50's Dance

The Night Prowlers car club's annual dance to benefit the Gloucester Fraternity Club's special needs people will be held at the Gloucester Fraternity Club, 27 Webster St., on Saturday, April 21, from 7 to 11 p.m.. with Leo Francis DJing, and a mystery guest surprise! Admission, $15 per person. Pizza at 9 p.m., door prize and raffle.

Tourism mug-up

Area tourism business owners and staff, and visitor center volunteers are invited to Discover Gloucester's April 26th mug-up meeting at 8:30 a.m., at Heath's Tea Room, 43 South Street, Rockport. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee with a freshly baked scone while discussing plans for the upcoming tourism season, including customer caring and visual intrusions. RSVP: info@seaportgloucester.org."

Staycation

The Trustees of Reservations is hosting a series of Staycation programs during school vacation week, running from Saturday, April 14, to Sunday, April 22, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Cape Ann Discovery Center at Ravenswood, 481 Western Ave., will be base camp for spring adventures at our seven properties on Cape Ann. The schedule is as follows:

Friday, April 20, 1 to 3 p.m.; Hermit's Tales on the Trails, at Ravenswood Park

Saturday, April 21, 10 a.m. to 12 noon; Earth Day Coastal Clean Up—volunteer opportunity at Halibut Point, Rockport and/or Coolidge Point, Manchester

Program prices vary and space is limited, so please call 978-281-8400 for information/registration. Children must be accompanied by adult.

Flying enterprises

Cape Ann Museum presents "Flying Enterprises: Cape Ann Arts, Crafts and Literary Festivals of the Early 1950s," an illustrated talk by Gloucester resident and local historian Mary Rhinelander McCarl on Saturday, April 21, at 3 p.m. in the Folly Cove Auditorium (included with admission, reservations required). Learn of the graphic and sculptural artists, artisans, writers, poets and playwrights in the early 1950s, who, thanks largely to the sculptor Walker Hancock, started Cape Ann Festival of Arts. For reservation/information, call Jeanette Smith at 978-283-0455, x11 or email: jeanettesmith@capeannmuseum.org.

Knucklebones!

On Thursday, April 19, join us for a morning of physical activities, team building, fitness and fun games at Cape Ann Families / Open Door meeting space, 28 Emerson Ave. "Knucklebones" provides athletic programming throughout New England and we're excited to have them here with the children from Cape Ann! Activities are geared for children ages 3 to 8; sessions are: 9:30 to 10:15 a.m.; 10:20 to 11:05 a.m.; 11:15 to 12 noon. Space is limited, so RSVP/ASAP! Contact Hailey Granger, Family Services Coordinator, at 978-281-2400 x110, or email: hgranger@pw4c.org

Family fun fair

Pathways for Children will host a free family fun fair on Saturday, April 21, from 9:30 a.m. to noon at 29 Emerson Ave. With over twenty exhibitors, the fair features an interactive puppet show, face painting, seed planting, raffles, resources, adorably curious creatures, and much more! All made possible by the MA Department of Early Education & Care Coordinated Family & Community Engagement Grant and Pathways for Children.

Computer Classes

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

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

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

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

Spring lectures

Gloucester Adventure's Thursday evening free spring lectures in the Sawyer Free Library are held at 7 p.m., in the Friend Room, and are as follows: Thursday, April 19; Don Cheney, Marine Science Center, Northeastern University "The Growing Problem with Seaweed Blooms and Their Newly Discovered Potential Harmful Effects." And, Thursday, May 17, Thomas French, Ph.D., Asst. Director, Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, Westborough, MA, "Protecting Biodiversity on Northeast Massachusetts." For more information, call 978-281-8079, or email: info@schooner-adventure.org

Polycythemia Support

A free Polycythemia Vera support group is held at Addison Gilbert Hospital will hold a free Polycythemia Vera support group on Thursday, April 26, at 4 p.m. in the Oncology Conference Room, 4th Floor, 298 Washington St. Family members and friends are welcome and refreshments will be served. For information/registration, call Joanne Gibbs, R.N., at 978-283-4000, ext. 559.

