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.

Poetry contest

Have you written a poem about change in Gloucester? Mail your mighty lines, c/o “Change Contest,” The Writer’s Block, Box 5524, Gloucester, MA 01930, including contact information. Winning poets will be invited to read their work on Cape Ann TV’s “The Writer’s Block” during the 2012-13 season. Gloucester residents are eligible. There is only one rule: limit entries to 20 lines. Deadline: Dec. 1, 2012.

Corliss family fundraiser

A fundraiser to benefit Wayne and Dianne Corliss and their family will take place Wednesday, Sept. 12, 7 to 11 p.m., at Cruiseport Gloucester. Event includes a silent and Chinese auction, music, dancing and a cash bar. Donation is $25. All proceeds benefit Wayne and Dianne Corliss.

Madonna del Rosario

The Madonna del Rosario Society will hold a bake sale outside St. Ann Church, Holy Family Parish, following Masses on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 29 and 30. Members should bake some of their favorite recipes and bring them to the church Saturday at 3:30 p.m. and Sunday at 10 a.m. (Please list ingredients for those with food allergies.) In case of rain, tables will be inside the church entrance.

Schooner Adventure Lecture Series

The Schooner Adventure Natural History Lecture Series will take place Thursday, Sept. 20, 7 p.m., in the Rocky Neck Cultural Center, Wonson Street. Matthew Kamm will present “Migrating Raptors: Hunters of Day and Night.” Admission is free. Supported by Cape Ann Insurance Agency Inc. Call 978-281-8079 or email info@schooner-adventure.org.

Cribbage Group

The Magnolia Cribbage Group will meets every Wednesday for 10 weeks, 7:10 p.m., at The Patio restaurant, Lexington Avenue. The fee is $40, payable in advance, and includes a dinner and prizes on the 11th week. Registration on the first night is at 6:45 p.m. Beginners, intermediate and advanced players are welcome. Contact Roger DiNapoli at 978-526-8550 or rogerdinapoli@msn.com.

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.

Cultural

Council grants

@text1:

The Gloucester Cultural Council is accepting applications for its 2013 Local Cultural Council grants. The council makes awards to individuals and community organizations for projects in the arts, humanities and interpretive sciences. Applications are available at the front desk of the Sawyer Free Library and online at www.mass-culture.org. Completed applications (in triplicate) must be returned to the library’s main desk by Oct. 15, or mailed to: Gloucester Cultural Council, P.O. Box 176, Gloucester, MA 01931 (postmarked no later than Oct. 15). Instructions are available. Call Martin Ray at 978-283-4585, Thomas Hauck at 978-282-3910, or Barbara Dyer at 978-281-1210.

Madonna del Rosario Mass

The Madonna del Rosario Society will celebrate a Mass for all living and deceased members Saturday, Oct. 13, 4 p.m., at St. Ann Church, Holy Family Parish. Members should wear their medals.

Downtown Block Party

Celebrate summer’s end at the Downtown Gloucester Block Party on Saturday, Sept. 15. From 6 to 11 p.m., Main Street features five stages of live entertainment, al fresco dining, shopping and the Kids Town. Bring a chair if you like and plan to dance in the street. Visit www.glostablockparty.com.

Women’s Club

The Women’s Club of Magnolia kicks off its 2012-13 season with a cookout at the home of president Carol Sutherland, 7 Ocean Ave., Magnolia, on Tuesday, Sept. 11, at 5 p.m. In case of bad weather, it will take place at the Magnolia Library Center. For information on how to join, call Carol at 978-525-3773.

Readers needed

Readers are needed for the third annual Captains Courageous Festival, Sept. 22, throughout the city that highlight Gloucester’s Maritime Heritage,and literature, music, art and history. There will be multiple offerings throughout the day at many venues on both sides of the harbor. Tours, dramatic readings, theatrical productions, movies, special presenters, concerts, children activities, art displays etc will be on the schedule. If you are interested in reading, call Beth Welin at Schooner Adventure, 978-281-8079

Education programs

Adult classes in math, English, computer skills, and career development begin Monday, Sept. 17, at Wellspring House, to prepare for the GED, college or a job. Information and registration sessions are scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 11, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 978-281-3558 or email mscofield@wellspringhouse.org.

