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 978-281-5748. 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.

GFC Ladies Auxiliary

Gloucester Fraternity Club's Ladies Auxiliary will meet Wednesday, Feb. 4. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m., followed by the business meeting at 7 p.m. For dinner reservations, call Barbara Devlin at 978-282-4704. Members are asked to bring an unwrapped item for the silent auction. The club will hold a cakeless cake sale in February. Dues for 2009 are payable at this time.

Fuel assistance

The Action Fuel Assistance Program is available to qualified households from now until April 30. Gross yearly income limits are: one person, $27,876; two-person household, $36,454; three-person household, $45,031; four people, $53,608; and $62,186 for five people. Fuel assistance can pay for all kinds of fuel as well as system repairs, cleaning and replacement. Discounts on natural gas, heating oil, electric and telephone bills are also offered. Energy efficiency education and building weatherization retrofit are available. The program's goals are to teach clients how to conserve energy, lower utility bills and to assist them in those processes. Call 978-281-3900.

Chamber's annual dinner

The Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce will kick off the new year at its 87th annual dinner-dance Saturday, Jan. 24, at The Tavern on the Harbor. The dinner will celebrate the installation of Todd Tanger of North Shore 104.9 FM to the office of president, and honor outgoing President Steve Kaity of Strong Group Inc. A social hour will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner, entertainment, door prizes and dancing to the music of The Classmates. Highlights include the introduction of new Executive Director Bob Hastings, the premiere showing of the first ever chamber promotional video for Cape Ann, and a salute to the Ambassador of the Year. Tickets are $85 per person. For reservations, call 978-283-1601 or e-mail info@CapeAnnChamber.com.

Homebuyer workshop

The Gloucester Housing Authority, 259 Washington St., will offer a four-night workshop for first-time homebuyers Feb. 4, 11, 18 and 19, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Local guest speakers will talk about legal issues, when to contact a realtor, what is affordable, financing, down payment grants, avoiding foreclosure, credit reports, credit scores, insurance, home inspections and more. Class size is limited. Cost is $49. Preregistration required; call Kathy Erkkila at 978-281-4770, ext. 110, or stop by the office. There is a discount for early registration. Full attendance will earn the certificate for MassHousing, MHP loans and most lotteries. Preference is given to low-income households in Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester, Essex and Ipswich. The program is cosponsored by TD Banknorth.

Skating lessons

The Cape Ann Figure Skating Club, a nonprofit youth organization, is holding ongoing registration for its skating classes. Lessons, which are open to children ages 2 1/2 and up and adults, are taught by¬ professional skating coaches. Classes meet at Talbot Rink in Gloucester on Wednesdays at 11:45 a.m. and Saturdays at 1 p.m. Classes meet at Johnson Rink in Hamilton on Mondays at 9:30 a.m., Tuesdays at 11 a.m., Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. and Fridays at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.¬ Private lessons are also available.¬ For registration forms, visit www.cafsc.org.¬ Call 978-546-2290 for more information.

Free workshop

A free workshop titled "How To Master Change Workshop" will be offered Wednesday, Jan. 28, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at the Sawyer Free Library, 2 Dale Ave. Based on the book, "How to Master Change" by Mary Carrol Moore, the workshop is designed to help people handle life's toughest moments with grace, love and creativity. The event is sponsored by the Massachusetts Satsang Society, a charter affiliate of Eckankar, the religion of the light and sound of God. Call Erin Acevedo at 978-546-9828 for more information.

Youth acting workshops

Gloucester Stage Company, 267 East Main St., will hold youth acting workshops for children ages 6 to 17. The six-week youth acting workshops, taught by award-winning actress Heidi Dallin, will be held Saturdays, beginning Feb. 7. The workshops will help students discover their creative potential, build self-confidence and develop communication skills as well as give them the opportunity to learn about the skills necessary for professional theater. The workshops will include an introduction to theater basics, including games, improvisation, movement, vocal and physical expression, character preparation, scene study and storytelling. Class size is limited, and registration is on a first-come basis. To register, call 978-283-6688.

Shakespeare Troupe

Cape Ann Shakespeare Troupe will present "Shakespeare On Love," a Valentine's romp of love, courtship, sex, marriage and other catastrophes, on Feb. 13 and 14, at 8 p.m., at the Rockport Community House, 58 Broadway, Rockport. The performance, directed by Ray Jenness and Joseph Stiliano, will be followed by pastries and beverages with the cast. Admission is $15, $10 for students and seniors. Tickets will be available at the door. To reserve tickets, e-mail cast2008@prodigy.net. Visit www.capeannshakespearetroupe.blogspot.com.

Miniature decoys exhibit

The Cape Ann Museum, 27 Pleasant St., will present a special exhibit of miniature decoys by wildfowl decoy carver Bob Brophy on Saturday, Jan. 31, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The exhibit is offered in conjunction with the Cape Ann Winter Birding Weekend organized by the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce and Mass Audubon. The decoys were inspired by the annual Massachusetts Waterfowl Stamp Competition, a program designed to help fund the acquisition and protection of wetland areas in the region through the creation of a yearly stamp that celebrates the art of decoy carving. The museum's collection of historic and contemporary decoys will also be on display. Call 978-283-0455 or visit www.capeannmuseum.org or www.capeannchamber.com/birdingweekend.

