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. Items can also be dropped off at the police station. 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.

Rotary Club

Rockport Rotary Club meets Thursdays at noon at the Emerson Inn by the Sea.

History museum

The Sandy Bay Historical Society museum on King Street is open Mondays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., for research. Cost is $5 for nonmembers, free for members. Tours of the museum are also offered.

Books for fundraising

The Rockport Friends of the Library seeks donations of hardcovers and paperbacks in good condition, for children and adults, for its upcoming book sales. Periodicals and encyclopedias cannot be accepted. Books may be left at the main circulation desk at Rockport Public Library during library hours: Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 1 to 9 p.m.; Tuesdays and Sundays, from 1 to 5 p.m.; and Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All proceeds support library programs and infrastructure.

Soup and Study

All are welcome to join in a six-session Lenten program series studying the compelling book, "The Prodigal God," by best-selling author Dr. Timothy Keller. Sessions start with a soup supper served at Rockport United Methodist Church at 5 p.m., followed by the study, led by Pastor Jenny Styers, presenting a new way to look at the well-known parable, followed by worship from 7 to 7:30 p.m. Attend when and as you can, or participate in all six sessions. Weekly Wednesday sessions start Feb. 17 and continue through March 24. Call 978-546-2093.

Head Start preschool

Head Start Preschool at Pathways for Children has openings in its NAEYC accredited program. Families with children ages 2.9 to age 4, who meet the eligibility guidelines may be accepted for the free part-day preschool. Head Start is a free, all inclusive preschool offering breakfast, lunch, health and nutrition education, parent activities and support and assistance in obtaining Special Needs Services. Free transportation is available for eligible families. Full-day, Full year programming also has openings. Families whose income has recently decreased are encouraged to inquire about reduced child care. For more information, call Theresa Folse at 978-281-2400, ext. 280, or visit www.pw4c.org.

Art classes at RAA

The Rockport Art Association has two new art courses under way this winter. Students may drop in on a pay-by-class basis, $20 per class. All classes, sessions and sittings meet in the studio at the Rockport Art Association, located below the association's Maddocks Gallery on the alley (Stone Barn Lane) across from the public library. For information, call 978-546-6604. The two new classes are as follows.

Mondays, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., John Fleming teaches the art of drawing using sketching as a means of exploring basic principles of 2-dimensional design, perspective and composition using paper, graphite pencil, conte crayon, charcoal and eraser.

Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Ron Straka teaches basic to advanced oil techniques including still life and landscape.

On the Rockport Art Association's regular session schedule are:

Mondays, 7 to 9:30 p.m., figure sketch group with short poses by live model progressing from 5 to 20 minutes. No instruction, year 'round. Beverly Palmacci is the monitor, 978-281-4530.

Wednesdays, 7 to 10 p.m., portrait sketch group; one model holding one pose per session. All mediums, no instruction, meets year-round. $8 per session. Dixon Sampson is the monitor, 978-283-3693.

Thursdays,1 to 4 p.m., figure sketch group; long pose figure sketch, with single pose sustained for a month for more complete study and completion of art work. All mediums, no instruction, year round, $10 per session. Fred Jillson is the monitor, 978-281-5144.

Rockport Room

The Rockport Room at Rockport Public Library is open Mondays from 1 to 8 p.m. Volunteers assist patrons who are searching for information about local history and genealogy.

Rental, mortgage aid

Action Inc., has rental and mortgage assistance (TBRA) money available from Rockport's Community Preservation Act (CPA) to help families and individuals who are facing financial hardships in keeping their housing. Call Stella at 978-283-7874,ext. 115, to check eligibility status.

Children's theater workshops

Art Harbor of Cape Ann has announced its schedule for Children's Theater Workshops for Winter/Spring 2010. All Theater Workshops meet and perform at The Unitarian/Universalist Society of Rockport at 4 Cleaves St., and culminate in a Spring theater production. This year's productions include scenes from Chekov and Neil Simon, as well as performances of "A Folktale." Visit www.artharbor.org. To register, contact Dona Lambert at 978-546-9041 or donalambert@peoplepc.com.

Kindergarten to grade 2, Tuesday, 3:45 to 5 p.m., Feb. 23 to April 13, $49. Show: April 13, at 4:30 p.m. — A Folktale.

Grades 3 to 5, Tuesday, 5:15 to 6:30 p.m., Feb. 23 to April 27, $49. Show: April 27, 6 p.m. — A Folktale.

Grades 4 to 6, Thursday, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Feb. 25 to April 29, $59. Show: April 29, 6:30 p.m. Funny little scenes from Chekhov.

Grades 6 to 7, Monday, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Feb. 22 to April 26, $59. Show: April 26, 6:30 p.m. Scenes from Neil Simon's comedy, "Fools."