Audiology Screenings

Dr. Celia Logsdon offers seniors the opportunity for free hearing screenings, evaluations, hearing aid tests and cleanings at the Rose Baker Senior Center. Please call the Council on Aging at 978 281-9765 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Logsdon for Monday, April 23, 2012, starting at 10:00 a.m.

Friends Book Sale

The Friends of the Sawyer Free Library will hold their annual book sale benefiting the library on June 8 and 9, and need donations of the following items: hardcover and paperbacks in clean, presentable condition published within the last five years for fiction and ten years for nonfiction. No dated encyclopedia sets, informational reference materials, Reader's Digest condensed literature, or textbooks. We encourage recent magazines, music cds, videos in VHS and DVD format. If you'd buy it, then donate it! For more information, call John Prybot at 978-281-9763 x 24.

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.

Chocolate, wine tasting

Tuck's Candy Factory and Seabreeze Liquors will sponsor a Chocolate and Wine Tasting for the Schooner Adventure on Friday, April 20, 7 to 9:30 p.m., at the Gloucester House restaurant. Advance tickets are $25, $30 at door. For advance tickets, call 978-281-8079.

'The Seafarer'

Fishtown Players Theater will present Conor McPherson's "The Seafarer" on April 19, 20, 21, 27 and 28, 7:30 p.m.; and April 22 and 29, 3 p.m., at the Gloucester Stage Co., 267 East Main St. April 19 show is a pay as you can performance. Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors/students. For reservations, call 978-515-7957. There will be a benefit for The Gloucester Writers Center on April 26, 7:30 p.m. Call the Center for details; 978-283-7738.

Scrap metal drive

A scrap metal drive to benefit the Magnolia Historical Society is taking place from now until April 21, at Blynman School, Magnolia Avenue. Drop off your scrap metal, or arrange for a pick up. Call Lisa Ramos at 978-290-3005.

Cape Ann Referral Group

The Cape Ann Referral Group, a membership of local business networking and referrals, meets every other Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. at the Masonic Building on Eastern Avenue. Visit www.CapeAnnBiz.com.

Cape Ann Thrift Shop

Cape Ann Thrift Shop, 70 Middle St., is open Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The shop offers clothing for the whole family, linens, toys, jewelry and more. Donations of all types are appreciated.

Adult education

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

Free ESOL classes

Action Inc. is currently offering free English classes for speakers of other languages (through May 17), on Tuesday and Thursday, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., at Gloucester High School. Beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels are available. (Advanced level covers reading comprehension and writing). If you or someone you know could benefit, call 508-284-6186; an Action staff member able to communicate in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Hospice volunteers

VNA Care Network & Hospice, a nonprofit home health care, hospice and wellness agency, needs volunteers to provide practical and emotional support to terminally-ill patients and their families on the North Shore and Cape Ann. Volunteers receive training, supervision and support. Call Nancy Barcelo at 1-888-663-3688, ext. 4271, visit www.vnacarenetwork.org, or call 1-800-728-1862.

Senior Steps

The Center for Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine at Addison Gilbert Hospital, 298 Washington St., offers a risk-reduction exercise program for seniors age 60 and older with fear of falling and balance difficulty. A free 30-minute screening is required; plus a $3 fee per class. Program meets Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 11 a.m. to noon, and from noon to 1 p.m. Space is limited and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Call 978-283-4001 x141.

For the troops

These goods and services are always needed by the Gloucester Veterans Office.

Knitters wanted: The office has received requests from troops in Afghanistan and Iraq for hand or machine knit helmet liners, scarves, neck gaters and socks. Contact the office for specifics.

Goods needed: The office is accepting goods, including AT&T telephone cards and donations for mailing boxes to send to the troops, as well as military families in need of aid.

The Council on Aging has a new program for seniors needing alterations and mending, at a lower cost for seniors by an experienced seamstress. Call the Senior Center at 978-281-9765.

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.

