape

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Addison Gilbert, and Beverly hospitals will host “Conversations on Cancer’s Changing Landscape: An Evening with the Experts,” on Wednesday, Oct. 10, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at DoubleTree by Hilton Boston North Shore (formerly the CoCo Key Hotel & Water Resort), 50 Ferncroft Road, Danvers. This free evening includes a buffet dinner and free parking. The interactive panel discussion follows registration and dinner at 6 p.m., followed by Q&A at 6:45 p.m. Pre-registration is required at 888-253-0800 or email: beverlyhospital.org/RSVP by Oct. 4.

Fireworks cruise

Join Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante for a fireworks cruise Saturday, Sept. 1. Cruise boards at 6 p.m. and departs at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $30. For tickets, call 978-281-2104.

Health Fair

On Tuesday, Sept.18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Addison Gilbert Hospital and Northeast Senior Health will sponsor a free community health fair at the Rockport Senior Center/Community House, 58 Broadway, Rockport. Free flu shots will be offered by Rockport Health Department for those over six months of age. Informational tables will be provided by representatives of Pathways for Children, Action, Inc., Rockport Police Department, Rockport Council on Aging, Needy Meds, SeniorCare, Den Mar Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Adult Foster Care, PACE, HAWC, Hospice of the North Shore and Greater Boston, VNA CareNetwork and Commonwealth Health. Family practitioner Dr. Karen Damico will be available at the “Ask the Doctor” table. In addition to hearing, diabetes and blood pressure screenings, staff from the Emergency Department will be available.

Maronite Mass

Bishop Gregory Mansour of the Maronite Eparchy of the Eastern United States will celebrate a Pontifical Maronite Mass for living and deceased members of the Lebanese-American community of Cape Ann on Tuesday, Sept. 4, at 6 p.m., at St Ann Church, Gloucester. A reception will follow in the lower church hall. All are cordially invited to attend.

Nurturing program

Pathways for Children’s Cape Ann Families is offering a free Nurturing Program, with 15 weekly classes, starting Oct. 16, for families to take together in the evening, including free dinner. Learn how to handle feelings, recognize and communicate needs, handle stress and anger, replace yelling with positive techniques and establish nurturing routines. Children from birth to 12 are welcome. Classes meet Tuesdays, from 5:15 to 7:45 p.m. at Pathways, 29 Emerson Ave., Gloucester. Transportation reimbursement is available for families living in Cape Ann. To participate or volunteer, contact Hailey at 978-281-2400 x 110 or email: hgranger@pw4c.org.

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 80th production “Lend Me A Tenor” by Ken Ludwig at the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport. This hilarious comedy, set in a hotel suite in Cleveland, revolves around Tito Morelli, an Italian star slated to play Otello, who succumbs to an accidental overdose of tranquilizers, setting mayhem in motion. Rick Doucette reprises the role of Tito, joined by a seasoned cast directed by Nan Webber. Performances are Friday, Sept. 14, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 15, 3 and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Sept. 16, 3 p.m.

Tickets are available at the door, at Toad Hall Bookstore in Rockport, and the Bookstore in Gloucester, or by calling Rockport Music at 978-546-7391. Visit www.theatreinthepines.blogspot.com.

GFC Ladies Auxiliary

The Gloucester Fraternity Club’s Ladies Auxiliary will meet Wednesday, Sept. 5, 7 p.m., at 27 Webster St. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. Plans for the Sept. 26 penny sale will be discussed. Gina the Psychic from Rockport will talk, and for a minimal fee will be available for private five-minute readings. For a ride, call Annette at 978-525-3478.

Comedy night

The sixth annual Rotary Club comedy night will take place Thursday, Aug. 30, at Cruiseport Gloucester, 5 Rowe Square. Boston comedians Jim Lauletta, Bob Seibel, Sean Sullivan and Dave Rattigan will perform. Doors open at 7 p.m. for the 8 p.m. show. Tickets are $25, available at Carroll K. Steele Insurance, 32 Pleasant St.; or by contacting Ruth Pino at ruth@ruthpino.com. Hors d’oeuvres and a raffle will be available.