Library home delivery

Rockport Public Library offers outreach services for local residents who are homebound. The outreach librarian delivers regular, large-print and audio books as well as periodicals and videos. To arrange for outreach service, call 978-546-6934.

Open burning season

Forest Fire Warden Mike Frontierro would like residents to know that open burning season is underway and continues through May 1. Residents may burn brush only between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Permits are available on Sunday mornings at the Forest Fire Station from 8 to 10 a.m., or by calling Mike at 978-265-3339.

Family fun zone

Pre-schoolers and parents can have fun on Mondays from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the YMCA Ben Beyea Youth & Teen Center, 32 Poole's Lane. Family admission is $10 and includes crafts, coffee, tea and a healthy snack. Toys, games and books will also be available. On Saturday mornings, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., there's a "kids fun zone" for sixth-graders and younger. Admission is free and third-graders and younger must be accompanied by an adult. For information, contact Nikki Klink at klinkn@northshoreymca.org, or www.rockportteencenter.org.

Duplicate Bridge Club

Anyone interested in joining the Rockport Duplicate Bridge Club should contact Muriel Davis at 978-546-7386. You don't need a background in the duplicate scoring format in order to join. You just need to want to enjoy putting your mind to work with like-minded players.

YMCA ski trips

The Teen and Camp Services Branch of the YMCA will offer several ski/snowboard trips for community members throughout the season. The next trips are scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 18 to King Pine in New Hampshire and Saturday, Feb. 27 to Gunstock in New Hampshire. These twilight trips are open to beginners and experienced participants. Roundtrip deluxe motorcoach transportation is available. The motorcoach will leave from both Rockport's Teen Center and the Cape Ann YMCA in Gloucester. Cost is $59 per person and includes transportation and a lift ticket. For Gunstock, the fee also includes a tubing pass and equipment rentals. Preregistration is required. Space is limited. All ages are welcome. Participants under age 12 must be accompanied by a parent or attending adult. Contact Rick Doucette at 978-283-0470, ext. 1702, or doucetter@northshoreymca.org. For information and forms, visit www.cayteenandcamp.org.

Meet Saskia Roell

Local author Saskia Röell will talk about her new book "A Suitcase Full of Faith: How One Woman Found Her Dream Trusting the Compass of Her Soul" on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2 p.m., in the Rockport Public Library. Röell will read excerpts from her book and share the story of how she led her family on their journey to the United States. "A Suitcase Full of Faith" is a real-life story of love, loss and adventure. In 2001, Röell, her husband and their five children gave up their home and thriving businesses in Holland to explore new possibilities in America. With little money, no job prospects, no contacts and five kids who didn't speak a word of English, they landed on Cape Ann and settled in the dream home they bought over the phone. The event is sponsored by the library, Toad Hall Bookstore, and the Friends of the Rockport Library.

More Saskia Roell

Saskia Roell will lead a seminar series "Revealing Your Life Purpose," consisting of four unique classes in Newburyport. Each class runs from 10 to 11:30 a.m., beginning on Feb. 14, and continuing on March 3, 10, and 17., at the Soul Serenity Wellness Center, 24 Vernon Street, Newburyport. For more information or reservations, call Kathy Peabody at 978-423-2531.

Library book groups

These groups will meet at the Rockport Public Library:

History Book Club meets Wednes¬­day, Feb. 24, at 7:30 p.m., to discuss the rise of industrial Japan in the 19th century. Read any nonfiction book on the subject and share lessons from their reading to the present day. New members and nonreaders welcome. William Tobin leads the discussion.

Shakespeare Readers group meets Monday, March 8, at 4 p.m., to discuss the literary and theatrical aspects of William Shakespeare's "Henry IV, Part 1." The library will play a video of the play Sunday, March 7, 2 p.m., in the Brenner Friends Room. Sarah Clark leads the group. Public is welcome.

Poetry Reading Group meets Monday, March 1, 4 p.m., to discuss "The Wild Iris" by Louise Gluck. This collection of poems encompasses the natural, human and spiritual realms, and is bound together by the universal themes of time and mortality. This work was a 1992 National Book Award finalist. Copies available at the library and Toad Hall Bookstore. New members welcome.

Current Issues book group meets Wednesday, March 10, 3 p.m., in the Trustees Room, to discuss "Game Change: Obama and the Clintons, McCain and Palin, and the Race of a Lifetime" by John Heilemann and Mark Halperin. Group selects current titles of interest that reflect opinions from all parts of the political spectrum. All welcome.

'Healthy Eating for Healthy Aging'

Mollie Hoopes, nutrition educator for SeniorCare Inc., will present a program titled "Healthy Eating for Healthy Aging" on Wednesday, Feb. 24, 10 a.m., at the Rockport Senior Center, 4 Broadway. All seniors are welcome.