Volunteers needed

Nursing home ombudsmen volunteers are needed. Volunteers must be willing to spend 5-10 hours per month advocating for patients, or residents, as they live their lives with dignity and respect at a nursing facility or rehabilitation center. Volunteers will also work with the residents and facility staff to resolve concerns about residents' rights and their quality of care and life. Long Term Care Ombudsman Program volunteers receive extensive training, certification, and supervision. A one-year commitment is necessary to volunteer for this program. For information on the next local three-day training class, scheduled for this month, call SeniorCare at 866-927-1050, ext. 336. Visit www.seniorcareinc.org.

Census tests

The U.S. Census Bureau is currently conducting applicant worker tests in the Cape Ann area. Dozens of positions are available, including Census takers, clerks, assistants and more. Receive payment with flexible hours and paid training. Help residents in Gloucester, Rockport, Essex and Manchester have a successful 2010 Census. To preregister for an upcoming test, call 866-861-2010.

Florida Cape Ann Day

The Florida Cape Ann Day buffet and luncheon for residents of Gloucester, Manchester, Rockport and Essex will be held at the Best Western Waterfront Inn, 300 Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, Fla., on Monday, March 2, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations and payment are required by Feb. 15. On the menu are prime rib and chicken cordon bleu. Cost is $28 per person. Checks may be made out to: Florida Cape Ann Day 2009 and sent to: Cape Ann Day, c/o Gaspar Lafata, 6A Birch Grove Heights, Gloucester, MA 01930. Call Gaspar or Sue Lafata at 978-283-5250 (941-639-3507 in Florida) or Jim and Judy Melanson at 978-283-6435.

Children's holiday party

The Elks' holiday party for members' children, rescheduled due to stormy weather, will take place Sunday, Jan. 25, at 1 p.m. The event will feature a snowball party, a visit with Frosty, music, games pizza, cookie decorating and more.

Hearing clinic

A free hearing clinic will be offered Monday, Jan. 26, 9 a.m. to noon, at the Rose Baker Senior Center. Joseph Sarofeen, hearing aid specialist at Rogers Hearing Solutions, offers hearing tests, family counseling, and cleaning and repairing of hearing aids at no charge. Appointments are required; call the Council on Aging at 978-281-9765.

School open house

Eastern Point Day School, 8 Farrington Ave., will hold an open house Monday, Jan. 26, 1 to 4 p.m. All are welcome to tour the school, visit with the headmaster, and learn about the faculty and curriculum. The school offers hands-on experiential education¬ for students in pre-kindergarten through grade eight. To schedule a tour or a half-day classroom visit for your child, call 978-283-1700 or e-mail admissions@easternpointdayschool.org.

Seniors celebrate birthdays

The Council on Aging celebration for seniors who have birthdays or anniversaries during January will be held Wednesday, Jan. 28, 12:15 p.m., at the Rose Baker Senior Center. Seniors can call 978-281-9765 to register their special days.

Coffee Talk program

The Council on Aging Coffee Talk program will take place Friday, Jan. 30, 10 a.m., at the Rose Baker Senior Center. Guest speaker John Ronan, Gloucester's poet laureate, will talk about a series of workshops he will be conducting, which will offer the opportunity for all attending to explore their inner poet. Anyone interested may sign up for the four-week workshop. Call 978-281-9765.

Rotary Club

The Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at 12:15 p.m. at the Elks Club, 100 Atlantic Road.

History of dolls

Cape Ann Museum, 27 Pleasant St., will present a program on the history of dolls and doll collecting with Betty Nett, Curator of Dolls & Toys at the Wenham Museum, on Saturday, Jan. 24, at 3 p.m. Nett will illustrate her talk with examples from the museum's collection of 19th and 20th century European and American-made dolls. The program is free and open to the public. Participants are encouraged to bring their own dolls for identification and tips on conservation care and storage. Call 978-283-0455 or visit www.capeannmuseum.org.

Symphony's annual meeting

The annual meeting of the Cape Ann Symphony Association Inc. will take place Wednesday, Jan. 28, 8 p.m., at the Gloucester House restaurant, Rogers Street. All members of the association and interested persons are welcome to attend. The purpose of the meeting is to hear reports from officers and Music Director Yoichi Udagawa as well as to elect directors and officers for 2009. A cocktail hour and dinner will precede the meeting. Dinner reservations are needed. It is not necessary to attend the dinner in order to attend the meeting. For information and reservations, call David Benjamin at 978-281-0543.

CAAA fundraiser

Jessica Eddy will host a yoga class to benefit the Cape Ann Animal Aid as part of Yoga Day USA, the national celebration of yoga, on Saturday, Jan. 24, 8:30 to 10 a.m., at Ganesha Yoga & Healing Arts, 10 Old Harbor Road, Rockport.

