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.

AMVETS drawing

AMVETS Post 32 will hold its monthly "Friends of AMVETS, 500-club" drawing Monday, July 27, 7 p.m., in the Post Hall, 14 Prospect St. The drawing is open to the public. Cost is $5 per number. More than $1,100 in prize money is awarded. It is not necessary to be present to win. Cash door prizes are awarded at the drawing to present ticket holders. All profits benefit AMVETS scholarships. Call Pete Tibbetts at 978-281-0681 or Tom Glenn at 978-283-7516.

Wiffleball tournament

The Gloucester Fraternity Club will hold a wiffleball tournament Saturday, Aug. 1, in the club's parking lot. Rain date is Aug. 2. Cost is $75 per three-man team. The tournament is limited to 10 teams. Prizes and food will be available. To register, call 978-283-2889, mailbox 3, and leave your name and phone number.

Church fair

West Gloucester Trinitarian Congregational Church, 488 Essex Ave., will hold its annual church fair Saturday, July 25, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The fair will feature a silent auction, white elephant items, jewelry, books, movies, games, prizes, a Moonbounce and a dunk tank.¬ All proceeds from the dunk tank will benefit the Chill Zone, an Essex¬ County Community Organization. All are welcome. The fair will also feature homemade clam chowder, burgers, hotdogs, baked beans, organic coffees and teas,¬ and a bake sale table.

Music performance

Gordon and Jock Baird and their band The Tide will perform an eclectic, electric mix of Beatles harmonies and dance songs on Sunday, July 26, 8 to 11 p.m., at The Rhumbline, Railroad Avenue. Guitarist David Koen will perform with the band. There is no cover charge. For more information, call 978-283-0390.

H-Hill Tigers sign ups

H-Hill Tigers will hold football and cheerleading sign-ups at the 239 Eastern Ave. garage location on Friday, July 31, 5 to 7 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 1, 9:30 a.m. to noon; Friday, Aug. 7, 5 to 7 p.m.; and Saturday, Aug. 8, 9:30 a.m. to noon. Call Jackie Harwood at 978-281-2928.

Annisquam Village Players

The Annisquam Village Players will present "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" Aug. 4 to 9, at Annisquam Village Hall. The cast includes Cape Ann residents Andrea Liacos, Gabriel Rodriguez, Tony Verga, Paul Hurst, Mike English and Kelsey Pinkard as well as more than 20 local children. Show times are Tuesday through Thursday at 7:30 p.m. and Friday through Sunday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 for reserved seating, $15 for general admission. For general admission tickets, stop by the Annisquam Exchange, The Book Store in Gloucester and Lula's Pantry in Rockport. Visit www.annisquamvillageplayers.org to pre-order tickets.

Recreation programs

The city of Gloucester and the Cape Ann YMCA will offer programs for children and adults through the summer in sailing, basketball, tennis and fencing. All registration packets are available at the Cape Ann YMCA. For more information, contact Katy Milne at milnek@northshoreymca.org or 978-283-0470, ext. 1714.

Annisquam Exchange

The Annisquam Exchange, 32 Leonard St., is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Annisquam Exchange, a community-based nonprofit organization, offers antiques, collectibles, linens, cards and gifts. Call 978-281-0358.

Yard sale

The residents of Sheedy Park will hold a yard sale every Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., through the summer, weather permitting. The yard sale will be held on the Shepherd Street side of the building.

New Vision Group meets

The New Vision Group will meet Thursday, July 23, 10 a.m., at the Rose Baker Senior Center. The group meets monthly for programming and lunch. Call 978-281-9765.

Relay for Life fundraiser

Cape Ann Relay for Life's Team Re-lei for a Cure is holding a "Flocking" fundraiser all summer and fall. Surprise a friend in Gloucester and Rockport by having a flock of pink flamingos placed on a their lawn to help raise money for the American Cancer Society. Call Paula Bertolino at 508-284-6088 or Julie Thibedeau at 978-430-3660.

