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.

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 recently placed 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.

Harvest market

The Cape Ann Farmers Market will host "Harvest Market" its first Thanksgiving market, on Saturday, Nov. 19, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church, corner of Middle and Church streets; downstairs meeting room. More than 20 vendors will sell fresh produce, jams, baked goods, crafts, meats, cheeses, maple syrup, and more. Visit www.CapeAnnFarmersMarket.org or call Nicole Bogin at 978-290-2717.

Special School awards

On Wednesday, Nov. 16, at 7 p.m., a special ceremony will be hosted by chairperson Vallerie Gilman in the Gloucester High School Lecture Hall to present academic achievement awards to the following recipients: College Womens' Club of Cape Ann Award to Sarah Rose Zuidema; Harvard Prize Book to Joshua Kai Zubricki; Letter of Commendation for Outstanding Performance on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test in 2010, to Wesley Shawn Dunn, Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents Certificate of Academic Excellence to Sarah Rose Zuidema and Eleanor Keller; Sawyer Medals ro recipients from classes of 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015.

Pig Roast

The Elks lodge will be holding a pig roast party on Saturday, Nov. 19, from 8 to 11 p.m. in the downstairs function hall, 97 Atlantic Ave. Music will be provided by 'Loose Ends,' featuring Mike McNair and Bob Cooney, local acoustic duo. The band plays old favorites from the 70s and 80s. The public is welcome.

Seniors celebrate vets

In honor of all Veterans on this Veterans Day, seniors have festooned the Rose Baker Senior Center with red, white and blue balloons and invite Veterans and their families to join them for coffee and home-baked goods, all day Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 9 and 10, in the lobby. For more information, call the COA at 978 281-9765.

Tree of Lights

Gloucester's annual Tree of Lights Cape Ann ceremony is set for 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 12 at BankGloucester, 160 Main St. Members of the community are invited to sponsor a tree light in memory or in honor of a loved one to support the mission of Hospice of the North Shore & Greater Boston. Following the ceremony, there will be a reception, and guests may view the Honor Roll Book inscribed with the names of those memorialized. For more information, call 978-223-9787 or visit www.hnsgb.org. All names are due by Nov. 25, in time to be inscribed.

Tax volunteers

Action Inc. needs volunteer tax assistants to help low-income households. The Gloucester site will be open various days and evenings. Tax assistants help clients prepare and electronically submit their federal and state income tax returns, identifying tax credits for which they are eligible. No experience necessary. Volunteers will be trained in accordance with IRS guidelines and applicable Action Inc. policies. Call Laura Hart at 978-282-1000, ext. 122.

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.

Hospice needs 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.

Furniture annex

Second Glance Thrift Store Furniture Annex is open for shopping Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Clean furniture donations are welcome Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pick up available by appointment. Second Glance, a program of The Open Door, is located at 2 Pond Road in Gloucester. Call 978-283-4298 or visit www.foodpantry.org.

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.

Knitters, yarn needed

Do you knit or crochet or know somebody who does? Would you like to give the gift of warmth to the diners at The Open Door Christmas dinner this holiday season? If so, contact Robin Carabin at 978-515 7556 or robin.carabin@yahoo.com to pledge to make a scarf or two. Carabin is also looking for donated yarn (any amount will help). Between 125 and 150 scarves for men, women and children are needed.

Seacoast fair

Seacoast Nursing and Rehab center hosts its annual holiday fair on Saturday, Nov. 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and rental tables are available to vendors. Raffles for prizes include donations from local restaurants, businesses, shops, and theaters. Anyone wishing to donate gift certificates or rent a table to help this event help Seacoast, please contact Abigail Boyd at 978 283 0300 ext 124, or email: Abigail.Boyd@kindredhealthcare.com

Fun at Foxwoods!

The COA's senior away day to Foxwoods Casino is scheduled for Nov. 14, coach departing the Rose Baker Senior Center at 6 a.m. and returning around 7:30 p.m. For more information or to sign up, call the COA at 978-281-9765.

Crafters wanted

The annual Rockport PTO holiday fair is looking for crafters for the Nov. 19 event. Space fills up quickly and is limited. To reserve an eight-foot table, contact Amy Kamm at 978-546-5138 or ajkamm93@gmail.com.

Health aide training

Action Inc., 180 Main St., offers a six-week Home Health Aide Training Program starting in October, Monday-Friday, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Learn the skills necessary to get a job as a home aide, caring for the elderly and/or disabled in their homes, get resume preparation, job searches and placement assistance. Call 978-281-7402 or e-mail pbongiorno@actioninc.org. Visit www.actioninc.org.

Senior sewing

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.

Counseling for veterans

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.

Isabel Babson Memorial 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, ext. 24.

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 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.

Dogtown trails

On Thursday, Nov. 17, from 10 a.m. to noon, Mark Carlotto leads a four-mile exploration of Dogtown, including "Whale's Jaw," an unusual glacial rock formation deposited over 10,000 years ago in the midst of this mysterious, long-abandoned, fabled colonial settlement. Mark, author of "The Dogtown Guide," shares learning of Dogotwn's haunting history. Prepaid reservations are required by Monday, Nov. 14. Essex Heritage members $9/Non-members $15. Register online at: www.EssexHeritage.org/membership/events, or call 978-740-0444.

Food For Fines

The Sawyer Free Library is accepting Food For Fines through Nov. 21. Just bring in a bag of groceries and your overdue fines will be erased. This program is for overdue fines only and not for lost or billed books. Items such as boxed rice, canned fruit and veggies, canned fish or meat, peanut butter, dry pasta, cereal, soup, etc. will be accepted and collected for the Cape Ann Food Pantry. For more information, call 978-281-9763.