Healthy Streets Program

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

Babson Library

Isabel Babson Memorial Library, 69 Main St., is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Named for Gloucester's first midwife, the library's books feature all aspects of family life including maternity, child care and women's health. The collection is updated monthly. All are welcome to browse. Call 978-283-5624.

Senior Day Care

The Council on Aging sponsors Social Day Care sessions with supervised activities and programs three days a week, for seniors who are homebound and isolated, at the Rose Baker Senior Center, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Daily lunch and snacks are included. Transportation is provided by CATA. Call 978-281-9765, ext. 20.

Yoga for seniors

The Gloucester Council on Aging provides gentle mat yoga sessions Tuesdays at 10 a.m., chair yoga on Wednesday at 12:15 p.m., and Thursday yoga at 10 a.m. each week at the Rose Baker Senior Center. Call 978-281-9765.

Handyman for seniors

The Council on Aging has a new handyman, a retired carpenter, available to help Gloucester and Rockport seniors with inside and outside work at a reduced cost. To make an appointment, call the Rose Baker Senior Center at 978-281-9765 and leave your contact information and a brief description of the work needed.

Bay View Brotherhood

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

Rotary Club

Every Tuesday, the Rotary Club meets at 12:15 p.m. at Cruiseport Gloucester.

CAMEN group

Cape Ann Gay and Bi Men, a discussion group, meets every Monday (except holidays) at the Community Center, 67 Middle St., from 7 to 9 p.m. The group plans other social events. Call Brian King at 978-927-4506, ext. 219 or visit www.gbmhp.org.

Homebound services

Sawyer Free Library offers homebound services for residents who need them. Books (large print or regular), magazines, CDs and audio books may be delivered on a monthly basis. Call Cindi at 978-281-9763 x24.

SeniorCare nutrition

SeniorCare serves lunch daily at the senior luncheon centers at 11:30 a.m., Monday through Friday. A $2 donation is requested. For reservations, call the Rose Baker Senior Center at 978-281-0081, Sheedy Park at 978-281-5128 or McPherson Park at 978-283-3141. Meals on Wheels are also available. Call 978-281-1750.

Food stamp screening

The Open Door's food pantry provides food stamps eligibility screenings with a trained outreach coordinator. To make an appointment, call 978-283-6776, ext. 201. Visit www.foodpantry.org.

Parent support group

Cape Ann Families offers a free parent support and education group weekly (ongoing throughout the year) for all parents and caregivers. Parent Connection meets Fridays, 10 to 11:30 a.m., at 29 Emerson Ave. Child care and transportation are provided. Call 978-281-7856 for more information, or drop in.

SeniorCare services

SeniorCare Inc. offers elder services in Beverly, Gloucester, Essex, Hamilton, Ipswich, Manchester, Rockport, Topsfield and Wenham. For more information, call the Intake and Referral Department at 978-281-1750 or toll free at 1-866-927-1050. SeniorCare is a Massachusetts Aging Services Access Point and federally designated Area Agency on Aging. Visit www.seniorcareinc.org.

Republican Committee

The Gloucester Republican City Committee meets on the last Thursday of each month, 7 p.m., at 101 Western Ave. Call Luke Noble at 978-394-1648.

Greasy Pole fund

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

Recovery programs

A variety of recovery programs meets weekly in Gloucester.

Daily — Early Bird recovery meetings, 7 to 8 a.m., Mondays through Sundays, First Baptist Church, 38 Gloucester Ave. Open discussions.

Monday — Alcoholics Anonymous 12 Steps to Freedom, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Veterans' Center, 12 Emerson Ave.

Tuesday — AA for young people, 7 to 8 p.m., Trinity Congregational Church, 70 Middle St. Open speaker discussion.

Wednesday — AA speaker meeting, Fish City Group, St. John's Episcopal Church, Middle Street, 7 to 8 p.m. 508-957-4690.

Friday — Al-Anon Family Group, 7:30 to 8:45 p.m., First Baptist Church, 38 Gloucester Ave.