Vacation Bible School

North Shore Bible Church in Essex and Calvary Chapel Baptist Church in Gloucester will offer a vacation Bible school, for children ages 5 to 11, Aug. 3 to 7, 6 to 8:30 p.m., at 384 Washington St., Gloucester. For more information or to preregister, visit www.groupvbs.com/webtoybox/myvbs/fearnot2009 or call 978-768-3539.

Quarter Deck Poetry Contest

Do you live in Gloucester? Are you inspired by the Man at the Wheel? Do you have a poem about the Gloucester-inspired Massachusetts quarter? Send the poem, along with your home address and contact information, to: Quarter Deck Poetry Contest, Box 5524, Gloucester, MA 01930. Winners will be published and recognized in public ceremonies in Gloucester and Boston. Deadline for entries is Aug. 23, the day (in 1925) that the statue was dedicated.

CAMPS retreat

The CAMPS (Christ As My Personal Savior) youth program will attend a one-week retreat at Geneva Point Convention Center in Moultonboro, N.H., Aug. 10 to 15. Celebrating its 26th year of ministry, the retreat, featuring music, speakers and games, will give participants the chance to share their lives and faith with up to 300 teens from Massachusetts and beyond. For more information, contact Jack Duwart at 978-325-3189 or jduwart@yahoo.com. Visit www.campsminstry.com.

Science summer camp registration

Kestrel Educational Adventures is running a one-week hands-on camp, Aug. 24-28, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in collaboration with Eastern Point Day School. Children, ages 6 to 10, will explore, reflect and experience the coast in layers — from shore to deeper waters. Participants will gain an understanding of tidal rhythms, learn about natural resources from the ocean, and create marine arts. To register, e-mail Lisa Wheeler at lwheeler@easternpointdayschool.org.

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.

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.

Open Door meals

The Open Door, 28R Emerson Ave., serves a family-style meal Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 5 to 6 p.m. Sunday from 4 to 5 p.m. Gloucester residents may call 978-283-6776, ext. 204, to arrange for a free van ride. The ride line must be reached before 4 p.m. to ensure a seat.

Isabel Babson Memorial Library

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

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.

Ucita Council

Ucita Council No. 46 meets at the Red Barn, Emerson Avenue, every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.

Cape Ann Food Pantry

Cape Ann 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. Basic household information and a valid identification are required. The pantry also offers its Buck-A-Bag program, a weekly surplus food market that provides low-cost access to fresh (and locally grown) produce and wholesome breads, Fridays from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Call 978-283-6776.

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.

Cape Ann Social Club

The Cape Ann Social Club provides adults with social, recreational and community activities every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 5 to 8 p.m., and Thursday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Members meet at various places. For more information on becoming a member or volunteer, call 978-879-4742.

Action lead program

Only families with lead-poisoned children will be eligible for funding in the Get the Lead Out Loan Program until further notice.

Cape Ann Referral Group

The Cape Ann Referral Group meets every other Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. at The Elks at Bass Rocks on Atlantic Avenue. A membership of small business owners who refer each other's businesses to the Cape Ann community. For more information, visit www.CapeAnnBiz.com. The next meeting will take place July 22.

Computer classes

Action Inc. Employment and Training Program, located at 180 Main St., offers these classes:

Microsoft PowerPoint. Learn to use this powerful presentation software for creating and viewing slideshows during face-to-face meetings and presentations. Six-week class meets Wednesdays, 6 to 8 p.m., beginning Aug. 12.

To register, contact Patty Bongiorno at 978-281-7402 or pattyjobs@yahoo.com.

Parent Connection

Wellspring Cape Ann Families offers a free parent support and education group twice weekly (ongoing throughout the year) for all parents and caregivers. The group meets Mondays, 6 to 7:30 p.m., and Fridays, 10 to 11:30 a.m., at 28 Emerson Ave. Child care and transportation are provided. Call Ann Baylies at 978-281-7856.