Holiday meal baskets

The Open Door Food Pantry needs help providing holiday meal baskets to local families. A donation of $25 provides a turkey, potatoes, butternut squash, apples, stuffing, cranberry and more. Please make checks payable to: The Open Door, and write "turkey" in the memo line. 28 Emerson Ave., Gloucester, MA 01930. The Open Door serves residents of Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester, Essex and Ipswich. To donate online, visit: www.foodpantry.org.

Holiday fair

The Women's Community Club of Magnolia holds its holiday fair fundraiser Saturday, Nov. 12, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., in Jones Hall, Magnolia Library Center. Features handmade crafts, gifts, jewelry, a bake table, mulled cider, coffee, punch, doughnuts, cookie-decorating, face-painting, sand art, and pictures with Santa. A silent auction features gift certificates and baskets. Lunch features homemade haddock chowder, quiche, hotdogs, and tuna rolls at 11:30 a.m. Proceeds support community projects. Call Carol Sutherland at 978-525-3773.

Food stamp screening

The Open Door 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 City 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 fundraiser

The St. Peter's Fiesta Committee has established 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.

Financial aid night

Gloucester High School will hold a financial aid night Wednesday, Nov. 16, 6:30 p.m., in the lecture hall. The event is being presented through MEFA, the state's resource on planning, saving and paying for college. Parents shouldn't miss this opportunity to learn about applying for aid, comparing financial aid award letters and making a plan to pay.

Bose raffle

The Friends of Seacoast Activity Fund are hosting a raffle of a Bose music system with an IPOD docking station attachment. Winner will be drawn on the Dec. 21. Tickets are $10, three for $25; available at Seacoast Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, 292 Washington Street, Gloucester, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

Cribbage group

The Magnolia Cribbage Group meets every Wednesday for 10 weeks at 7:15 p.m. at the Patio restaurant, Lexington Avenue. The prepaid fee is $40 and includes dinner and prizes on the 11th week. Registration on the first night is at 6:45 p.m. Beginners, intermediate and advanced players welcome. Call 978-526-8550 or e-mail rogerdinapoli@msn.com. Camron cribbers are welcome.

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.

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.

Legion Post open

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

Blue Star Banner

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

GED preparation

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

Mitten tree

Addison Gilbert Hospital is accepting warm articles of clothing through the rest of November through Dec. 10, for Action, Inc. The following donations are especially needed for infants, childrens and adults. New hats, mittens, scarves — all new, warm items are welcome and may be left inside the hospital cafe in the main entrance.

Senior Fair

Rose Baker Senior Center's Christmas Fair is Thursday, Nov. 17, and Friday, Nov. 18, from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. All are welcome, and the seniors are preparing tables of white elephant items, crafts, hand knits, puzzles, jewelry, and more; along with fresh, home goods. delicious home-baked goods, and autographed copies of Mary Ann Esposito's "Ciao Italia-Five Ingredient Favorites" cook book! Also available will be autographed copies of "If I Were A Dog" the children's book illustrated by Juni Van Dyke and her Rose Baker art students, written by James M. McKenna. For more information, call 978 281-9765.

Holiday Blues

As the holidays approach, many folks find themselves feeling down and overwhelmed. A special program — 'Dealing with the Holiday Blues,'— is being presented by Lucille Bonanno, Bereavement Coordinator for Beacon Hospice, Inc. on Monday, Nov. 21, at 1:30 p.m. at the Rose Baker Senior Center. All are welcome to share and develop creative coping strategies in a confidential and supportive environment. To register, call Lydia Bertolino, LSW, at 978 281-9765. This event is free; with light refreshments.

Good Ole Salty Jazz

This month, the Good Ole Salty Jazz Band will play live at the Rose Baker Senior Center on Mondays, Nov. 14 and 21, from 1 to 3 p.m. for dancing and listening. All are welcome to kick back and enjoy the free, fun, great music!

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, e-mail 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.

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.

Walking Club

The Rose Baker Senior Center is starting a walking club and 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.

Volunteers needed

SeniorCare Inc. seeks volunteers to deliver Meals on Wheels in East Gloucester on Tuesdays and, or Wednesdays. Call 978-281-1750.

Quest fest!

Grab the family and join the "Sweet Bay Swamp Fest" on Saturday, Nov. 12, from noon to 3 p.m. through the swamp trails of Sweetbay Magnolia. Make your own stamps, get our new "Passport" booklet on this self-guided treasure hunt. A Trustees of the Reservations in Cape Ann event. Nonmembers, $5; free for members. Visit: www.thetrustees.org.

Centuries walk

On Sunday, Nov. 13, from 1 to 3 p.m., walk through the centuries with "Wilderness to Special Place: Ravenswood." Once a main thoroughfare Ravenswood is now a great, natural treasure and learning ground. View evidence of its cultural history, and its colorful casts of characters down through the centuries. A Trustees of the Reservations in Cape Ann event. Nonmembers, $5; free for members. Visit: www.thetrustees.org.

Happy trails

Join us on Saturday, Nov. 19, at Stage Fort Park near The Cupboard, and work up an appetite for that Thanksgiving turkey with a 5 mile hike from 1 to 4 p.m., along rocky seashore looping through beautiful habitats. A Trustees of the Reservations in Cape Ann event. Nonmembers, $5; free for members. Visit: www.thetrustees.org.

Open Door Food 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.