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 e-mail 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.

Seafood retirees

The Seafood Retirees will meet Monday, Jan. 30, at 1 p.m. at the Rose Baker Senior Center. All are encouraged to attend.

GFC Ladies Auxiliary

On Wednesday, Feb. 1, the Gloucester Fraternity Club Ladies Auxiliary meets at the club, 27 Webster St. for a potluck supper at 6 p.m., followed by a meeting at 7 p.m. Plans for breakfast with the Easter Bunny and an indoor yard sale will be discussed, and dues are due for payment. A fun trivia challenge follows. For more information or to arrange for a ride, call Annette at 978-525-3478.

Indoor yard sale

The residents of Sheedy Park will host a winter indoor yard sale Saturday, Jan. 28, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. inside the entrance at 88 Pleasant St. There will be TVs, VCRs and lots of other great stuff, so don't miss this great winter sale.

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. For more information, call Hailey Granger, Family Services Coordinator at 978-281-2400 x110, or email: hgranger@pw4c.org.

Free throw

The Knights of Columbus will hold a free throw competition for boys and girls ages 10 to 14, on Saturday, Jan. 21, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the St. Ann School gym. Admission is free. For more information, call Joe Parisi at 978-283-4304

Apartheid's journey

On Tuesday, Jan. 24, at 7 p.m., Sawyer Free Library presents a talk on South Africa's journey from apartheid by Dan Connell, chairman of the Cape Ann Forum, who has visited the country ten times, and offers an overview of achievements including Nelson Mandela's release from prison in 1990 to the winning of equality, full participation in the political process, rights to housing, health care, education, personal security, and a safe environment for future generations.

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.

E-reader workshop

On Saturday, Jan. 21, Sawyer Free Library will hold a workshop for "E-readers" from 1 to 2:30 p.m. If you've joined the ranks of Kindle, Nook, etc., this free e-reader information session in the Friend Room will guide you through the basics and process of borrowing books from the library for your E-reader.

Kitchen science

Sawyer Free Library's Children's Library presents "Kitchen Science with Lisa," on Tuesday, Jan. 31, at 3:30 p.m., featuring experiments for third- through sixth-graders, with food that can be found in your very own kitchen. The science club meets the last Tuesday of every month after school. Please register for this program in the Children's Library.

'Inside Job'

Cape Ann volunteers of the Elizabeth Warren U.S. Senate campaign will hold a free open house potluck and movie social upstairs at the Rockport Community House, 58 Broadway, on Saturday, Jan. 28, from 5 to 9 p.m., featuring a screening of "Inside Job," the 2011 Oscar Award-winning documentary regarding the financial collapse. (The movie is rated PG-13, so is appropriate for most audiences). There will be time to mix, mingle and learn from campaign volunteers at this informational session. For more information, call John Penaloza at 978-943-1525

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 more information and applications, contact Ray Jenness, president of Cape Ann Shakespeare Troupe at kjenness045@netzero.com. Or: 73 High Street, Rockport MA 01966.

Cape Ann Profiles

"Cape Ann Profiles" on-air host Rich Sagall interviews Chassea Robinson, public health nurse for the City of Gloucester, on Cape Ann TV Channel 12, discussing the types of cases she is involved in, training necessary for the position, and bedbugs! — How they are spread, how to prevent them, and deal with them if your house is infested. The interview will air Friday, Jan. 20, at 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m; Sunday, Jan. 22, at 2 p.m., repeat on Friday, Jan. 27, at 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., and on Sunday, Jan. 29, at 2 p.m. Sagall is a physician and the president of NeedyMeds, the innovative national healthcare non-profit.

Writers Block

A new "Writer's Block" with Gloucester's former poet laureate John Ronan interviewing Rockport's Lisa Martin, airs on Jan. 26, at 8 p.m. and will be repeated one week later on Cape Ann T.V. Channel 12. MArtin will discuss her successful marketing career, as well as her work in public affairs and philanthropy, as well as the importance of good business communication skills, and the founding, funding, and directing The Netza Project, a U.S./Mexico non-profit organization that helps create equal educational opportunity, especially for Aztec children and their families.

Poetry & Prose

St. John's Gloucester Poetry Reading Poetry and Prose Reading is on Jan. 20, at 7 p.m. The program is free to the public; donations gratefully accepted. For more information, call Charles Curti at 978-239-8260.