Recovery programs

A variety of recovery programs meets weekly in Gloucester.

Sunday — Al-Anon, 7:15 to 8:15 p.m., Bowen Room, Addison Gilbert Hospital. Use Washington Street entrance; AA open speakers, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., St. John's Church, 48 Middle St.

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.

Thursday — Women's Narcotics Anonymous, 7 to 8 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church, corner of Pine and Church streets.

Friday — AA Gloucester Morning Glories women's AA, 7 to 8 a.m., North Shore Health Project, 67 Middle St.; Al-Anon Cape Ann, 7:30 to 9 p.m., Trinitarian Congregational Church, Route 133, West Gloucester, families and friends of alcoholics invited; AA meeting, First Baptist Church, 38 Gloucester Ave., 8 to 9 p.m.

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.

YMCA Theater Club

The Cape Ann YMCA Teen & Camp Services Branch offers a YMCA Theater Club for youth and teens in grades three through eight. Junior classes, for students in grades three through five, will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 5 p.m.; and senior classes, for students in grades six through eight, will meet Mondays and Wednesdays from 3 to 5 p.m. Monthly fees are $35 for YMCA members, $55 for nonmembers. Financial assistance is available. Whether your child seeks the spotlight or prefers contributing backstage — all are welcome to join professional actress Kimberly Kurczy. For more information, call Rick Doucette at 978-283-0470, ext. 102, or Nikki Klink at ext. 103.

Support for troops

The Gloucester Office of Veterans' Services is seeking help from the community

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

Donations needed. The office is accepting donations of needed goods, including AT&T telephone cards, and donations for mailing boxes to send to the troops. Military families need help, too.

Military family members. Residents are urged to register their active duty family member(s) with the office. Already registered? Let the office know where your active duty family member is stationed.

Call the Office of Veterans' Services at 978-281-9740 for more information.

Harvest Meals

Cape Ann Interfaith Commission offers harvest meals Tuesdays and Fridays, when meals are not served at the Open Door. Meals are offered Tuesdays at St. John's Church, 48 Middle St., and Fridays at Trinity Congregational Church, 70 Middle St. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. on both days. Meals are served from 5 to 6. All are welcome. There is no charge.

Community Health Center

Seniors and low-income residents can get help in gaining access to health care services, receive assistance with applications or ask about general concerns at the Rose Baker Senior Center. Stop in or call 978-281-9765 to schedule an appointment with SHINE counselor/interpreter Sefatia Romeo on Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., or with North Shore Community Health Center financial counselor Fatima Calisto, who has office hours on Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

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. For more information, call Jeannie at 978-281-9763, ext. 18.

TOPS meeting

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), a weight-loss and maintenance support group, meets every Monday at Seacoast Nursing Center, 292 Washington St., Gloucester. Weigh-in begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by the meeting at 7. New members should arrive at 6 p.m. Low membership fees. Call MaryEllen at 978-283-2103 or Susan at 978-768-7959.

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.

BNI meetings

Business Network International, a weekly meeting of local business owners and managers, meets at the Gloucester House restaurant every Thursday at 7 a.m.

Museum passes

Sawyer Free Library offers free or reduced entry passes to the Cape Ann Museum, Boston Children's Museum, Essex Shipbuilding Museum, Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Museum of Science, Museum of Fine Arts, Peabody Essex Museum and the Sargent House Museum. To reserve passes, call 978-281-9763.

North Shore Health Project

North Shore Health Project provides services to those living with HIV, AIDS and hepatitis C. Services include case management, holistic therapies, referrals for medical, legal, housing and other critical needs, congregate meals, free clothing, emergency funding and educational and social programming. Counseling with a hepatitis C nurse is available on Mondays. No appointment is necessary. The North Shore Health Project, at 67 Middle St., is open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 978-283-0101.

Free business advice

Service Corps of Retired Executives (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), 72 Rogers St., every Tuesday. Using a three-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 for details. Call 978-282-7779 to make an appointment.