St. Patrick's luncheon

The Rockport Council on Aging and the SeniorCare Nutrition Program will offer a corned beef and cabbage luncheon Tuesday, March 9, 11:30 a.m., at the Rockport Senior Center, 4 Broadway. Entertainment will be provided by the Irish duo, Glenshane. Cost is $6. For reservations, call Diane at 978-546-2573.

Pot-luck supper

Pigeon Cove Circle will hold a pot-luck supper for members and guests Thursday, Feb. 25, at 6 p.m. Bring a nonperishable item to be donated to the Cape Ann Food Pantry.

Supplies for Haiti

First Baptist Church of Rockport is collecting medical supplies for Partners In Development, an Ipswich-based, Christian development group that has been working in Haiti since the 1990s. For more information, visit www.firstbaptistrockport.org. First Baptist Church meets every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. at 4 High St. Morning prayer is Wednesdays at 6:30 a.m. Bible Studies on Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. and on the first and third Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. Adult, adults with special needs and children's Sunday schools meet every Sunday at 9:15 a.m. The church also has an active Choir and Bell Choir.¬ 

School winter programs

The Community Schools program is offering these courses this winter. Registration forms are available at Rockport Public Library and all school offices. For more information, call: Gini Nangle, Community Schools manager, at 978-546-1204.

Drawing and painting with Joy Dai Buell meets Tuesdays, 7 to 9 p.m., in the High School art room, for eight weeks, beginning Feb. 23. A two-hour drawing class using different pencils, graphite, color and charcoal, exploring different drawing mediums up to the brush and acrylics. Includes art history, for beginners and experienced students. Cost is $180. (Does not include material. Call for a list.)

Financial Management seminar with Betsy Miller meets Monday and Wednesday, March 8 and 10, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., in the Elementary School library. A six-step financial management plan for life: protect what you have, taking control of your cash flow, invest wisely, manage your taxes, save for retirement and leave a legacy. Cost is $20 for materials.

Fitness Class with Marsha Whelan meets Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., in the Elementary School gym, for six weeks, beginning March 1. Provides a full body workout for all ages, focusing on increasing overall strength, endurance and tone. Cost is $60 for six weeks (12 sessions).

Toning to Tunes with Linda Rowell meets Mondays and Wednesdays, 3:20 to 4 p.m., in the Elementary School gym. Focuses on flexibility, balance and relaxation, as well as addresses the toning and strengthening of major muscle groups. Unit 2: 12 sessions, Feb. 22-March 31, $48 fee. Unit 3: 12 sessions, April 5-May 19, $48 fee.

Yoga with Janet Green Garrison meets Thursdays, 4:45 to 6 p.m., in the middle/high school library, for eight weeks, beginning March 11. Yoga brings the body, mind and breath together in natural harmony. This is an all-level yoga class for adults of all ages. Cost is $72.

Zumba with Calandra Salo meets Thursdays, 6:15 to 7:15 p.m., in the Elementary School gym, for six weeks, beginning March 4. The newest Latin-inspired fitness craze combines a high energy workout to motivating music with easy, fun moves that help to dance away your worries. Cost is $60.

RAA reopens

The Rockport Art Association, 12 Main St., has re-scheduled its official opening day from Saturday, Feb. 6, to Friday, Feb. 19. All are welcome to join us at a complimentary wine and cheese reception on Thursday, Feb. 18, from 5 to 7 p.m. for a preview of our extensive museum collection. Our hours starting Friday, Feb. 19, will be: Wednesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Closed on Monday and Tuesday

Recovery programs

A variety of recovery programs meet weekly in Rockport.

Sunday — Alcoholics Anonymous "Women in Recovery" 2 to 3 p.m., First Congregational Church, School Street.

Monday — Alcoholics Anonymous at Rockport Baptist Church, noon to 1 p.m., speaker followed by discussion. Alcoholics Anonymous open meeting, 6:30 to 9 p.m. St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 24 Broadway.

Tuesday —Alcoholics Anonymous , 7:30 p.m., First Congregational Church, School Street.

Wednesday — Al-Anon group, 7:30 p.m., First Baptist Church of Rockport, 2 High Street., for friends and relatives of people with alcoholism.

Thursday — Alcoholics Anonymous closed book meeting, noon to 1 p.m., Rockport Baptist Church, 2 High St. Alcoholics Anonymous "Men in Recovery" men's speaker discussion meeting, 7:30 p.m., United Methodist Church.

Friday — Alcoholics Anonymous, 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., First Congregational Church.

Join the chorus

Manchester Singers is rehearsing for its upcoming Spring Concert in April, and all local singers are invited to join. Rehearsals are held on Mondays at 7:30 p.m., at the Congregational Chapel, 6 Chapel Lane, Manchester. New members, men and women are welcome to join. The Manchester Singers is a community chorus of 45 singers who come from many local North Shore communities including Manchester, Essex and Gloucester. The chorus performs annually throughout the North Shore, under the direction of Fred Broer. For more information, call 978-283-9021, or email feb3@earthlink.net, or visit: www.manchestersingers.org.