Live owls

The Trustees of Reservations in Cape Ann is hosting a Live Owls program Saturday, Jan. 28, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Ravenswood Park's New Cape Ann Discovery Center. This creature feature offers families a guided night-time owl-prowl, with rare close-ups of live owls; and a great opportunity to learn their natural history, adaptations, and behaviors. $10 for non-member adults; $8 for member adults. Children free. Space is limited, so preregister asap at: www.thetrustees.org/ravenswood; or by phone at 978-281-8400.

Drivers for seniors

RSVP Volunteers of the North Shore seeks volunteer medical transportation drivers. SeniorCare is in need of volunteers from Gloucester and Rockport for local and out-of-town appointments. Volunteers choose when and how often they drive. Drivers are compensated. Call 978-281-1750.

Ski trips

The YMCA will host ski and snowboard trips for sixth-graders and older teens (younger children accompanied by a parent may participate). Cost is $75 and includes a lift ticket, transportation, equipment rentals and snow tubing at Pat's Peak & Gunstock. The schedule is Feb. 22, Crotched Mountain; Feb. 11 and March 17, Gunstock Mountain; and Jan. 21 and March 3, Pat's Peak Mountain. Round-trip transportation is from Rockport Teen Center/YMCA, arriving mid-afternoon. Forms may be picked up at the YMCA, Teen Centers or online at www.cayteenandcamp.org. Preregistration is required a week or more ahead of time and may save $10. Call Rick Doucette or Nikki Klink at 978-283-0470.

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.

Community outreach

Gloucester United Methodist Church, 436 Washington St., hosts a community outreach program every Saturday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with free soup, bread and fellowship for all. Call 978-281-1040.

PACE program

To learn about PACE, Program for All Inclusive Care for the Elderly, a nonprofit organization that can help to coordinate medical care, social activities, transportation and more for eligible seniors, stop by 29A Emerson Ave. on the second Wednesday of every month, noon to 1 p.m. Call 978-675-9500.

Artists sought

Artists are needed to create nautical themed items for installation in the soon-to-be-realized Gloucester Dog Art Park at Stage Fort Park. Permanent pieces desired are: statuary, fountain, mobile, canine agility pieces, etc. Friends of Gloucester Dog Park is an all-volunteer group of local residents dedicated to the creation, preservation and enhancement of the Gloucester Dog Art Park. Volunteers are still needed. Visit www.gloucesterdogpark.org.

Counseling for veterans

Many veterans experience difficulty adjusting to civilian life after serving in combat. The Lowell Vet Center offers free counseling at the Gloucester Veterans Center for area veterans and their families. For an appointment, call the Gloucester Office of Veterans' Services at 978-281-9740.

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.

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.

Tax volunteers

Action Inc. needs volunteer tax assistants to assist low-income households at its free tax preparation site in Gloucester. Tax assistants help prepare and electronically submit a client's federal and state income tax returns, identifying tax credits for which they are eligible. No experience is necessary. Volunteers are trained to provide assistance in accordance with IRS guidelines and applicable Action Inc. policies. Call Laura Hart at 978-282-1000, ext. 122.

Street list books

City of Gloucester street list books are available for purchase at the City Clerk's Office, 9 Dale Ave. Books are available on disc, e-mail or book form for $25.

Tree pick-ups

Curbside collection of Christmas trees will take place the week of Jan. 17-21, on your regular trash day. This is a holiday week (MLK Day) and trash will be collected one day later. Trees, which are picked up on a separate truck, must be free of decorations and lights, and must be curbside by 7 a.m. Trees in plastic bags will not be picked up.

Garden mentors sought

The Cape Ann Farmers' Market Backyard Growers Program is recruiting volunteer garden mentors for the 2012 growing season. Mentors train participants on how to grow their own food. Intermediate gardening experience is required. Volunteer orientation is provided. For a flier, visit www.capeannfarmersmarket.org/backyard-growers or call Lara at 978-317-8025. Deadline to apply is Jan. 20.