Saturday — Alcoholics Anonymous "Saturday and Sober" meeting, 9:30 to 11 a.m., Trinity Congregational Church, Middle Street. Open speaker, discussion. Nonsmoking; AA discussion group, 10 to 11:15 a.m., Easler Building, 23 Duncan St.; AA meeting, Union Congregational Church, Magnolia, 8 to 9 p.m.; AA Open Big Book/discussion, nonsmoking, 8 to 9:30 p.m., St. John's Church, 48 Middle St.

Learn to Cope

Learn to Cope, a confidential support group for parents and caregivers struggling with a member of the family who is addicted to opiates or other drugs (opiates include heroin, Oxycontin, Vicodin, Percocet, etc.) meets every Tuesday, 7 to 9 p.m., at Gloucester Family Health Center, 302 Washington St., lower level. Call 508-801-3247 or visit www.learn2cope.org. Sponsored by the Healthy Gloucester Collaborative.

SCORE program

SCORE, a resource partner of the Small Business Administration, offers free business advice and resource information to prospective and existing business owners at Cape Ann Business Incubator (CABI), 33 Commercial St., third floor (side entrance), every Tuesday. Using a three-person team approach, SCORE's accredited counselors help develop a business plan, test the potential of a new business idea or determine the best solution to a business problem. Visit www.scorenemass.org or call 978-282-7779 to make an appointment.

Adult Education

Action Inc's Adult Basic Education classes are on Mondays and Wednesdays, 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Action's main offices, 80 Main St. Classes include reading, writing, math, work skills and referrals to support services as needed. Call 978-282-1000 or visit www.actioninc.org.

GHS building project

The Gloucester High School Carpentry/Electrical shops are accepting applications for a house building project for the 2012-2103 school year. Contact Jack Andrewes at GHS or at jandrewes@gloucester.k12.ma.us.

Narcotics Anonymous

Gloucester meetings of Narcotics Anonymous are as follows:

"Together We Can" meets Sundays, 7 to 8 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church, corner of Pine and Church streets.

"Living Clean" meets Wednesdays, 7:30 to 9 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church, corner of Pine and Church streets.

"Keeping It Real" meets Thursdays, 7:30 to 9 p.m. 5 Center St.

"Fishing for Recovery" meets Fridays, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church, corner of Pine and Church streets.

For more meeting times, visit www.NewEnglandNA.org or call 1-866-624-3578.

Arthritis program

The Council on Aging is sponsoring the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program "Life Improvement Series" at the Rose Baker Senior Center on Monday mornings, from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. This 12-week series is free and is offered by Carol Pallazolla, who is trained by the Arthritis Foundation. To sign up, call 978 281-9765.

Senior art

The Council on Aging art program at the Rose Baker Senior Center is led by art instructor Juni VanDyke. For information about the ongoing weekly art projects on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, at 10 a.m., call 978-281-9765.

Adventure series

The Schooner Adventure lecture series will be held Thursdays, 7 p.m., in the Friend Room, Sawyer Free Library, on the following dates:

Thursday, April 19 — Christopher McGuire, marine program director, The Nature Conservancy, "Ocean Use Planning in New England: Supporting Resilient Ocean Ecosystems and Sustainable Marine Industries."

Thursday, May 17 — Thomas French, Ph.D., assistant director, Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, "Protecting Biodiversity on Northeast Massachusetts."

The series is supported by Cape Ann Insurance Agency Inc. and VarianSEA, and sponsored by Gloucester Adventure. Call 978-281-8079 or email info@schooner-adventure.org.

Reiki for seniors

Reiki masters Dianna Porper and Laura Class offer reiki sessions at the Rose Baker Senior Center at a discounted rate for seniors, on Fridays, 10 a.m. to noon. For an appointment, call 978-281-9765.

Knitting group

The COA knitting and crochet group meets Tuesdays, 10 a.m., at the Rose Baker Senior Center. New members are welcome. Call 978-281-9765.

Senior Scrabble

A friendly group of Scrabble players meets Tuesdays, noon, at the Rose Baker Senior Center. New members are welcome. Call 978-281-9765.