Music Festival

The third annual Lanesville Music Festival will take place Saturday, Sept. 22, 1:30 to 11:30 p.m., at the Lanesville Community Center, 8 Vulcan St. Live music under the tent and on the lawn will feature music by Alek Razdan & the A Train Orchestra, Pick Three, HUM, Pete Lindberg, Merrimac Rounders, Sasquatch, and more. Visit www.lanesvillecommunitycenter.org. An indoor evening dance party, featuring KBMG (Dan King, Dave Brown, Dave Mattacks and Wolf Ginades with JB Amero), will take place from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. Bill Gleason opens at 7:30 p.m. Advance tickets for the dance are $10 and are available at Gloucester Music and Plum Cove Grind. Tickets at the door are $15. Admission for the afternoon is by donation to the LCC. The family-friendly festival takes place rain or shine.

Appraisal night

The first “What’s It Worth?” Appraisal Night at Second Glance in Gloucester will take place Saturday, Sept. 8, from 7 to 9 p.m. Get a professional opinion on three items of jewelry, textiles, paintings, antiques or artwork for $10. All proceeds benefit the hunger-relief programs of The Open Door. Wine tasting and light refreshments will be served. Store will be open for shopping. Visit facebook.com/SecondGlanceThriftStore.

Annisquam Exchange

The Annisquam Exchange, 32 Leonard St., will hold its annual furniture sale Saturday, Sept. 15, 9 a.m. to noon, in the schoolyard. The nonprofit organization offers antiques, collectibles, linens, cards and gifts. Call 978-281-0358.

Youth Choir auditions

Auditions for the Chorus North Shore Honors Youth Choir will be held Thursday, Sept. 13, 4 p.m., at the First Baptist Church, 2 High St. All singers, ages 10 through high school, are invited to try out. No preparation is needed. No tuition is required; fully sponsored by Chorus North Shore and cultural grants. Rehearsals take place Thursdays, starting Sept. 20, 4 p.m., at Ascension Memorial Episcopal Church, 31 County Road, Ipswich. Call 978-468-2841 or 978-356-4713, or visit www.chorusnorthshore.org.

Skating lessons

Registration is underway for group and private skating lessons for hockey and figure skaters. Lessons begin in September. Instruction by professional coaching staff. Classes for boys and girls, ages 5-12; children, ages 2 1/2 and up; and teens and adults of all ages are available at Talbot Rink in Gloucester, Tuesdays, 6 p.m., and Saturdays, noon; and at Pingree School Rink in Hamilton, Tuesdays and Fridays, 9:30 a.m. and 12:45 p.m.; and Wednesdays, 1:30 p.m. Other ice times for private lessons or advanced skaters are also available. Enrollment is ongoing. Call 978-546-2290.

Mother of Grace

The Mother of Grace Club, 48 Washington St., will hold an afternoon rosary through Sept. 8, 1 p.m.; and an evening rosary through Sept. 7, 7 p.m. All are welcome to attend. This year’s annual feast in honor of Mother of Grace will be held Sept. 7-9. Events are: Friday, Sept. 7, Italian music from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 8, High Mass, 9 a.m., at St. Ann Church, and Jim Geary and Band, 7 to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, Sept. 9, benediction service, 2 p.m., followed by the annual procession and a band concert, and closing of the feast with a candlelight procession at 8:45 p.m.

Book discussion

On Tuesday, Sept. 11, at 7 p.m. the book group will discuss “Caleb’s Crossing,” an historical novel set in the 16th century by Pulitzer Prize winner Geraldine Brooks, about the first Native American to graduate from Harvard.

Peer support training

The Northeast Recovery Learning Community provides peer-run support and services to people with psychiatric disabilities throughout the North Shore and Merrimack Valley, and are training facilitators for peer-run self-help meetings on Cape Ann. For those who are interested, there will be a training session, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 48 Middle St. (Parking at 47 Washington St.) The NERLC offers recovery-oriented, trauma informed care and culturally sensitive peer support. Call Vida Whitcomb or Pablo Leon at 978-687-4288, or email vwhitcomb@nilp.org or pleon@nilp.org.

Gloucester preschool

The Gloucester Integrated Preschool, which provides developmentally appropriate early education services for children age 3 to 4, is accepting applications for a limited number of fall openings. All children must take part in early developmental screenings. Sessions are four days a week, Monday to Thursday; morning sessions are 8:30 to 11 a.m., afternoons are noon to 2:30 p.m., and full days are 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For more information, call 978-281-9848.