Cape Ann Youth Hockey

It is not too late to join one of the Cape Ann Youth Hockey programs: Learn-to-Skate/Initiation, Cape Ann Cross Ice, and In-House Hockey Team. Programs at various skill levels, for boys and girls ages 3 to 14, are available. The next 10-week session begins Saturday, Jan. 28. To register online, visit www.capeannyouthhockey.com. Call Kristin Michel at 978-290-6035.

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.

seARTS annual meeting

seARTS will hold its annual meeting Monday, Feb. 27, 6 to 9 p.m., at the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport. Guest speakers Ann Galligan and Herb Weiss will discuss cultural district designation. Mayor Carolyn Kirk will attend.

Café© Shalom coffeehouse

Temple Ahavat Achim's Café© Shalom will present recording artist Bob Kramer with guests David Wesson, Briana Polan, Natalie Simon, Al Foucault and Monica Taft on Saturday, Jan. 21, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., at 86 Middle St. Charlee Bianchini opens the show. Doors open at 7 p.m. Refreshments will be available. No dress or age requirement, and families are welcome. Admission is $10 at the door. Call 978-281-0739, ext. 11.

Dance party fundraiser

The Lanesville Community Center, 8 Vulcan St., will host a "January Thaw Fun(d) Raiser" on Saturday, Jan. 21, from 7:30 to 11 p.m. Live music by The MERJ. Beer, wine and soft drinks for sale, and pot-luck snacks available. Admission by donation to the LCC. Visit www.lanesvillecommunitycenter.org.

Maritime heritage event

On Saturday, Feb. 18, 1 to 3 p.m., the Essex National Heritage Commission, Maritime Gloucester and NOAA present NOAA maritime archaeologists, Deborah Marx and Matthew Lawrence, with a 45-minute screening of the Science Channel's Viewers Choice Award winning documentary, "The Wreck of the Steamship Portland," followed by a presentation on Sanctuary maritime heritage projects and a tour of the Sanctuary's exhibit. This event — a 2011 Trails & Sails "People's Choice Award" top ten fan favorite— is open to the public at Maritime Gloucester, 23 Harbor Loop. Reservations are required by Feb. 17. Essex Heritage and Maritime Gloucester members $5/Non-members $10. Register online at: www.essexheritage.org/membership or send checks to: Essex National Heritage Commission, 221 Essex Street, Suite 41 Salem, MA 01970. For more inforamtion, call Elizabeth at 978-740-0444.

Docksider coffee house

The Docksiders will celebrate Chinese New Year with coffee, refreshments and lots of live music at a themed coffeehouse on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. in the Gloucester High School cafeteria. There will –also be a performance from the GHS Chorus. Cost of admission is $5; students are free.

Cursillo Ultreya

Cape Ann Cursillo Ultreya community will hold a pot luck ultreya on Saturday, Jan. 28, after the 4 p.m. mass, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Hall, Essex. The pot luck is at 5 p.m., with the ultreya following at 6 p.m. All are welcome and encouraged to come. For more information, call Al Mitchell at 978-879-3655

Music quiz night

Test your music knowledge at a fundraiser hosted by the Gloucester High School Docksiders Parent Group on Friday, Jan. 27, at 6 p.m. at Bass Rocks Golf Club. Game begins at 7 p.m., with questions from all music genres, "name that tune" questions to challenge your music savvy. Teams of four ($100 per team) compete for a trophy and bragging rights; cash bar, light refreshments, door prizes. Proceeds benefit Docksiders' April trip to perform at Disney World. Get a team together, get on the phone, and register with Pam Lally at 978-281-3462, or email: pam.lally@verizon.net

Women of the Moose

Cape Ann Chapter No. 896 Women of the Moose will have a Chinese dinner from 4 to 6 p.m., followed by an auction on Saturday, Jan. 21, at the Moose Lodge, Main Street, Gloucester. Members and guests are welcome. Please bring unused wrapped items for auction. Prices vary per menu item. For more information, call 978-283-1760.

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.

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 e-mail 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.

Second Glance Thrift Store

The Open Door's Second Glance Thrift Store, 2 Pond Road, is open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The donation center is open during regular business hours. A tax receipt is available upon request. Call 978-283-4298 or visit www.foodpantry.org.