Yoga and meditation

The Asian Classics Institute-Cape Ann offers many levels and types of yoga for all ages and needs. Weekly classes meet at the Vajramudra Center, 154 Granite St., and are conducted by trained masters. All are welcome, and admission is free, although a suggested donation of $10 is greatly appreciated. Bring your enthusiasm and a yoga mat. For information, visit: www.aci.capeann.org. The current schedule is as follows.

Beginners' gentle yoga, Thursdays, 5:45 to 6:55 p.m., Saturdays, 9:15 to 10:30 a.m., designed by Dr. Pattie O'Brien, for anyone who feels that yoga is not for them, due to stiffness, inflexibility, etc. Includes postures, breathing techniques and meditation. Contact O'Brien at 978-281-3365.

Tibetan heart yoga, Sundays, 8:30 to 10 a.m., works from the inside through meditation, from the outside with breathing, poses and ethical practices. The 90 minutes, taught by Dr. Pattie O'Brien, includes yoga philosophy, dharma, meditation and asanas. Call 978-281-3365.

Meditation discussion, Tuesdays, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., a weekly opportunity to meditate in a group setting, and strength meditation practices. Guided meditations in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition are followed by silent meditation and discussion with teacher/facilitator, Phil Salzman. Contact Phil Saltzman at 978-283-3543.

Meditation mornings, Fridays, 7:30 to 10:15 a.m., with master Jesse Fallon, includes silent meditation, and an open forum Dharma talk.

Family happiness hour, Sundays, 10:30 to noon, followed by refreshments. A time to come together joyously to celebrate the exploration of dharma through movement, music, teaching, and refreshments.

Homebuyer workshop

A first-time homebuyers workshop will be held at the Gloucester Housing Authority offices on Feb. 17, 24 and 25, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Local guest speakers will cover topics such as safe mortgages, credit scores, down payment grants, realtors, home inspections, foreclosures, legal issues, multi-families, insurance, and more. The cost is $55 and you may register online at www.ghama.com, in person at the office at 259 Washington St., or by calling Kathy at 978-281-4770, ext. 110. There is a discount for early registration, and full attendance earns the certificate for HUD, MassHousing, MHP and most lotteries. Light refreshments and materials will be supplied, and preference will be given to low income households in Gloucester, Rockport, Essex and Manchester. You are a first-time buyer if you have not owned a home in three years. The GHA and City of Gloucester Grants office are co-sponsors.

Democratic Caucus

Registered Democrats meet to elect delegates to Democratic State Convention on Saturday, Feb. 20, at 10:30 a.m., at the Rockport Public Library. For more information, call Secretary Nancy Jo Delaney, at 978-546-9284

RAA Auction 2010

The Rockport Art Association is calling for consignments for its Annual Art Auction 2010. This event is a crucial part of our funding efforts, and has achieved a national reputation. Consignments are being accepted during regular business hours: Wednesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Deadline for submissions is March 17. All works must be framed and will be reviewed by the Auction Committee. The RAA receives a minimum of 10 percent of the selling price. We encourage consignors to donate a larger percentage, as this is a very important fundraiser. Full donations of paintings are greatly appreciated. For more information, visit: www.rockportartassn.org, or contact Linda at: 978.546.6604 or rockportart@verizon.net

For the birds

On Sunday, Feb. 21, there will be another Winter Birding Sunday Stroll, from 8 to 10 a.m., at Halibut Point State Park. Meet Peter Van Demark in the parking lot and join the stroll along two miles of Atlantic migratory path, an excellent locale for birding with over 100 species spotted last year. Bring binoculars to identify migratory and feeder birds by sight and sound. Call 617-828-1728 for more information. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Rain or shine.

Bowling tournament

The Friends of Rockport Athletics, affectionately known as the FRA, will hold a Bowling Tournament on Wednesday, March 24, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Cape Ann Lanes in Gloucester. $20 per person; 4 on a team. For more information or to sign up, call Michelle at 978-546-3157.

Old Sloop Coffeehouse

The Old Sloop Coffeehouse will present a performance by Celtic music ensemble Tri on Friday, Feb. 26, 7:30 p.m., at the First Congregational Church of Rockport, 12 School St. The building is handicapped-accessible. Tri includes three of Boston's most prized traditional Celtic musicians: award-winning bagpiper Matthew Phelps, highly acclaimed fiddler Doug Lamey, and accomplished guitarist and vocalist Cliff McGann. Gloucester singer-songwriter Tony Hilliard will open the concert. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for people younger than 18 or older than 65, with a $20 family cap. Visit oldsloopcoffeehouse.org. For reservations, call 978-546-3551 or e-mail reservations@oldsloopcoffeehouse.org.