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. For more information, call Mary Kay Dyer at 978-283-8857, or email: mkdyer47@juno.com. Elizabeth McLindon may be reached at 978-879-9159, or by email at: eam@elizabethmclindon.com

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. Visit www.scorenemass.org and call 978-282-7779 to make an appointment.

Drug outreach

Northeast Behavioral Health (NBH) Healthy Streets Outreach Program provides HIV testing, hepatitis C information, access to drug treatment, overdose prevention and Narcan training. All services, provided by NBH Healthy Streets Program, are available at Gloucester Family Health Center (lower level), 302 Washington St., Gloucester, Wednesdays from noon to 5 p.m. Call 978-236-0251.

Cell phones for soldiers

Gloucester High School collects old cell phones for overseas troops. No cords, batteries or any other accessories are needed. Phones may be dropped off at the GHS ROTC office. Call Rick at 978-281-9870, ext. 1212.

AWANA Kids Club

AWANA is a Christian kids club mixing fun games and activities with thoughtful devotions and Bible memorization. Open to preschool children through grade six, meeting Wednesdays, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at Cape Ann Bible Church, 8 Thompson St. Call 978-281-3941.

ESOL at the library

Wellspring Adult Learning Center provides ESOL courses at Sawyer Free Library, with free tutoring and small group classes in English for non-native speakers. The center is open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Thursday nights, 5:30 to 8. Walk-ins welcome. Call 978-281-9763, ext. 23.

Ferrini’s friends

In honor of Vincent Ferrini’s 100th anniversary, in June 2013, the Gloucester Writers Center is planning on publishing a collection of his poems. Throughout his life, the city’s former poet laureate sent many poems to local friends and colleagues. Inspired by events of the moment, they came from his heart, and “off the top of his head.” If you have a poem that Vincent Ferrini sent you, please send a copy to the Gloucester Writers Center, 126 East Main St., Gloucester, MA 01930, with a note about yourself and the occasion of the poem.

Annisquam auction

The Annisquam Village Church is running its third annual online auction with more items, more donors and more variety. The auction supports the ministries, maintenance and ever-expanding community outreach of the growing church. More than 145 items have been donated by artists, individuals and businesses on Cape Ann and beyond. Bid on sports tickets, local art, jewelry, travel opportunities, restaurant gift certificates, whale watches, landscaping, and more. Visit www.BiddingForGood.com/avc.

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.

Pet adoptions

Cape Ann Animal Aid has moved to its new home at 4 Paws Lane, off Route 133, near the junction with Route 128. The shelter 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 website, www.CapeAnnAnimalAid.com, monthly. Call 978-283-6055.

Weight loss clinic

Cape Ann Weight Loss Clinic provides a program based on individual goals, determined through health assessment. Fitness director Nicole Bembridge helps implement your five week program, with nutritional guidance and motivation. Classes are one hour and 15 minutes and includes unlimited email and phone contact. Contact Nicole Bembridge, 978-283-0470, or bembridgen@northshoreymca.org.

North Shore Friends

Every Sunday, the North Shore Friends (Quakers) meet at 10 a.m. Call 978-283-4585.

Northern Essex WIC

Northern Essex WIC (Women, Infants and Children) is a program providing nutrition and health education, healthy food and other services free to Massachusetts families who qualify. The Gloucester office is in the Gloucester Family Health Center, 302 Washington St.

Drivers needed

The Rose Baker Senior Center assists senior citizens in need of transportation to medical appointments. Drivers are needed for local rides to Addison Gilbert Hospital, the Cape Ann Medical Center, other local medical offices, as well as Beverly Hospital, Lahey Clinic and hospitals in Boston. A mileage stipend is provided. Call Bruce at 978-281-9765.

VNA Care Network

VNA Care Network, a nonprofit home health care, hospice and wellness provider, provides stipends to women with breast cancer who need financial assistance for medications, co-payments, transportation to treatment and services to help increase access to treatment and support recovery. Women must be residents of eastern or central Massachusetts to qualify. This program is funded by a grant from the Massachusetts Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Call Joan Schaefer at 888-663-3688, ext. 1264, or email jschaefer@vnacarenetwork.org.