Christian music concert

The Gloucester Assembly of God, 211 Washington St., will host a concert by Christian musician, songwriter and storyteller Bob Bennett on Saturday, Sept. 1, at 7 p.m. An offering will be taken to defray expenses.

HFP religious education

Registration for Holy Family Parish’s Faith Formation Program will be held on these dates: Saturday, Sept. 8, after 4 p.m. Mass, in parish hall; and Sunday, Sept. 9, at parish picnic at Stage Fort Park. Those who register on these dates will receive a $10 discount, making the per child fee $65. Call 978-281-4820.

OLGV religious education

Our Lady of Good Voyage Church will hold registration for religious education classes, for grades one through 10, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 8 and 9, before and after all weekend Masses, in the parish hall. Students must register each year. Advance registration forms are available at the entrance of the church. Cost is $30 per child, $40 for two or more children. If anyone cannot afford the fee, then the fee is excused. Class schedules will be given out during registration. Classes start Sunday, Sept. 23. Call Cheryl O’Brien, director of religious education, at 978-283-8597.

Student bus passes

CATA student bus passes will be sold in the Gloucester High School atrium Aug. 29-31, 1 to 4 p.m.; Tuesday, Sept. 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sept. 5-7, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. These passes will not be sold at the CATA office. Pass Plus, Semester Pass and Annual Pass will be for sale. Semester and Annual Pass are photo IDs (students must be present at time of purchase). Annual Photo Pass is $200; Semester Photo Pass is $100; Pass Plus is $25. Call 978-283-7916.

Senior Steps

The Center for Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine at Addison Gilbert Hospital, 298 Washington St., offers a risk-reduction exercise program for seniors, ages 60 and over, 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, ext. 141.

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.

CAST casting

Cape Ann Shakespeare Troupe is seeking actors, technicians, stage and front of house help for its first production of the 2012-13 season. Performances take place the first two weekends of November at the Gloucester Stage Company. “Visiting Lear,” an adaptation of “The Tragedy of King Lear,” requires three actors to play multiple roles. One-act play runs 55 minutes. Email cast2008@prodigy.net with a cc to Ray Jenness at kjenness045@netzero.com. “Love on a Midsummer Night,” scenes from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” requires a cast of five, with four playing two parts each, and a narrator. One-act play runs 40 minutes. Email cast2008@prodigy.net with a cc to Nick Neyeloff at its.i.forget@gmail.com. Prompt replies encouraged.

Library hours

Sawyer Free Library’s summer hours 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.; and 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.; and closed Sunday.

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.

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.

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 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.

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, 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.

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 Mondays, 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 Council on Aging 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. To register, 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 “Parent & Child Walk & Talk” meets Mondays, 10 to 11:30 a.m., at its Cape Ann Families play space, 29 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.

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.

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.

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.

Free concert

A free concert of Italian arias and duets will take place Wednesday, Aug. 29, 7 p.m., at the Shalin Liu Performance Center, Rockport, in commemoration of Verdi’s upcoming bicentennial. The concert was made possible by Shalin Liu and Karyl Charna Lynn of Gloucester. The performers are Metropolitan Opera soprano Elizabeth Blancke-Biggs and internationally-renowned baritone Michael Corvino, accompanied by Michael Recchiuti on the piano. Doors open at 6:05 p.m. Seating is first-come, first-served. Free concert, no tickets required. Visit www.rcmf.org.

Read and win!

The Topsfield Fair “Read and Win” packets are in at the Sawyer Free Library. Children who have signed up for the Topsfield Fair “Read and Win” program must complete the required reading, and come to the library to pick up their prize packets. All prize packets must be picked up by Sept. 12.

Women’s Guild

The Holy Family Parish Women’s Guild will meet Wednesday, Sept. 5, at 7 p.m. Bring your Jimmy Choo shoes.

Overdose vigil

The second annual Gloucester Overdose Vigil will be held Friday night, Aug. 31, from 7 to 9 p.m.,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. Call Adrian at 978-764-7344 or Kathy at 781-258-8948.

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.

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.

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.

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.