Teen boat building

Maritime Gloucester is currently running a boat building course for high school students with eight weeks of classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Dory Shop. Taught by Geno Mondello, the program offers hands-on experience in laying out, lofting and making full-sized patterns and pieces and assembling and finishing a skiff. No prior experience necessary. The fee is $50, and the course is limited to six participants. To register, call 978-281-0470.

Mall Mondays

A CATA bus departs the Rose Baker Senior Center each Monday morning at 10 a.m. destined for the Liberty Tree and North Shore Malls. Return pick-up time at the mall is 1:30 p.m. Five or more passengers are needed, so call CATA by the Friday afternoon before the trip. For information/registration, call 978 283-7916, or 978-281-9765.

Legion Post open

The Capt. Lester S. Wass American Legion Post 3 opens its lounge for members and guests, Monday through Friday, noon to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

'50s dance

The Night Prowlers Car Club's annual dance to benefit the Gloucester Fraternity Club's special needs people will be held Saturday, April 21, 7 to 11 p.m., at the GFC, 27 Webster St. Features music by Leo Francis, pizza at 9 p.m., door prizes, a raffle, and a a mystery guest. Admission is $15 per person.

Blue Star Banner

Capt. Lester S. Wass Post 3, American Legion, honors military personnel by presenting the parents of anyone on active duty with a Blue Star Banner. These banners may be obtained by calling 978-283-9710. Leave your name and telephone number and a representative will return your message.

GED preparation

The Compass Youth Program offers GED preparation for ages 16 to 21, through Action Inc. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., throughout the summer. Call 978-281-9682.

Pathways volunteers

Pathways' Cape Ann Families, 29 Emerson Ave., seeks men and women to volunteer as parent mentors. The program has been running for 20 years, serving parents of the Cape Ann community who are experiencing stress or isolation. Volunteers are matched with parents, beginning year-long mentorships/friendships. Contact Hailey Granger at 978-281-2400, ext. 110, or hgranger@pw4c.org.

NAMI support groups

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) hosts recovery support groups for persons suffering depression or other brain disorders and their families on the first Wednesday of each month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and third Thursdays from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at 43 Gloucester Ave. Call 978-281-1557, email namicapeann@comcast.net or visit www.namicapeann.org.

Entrepreneurial seminar

Cape Ann Business Incubator's Center for Entrepreneurial Development holds free lunchtime workshops for business owners and entrepreneurs every Wednesday, noon to 1 p.m., at 33 Commercial St. Topics include an introduction to bookkeeping, financial management, how to secure financing and more. To RSVP, call Desmond at 978-540-9977, ext. 101.

Volunteers needed

SeniorCare Inc.'s "Meals on Wheels" program is in need of volunteer drivers to deliver noon-time meals to homebound seniors. Hot meals are fully prepared and packaged for delivery. Drivers may volunteer for one morning a week or more. Call Linnea or Paula at 1-866-927-1050 or 978-281-1750, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Walking Club

The Rose Baker Senior Center's walking club needs a volunteer leader. Free training will prepare leaders on recruiting walkers to join the club, and understanding the benefits of walking. Call 978-281-9765.

Pathways playgroups

Pathways for Children hosts parent and child play groups Mondays, 10 to 11:30 a.m., at its Cape Ann Families play space, 8 Emerson Ave. Parents, caregivers and children, from birth to age 5, are welcome. Contact Amy Larsen at 978-281-2400, ext. 120, or alarsen@pw4c.org.

Open Door Pantry

The Open Door Food Pantry, 28R Emerson Ave., provides free food assistance Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 6 to 7 p.m.; Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 to 7 p.m.; and Friday, 10 a.m. to noon and 3 to 5 p.m. Valid ID required. Call 978-283-6776 or visit www.foodpantry.org.

Books sought

Gloucester United Methodist Church, 436 Washington St., is raising money through donations of new and used books, CDs, DVDs, records and audio books. The church has a drop-off donation container to collect these items. The church will be paid on an ongoing basis for all items collected in the donation container. The program is an ongoing fundraiser and donations can be made by the public at any time. All funds raised benefit the general funding of the church. Visit www.GotBooks.com.