Clothes Closet

The Clothes Closet, in the basement of St. Ann School, corner of Prospect and Pleasant streets, is open Saturdays, from 9 a.m.. to 1 p.m. This is made possible through the volunteer efforts of the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Holy Family Parish. Proceeds benefit local families in need. Call 978-283-7391.

AGH volunteers

Addison Gilbert Hospital needs volunteers. Positions are available in the hospital’s gift shop for all shifts, including days, evenings and weekends. The Volunteer Department provides training for the position, free parking, meal vouchers for the hospital’s cafe and gift shop discount. Call 978-922-3000, ext. 2307.

GED help

Wellspring House Education Center, 302 Essex Ave., offers a free, drop-in GED skills session every Saturday, 9 to 11 a.m. Learn and practice GED skills in math, reading and writing; take practice tests; get tips on taking the test that will help you pass; and learn how to deal with stress and anxiety. Call 978-281-3558, ext. 302.

Medical insurance help

For seniors and low-income residents needing help with health insurance forms or information, SHINE counselor Sefatia Romeo is at the Rose Baker Senior Center on Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Call the Council on Aging at 978-281-9765 to schedule an appointment.

Free blood pressure screenings

Free blood pressure screenings are offered each week here:

Mondays, 1 to 3 p.m., Women’s Health Center, Addison Gilbert Hospital. Appointments not necessary. Not held on Monday holidays.

Wednesdays, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Rose Baker Senior Center.

Free HIV/AIDS testing

Every Friday, free HIV/AIDS testing is held from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Addison Gilbert Hospital, third floor. Use the Washington Street entrance. No appointment is necessary. Call Mayra Rivera at 978-853-8633.

Knitting, crocheting group

Every Tuesday, a group meets to knit and crochet items for veterans and other worthy causes, 10 a.m. to noon, at Rose Baker Senior Center. Donations of yarn are always accepted. New members are welcome to join. Stop in or call the Council on Aging at 978-281-9765.

Bay View Brotherhood

On the second Tuesday of every month, Bay View Brotherhood Club Inc. holds a meeting at Brotherhood Club Hall, 889 Washington St., at 7 p.m.

Rotary Club

The Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at 12:15 p.m. at Cruiseport Gloucester.

Memorial bricks

The Gloucester World War II Memorial Committee is accepting requests for memorial bricks. For an appointment, call Lucia at the Veterans’ Center office at 978-281-9740. Bring a copy of the veteran’s discharge papers and a check for $200 for the perpetual care of the memorial.

Military Family Support

The Cape Ann Military Family Support Group meets at 7 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at the Major Fred W. Ritvo Veterans Center, 12 Emerson Ave. in Gloucester. Those with family and friends serving in the military are welcome to attend. Those wishing to attend to support our military by working on special projects are also invited; all are welcome. Refreshments served.

Parent mentors

Pathways’ Cape Ann Families is seeking men and women to volunteer as parent mentors. This program has served stressed and isolated parents of the Gloucester and Cape Ann Community for 20 years. Volunteers participate in a five-week Winter Parent Mentor Training, after which each will be matched with a parent, starting a year-long mentorship and friendship. Contact Hailey Granger at 978-281-2400, ext. 110, or email hgranger@pw4c.org.

Military families

Gloucester military family members may call the Gloucester Office of Veterans’ Services at 978-281-9740 to register their active-duty family members. Military members’ names will be announced during upcoming city ceremonies.

Arts scholarship

The Cape Ann Shakespeare Troupe has established a $500 scholarship to be awarded to a Cape Ann high school senior who has been accepted to a college theater arts program. Prerequisites include participation in high school drama programs and involvement in one CAST production. For an application, contact Ray Jenness at kjenness045@netzero.com or 73 High St., Rockport, MA 01966.

Friday night bingo

Bingo is held in the St. Ann Church hall, 74 Pleasant St., Friday nights at 6:30. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Anyone 18 and older is invited. Proceeds support school and parish programs. Call 978-281-4820.

Morning meditation

Teachers from the ACI-Cape Ann Buddhist Center will conduct silent meditations and discussion on Sundays, at 222 Arts & Wellness Center, 222 Eastern Ave. The first meditation runs from 9 to 9:30 a.m., followed by a tea break with discussion, or if you wish, a walk through the woods, before the second half-hour meditation session starts at 10 a.m. Chairs and yoga equipment are available; please arrive early, so all will be quiet for the start of the first meditation session. Donations are gratefully appreciated. Email mkdyer@juno.com.