Symphony anniversary celebration

The Cape Ann Symphony will celebrate its diamond anniversary Saturday, Feb. 4, 7 p.m., at Cruiseport, 6 Rowe Square. The nonprofit orchestra celebrates 60 years of music with dancing to the music of The Soft Touch Dance Band, a live auction moderated by Sen. Bruce Tarr, prizes, hot and cold hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar, champagne and birthday cake. Cost is $50 per person. For reservations, visit www.capeannsymphony.org or call 978-283-6750.

Monday at the malls

On Monday mornings, a CATA bus departs the Rose Baker Senior Center at 10 a.m. for a shopping trip to the Liberty Tree and Northshore malls. This trip is open to seniors who wish to shop without the hassles of driving. Five or more per bus; return pick up time from the Mall is 1:30 p.m. To register, call CATA at 978-283-7916 by Friday afternoon before the trip, or call the COA at 978 281-9765 for more information.

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.

PACE program

To learn about PACE, Program for All Inclusive Care for the Elderly, a nonprofit organization that can help to coordinate medical care, social activities, transportation and more for eligible seniors, stop by 29A Emerson Ave. on the second Wednesday of every month, noon to 1 p.m. Call 978-675-9500.

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.

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 e-mail 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.

Cape Ann Floridians

The Florida Cape Ann Day buffet and luncheon for residents of Gloucester, Manchester, Rockport and Essex will be held at the best Western Waterfront Inn, 300 Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, Florida, on March 5, 2012, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations and payment are required by Feb. 15, 2012. The menu will be Prime Rib and Chicken Cordon Bleu. Cost is $28 per person Checks should be made out to: Florida Cape Ann Day 2012, and sent to Cape Ann Day, c/o Gasper Lafata, 6A Birch Grove Heights, Gloucester, MA, 01930. Call Gaspar or Sue Lafata at 978-283-5250 (941-639-3507 in Florida) or Jim and Judy Melanson at 978-283-6435.

Citizenship classes

Action Inc., 5 Pleasant St., holds U.S. citizenship classes Fridays, 6 to 8 p.m., offering help with the N-400 application, U.S. history and civics lessons, preparation for interview with a USCIS official, and more. Requirements are: green card or equivalent, permanent US residency for at least five years, moderate proficiency in English. Open enrollment. Classes meet on the second floor. Call 978-282-1000.

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.

Crosswinds

The Crosswinds Coffeehouse at First Baptist Church, 38 Gloucester Ave., will host its fourth event, featuring "Harlow and Hicks," with special guest Jim LaFontaine, on Saturday, Jan. 21. Doors open at 7 p.m., and music —blues, country and contemporary praise— starts at 7:30. Donation is $12. Guitarist/songwriter LaFontaine is a pastor at Emmanuel Community Church in Essex, where he and Ev Harlow —both members of the North Shore Christian Men's Choir— lead the Praise and Worship Team. All ages at this non-alcohol event. Homemade desserts, coffee, etc., will be on sale. Proceeds go toward local mission projects.

Valentine breakfast

The 38th annual Meals on Wheels Valentine breakfast will take place Tuesday, Feb. 14, 7 to 9:30 a.m., at the Gloucester House restaurant, 63 Rogers St. Cost is $10 per person, $8 for seniors. Tickets are available at SeniorCare Inc., by mail or at the door. Call 978-281-1750 or toll-free at 1-866-927-1050.

Discover Gloucester meeting

The Discover Gloucester Destination Marketing Organization will hold its annual meeting Wednesday, Jan. 25, 6:30 p.m., upstairs at the Franklin Cafe, 118 Main St. All those interested in the tourism economy of Gloucester are welcome to discuss last year's successes, welcome new board members, and learn about new initiatives. Guest speaker Ariane Doud of Matter Communications is working on the "PR for Gloucester" campaign in conjunction with the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce. E-mail Linn Parisi at linn@seaportgloucester.org.

Voter registration

The deadline to register to vote or make changes to your voter status for the March 6 Presidential Primary is Feb. 15, at 8 p.m. The City Clerk's Office will be open until 8 p.m. that evening for voter registration/and voter status changes only. Call 978-281-9720. The office is still looking for poll workers to be on the reserve list. Those interested in working the elections on an on-call basis should drop by for more information. City census forms will be mailed to households by the end of January. Be sure to make any corrections, and sign and return census forms within 10 days.

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.