Paperless poetry

April is National Poetry Month, and the Lyceum at the Sawyer Free Library is holding its 10th annual Poetry Without Paper, an online contest for all levels of students living in Gloucester, regardless of whether they attend Gloucester schools. Prizes include a book of poetry, savings bonds, a certificate of recognition and publication of winning poems. Contest runs from now until April 30. A presentation ceremony, hosted by Mayor Carolyn Kirk, will be held Thursday, June 7, 7 p.m., at the library. Visit www.sawyerfreelibary.org.

Family solutions

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

Friends book sale

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

BankGloucester's 125th anniversary

BankGloucester is celebrating its 125th anniversary with special events throughout this year, starting with a customer appreciation day Friday, April 13. Come by the bank from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., to enjoy refreshments and enter a free raffle to win an iPad2. For details about this and other upcoming events, visit www.BankGloucester.com.

Earth Day

Celebrate Earth Day in Gloucester by joining a citywide clean-up on Saturday, April 21. The city, in conjunction with Clean City Initiative, is asking everyone to choose a location and organize or join a group to work on it. Hot spots include a special concentration on Stage Fort Park from 9 a.m. to noon. Other problem areas include Fort Square, Maplewood Avenue, Railroad Avenue, Fitz Henry Lane, Thatcher Road, the Green Street Playground, Poles Hill, Cherry Street, Rogers Street. Contact Rose LoPiccolo at Gloucester DPW (978-281-9785) before the event to let her know where you'll be working and the estimated number of yellow trash bags and clear recycling bags you'll need. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own tools and re-usable gloves, although gloves will be available. For more information, email: rlopiccolo@gloucester-ma.gov.

Spring curb collection

Curbside leaf collection runs Tuesday, April 17 to 21. This is a holiday week, so trash will be collected one day later. Please place leaves in paper leaf bags or loose in marked barrels. Collection is for one week only on your trash day. No plastic bags! The compost facility located on Dogtown Road remains closed, as the public woods are still closed. Please take advantage of the curbside collection.

Look good, feel better

On Wednesday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to noon, Addison Gilbert Hospital, 298 Washington St. hosts the American Cancer Society's "Look Good, Feel Better" program with a volunteer cosmetologist teaching female cancer patients make-up, skin care, wigs and accessory techniques to overcome appearance-related effects of chemotherapy and radiation. Each participant will also receive a make-up kit valued at over $200.

Senior Cinema

On April 19, Rose Baker Senior Center's free Thursday afternoon at the movies will feature "Midnight in Paris" starring Kathy Bates; on April 26, "Cowboys and Aliens" starring Daniel Craig.

Monday Music

The Good Old Salty Jazz Band will rock the Rose Baker Senior Center on Monday, April 23, from 1 to 3 p.m., The fun is free, and bring your dancing shoes. For more information, please call the Council on Aging at 978 281-9765.

Constituent service

Constituent service visits this April at the Rose Baker Senior Center are as follows: Congressman John Tierney, Friday, April 20; Senior Aide Cheryl Gresek will be available at 11:30 a.m.; State Senator Bruce Tarr, Friday, April 27, at 12:30 p.m. All are welcome. Call the COA at 978-281-9765 to schedule an appointment, or just stop in.

Brown bag day

Brown Bag Food Distribution Program at the Rose Baker Senior Center is Friday, April 27 , starting at 10 a.m. for those who qualify. For information/registration, call the Council on Aging at 978-281-9765.

Seafood retirees

The Gloucester Seafood Retirees Club will meet at the Rose Baker Senior Center on Monday, April 30, at 1 p.m. All members are encouraged to attend.

Senior Reiki

Reiki Masters Dianna Porper and Laura Class offer one remaining session at the Rose Baker Senior Center for a reduced rate for seniors, on Friday, April 27, 10 to 12 noon. Call the COA at 978-281-9765 for an appointment.