DAR genealogy workshop

The Cape Ann Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will sponsor an introductory genealogy workshop Saturday, Jan. 31, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Brenner Room, Rockport Public Library, Rockport. Speakers will explain how to get started in genealogy, how to research sources and how to find materials on Cape Ann, in Essex County and beyond. The public is invited to attend. Anyone interested in applying for DAR membership is welcome to speak with a member about joining. Call Sally Costello at 978-546-7140 for more information.

Valentine's dance

Holy Family Parish Women's Guild will sponsor a Valentine's dance Saturday, Feb. 14, 7 to 11 p.m., at Cruiseport Gloucester. The event will feature music by DJ Sam Santuccio, desserts, door prizes and a cash bar. Tickets are $15 per person, and can be obtained from Women's Guild members or from the parish office next to St. Ann Church. Call Sally Costello at 978-546-7140 or Bea Ciaramitaro at 978-283-2691.

Karaoke fundraiser

Cape Ann Relay for Life's Team All For One Cause will hold its second annual karaoke night Saturday, Jan. 24, 7:30 p.m., at the St. Peter's Club, Rogers Street. The event will feature DJ Daddy O'Kee aka Bob O'Maley. Cost is $15 and includes a cover charge, light snacks and entry for the door prize — an overnight stay at the Ferncroft Sheraton in Danvers with four passes to CoCo Key Water Resort. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. Tickets will be sold at the door. Contact Mary Lou Balbo at 978-283-0797 or maryloudan@hotmail.com for more information.

CAAA comedy night

The Cape Ann Animal Aid will hod a comedy night Thursday, Jan. 29, 8 p.m., upstairs at The Rhumb Line, 40 Railroad Ave. The event will feature popular comedian Paul D'Angelo and friends, a cash bar, and raffles. Tickets are $20. All proceeds benefit the Cape Ann Animal Aid. For tickets, call 978-283-6055 or stop by the CAAA at 260 Main St., Gloucester. Visit www.CapeAnnAnimalAid.com.

Counseling for veterans

Many veterans experience difficulty in adjusting to problems they face in civilian life after having served in combat. The Lowell Vet Center offers counseling at the Gloucester Veterans Center for area veterans and their families, free of charge. To schedule an appointment, call the Gloucester Office of Veterans' Services at 978-281-9740.

Bay View Brotherhood Club

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

Northern Essex WIC

Northern Essex WIC (Women, Infants and Children) participants receive nutrition and breast-feeding education and referrals to other medical and social services. Offices are at 180 Main St., Gloucester, 978-281-4540, and 4 Ocean St., Beverly, 978-922-2110.

Lane collection tour

Join Cape Ann Museum curator Martha Oaks for a tour of the museum's renowned Fitz Henry Lane collection Saturday, Jan. 31, 11 a.m., at the musuem, 27 Pleasant St. The program is free and open to the public. Lane, the mid-19th century maritime luminist, was born in Gloucester in 1804. The museum holds the largest collection of Lane's work in the world. The collection includes 40 oil paintings, a rare watercolor, and more than 100 drawings by the artist. Lane's oil paintings will be the feature of the tour along with a selection of drawings not normally on view. No reservations are necessary. Call 978-283-0455 or visit www.capeannmuseum.org.

Partners for AGH

Partners for Addison Gilbert Hospital will meet Tuesday, Jan. 27, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., in the Friend Room, Sawyer Free Library. All are welcome. Call 978-283-9911 or e-mail pego56@comcast.net for more information.

Taste of Magnolia

The 14th annual Taste of Magnolia food and wine tasting event will be held Friday, Feb. 6, 7 to 9:30 p.m., at the Magnolia Library Center, 1 Lexington Ave. The event, with a touch of "The Jungle," is open to anyone 21 and over. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. For tickets, stop by the Magnolia Library Center, call 978-525-3343, or e-mail info@magnolialibrary.org. Proceeds benefit the Magnolia Library Center.

Nominations sought

Wellspring Cape Ann Families will recognize parents, children and family supporters who have made a difference and contributed to their families or the community in a special way during its 13th annual Community Appreciation Awards, which will be held Sunday, March 29, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Nominations are now being accepted for three award categories: Parent of the Year Award, Child of the Year Award (with three distinct age categories) and the Family Supporter of the Year Award — in memory of Howard Blackburn. Anyone is eligible to nominate. Past winners have included teachers, school nurses, day care providers and children and adults from Cape Ann and the North Shore. Nomination forms are due by March 1. To request a nomination form, contact Ann Baylies at 978-281-7856, or e-mail abaylies@wellspringhouse.org.

Guild of Our Lady

The Guild of Our Lady of Good Voyage Church will hold a business meeting Monday, Feb. 2, 7 p.m., in the parish hall, 142 Prospect St.

Docksiders spaghetti dinner

The Gloucester High School Docksiders will host a spaghetti dinner Thursday, Feb. 5, 5 to 7 p.m., in the Holy Family Parish hall. The event will also feature a performance by the Docksiders. Tickets are $10 each, $25 for a family of four and $5 for each additional person. Reservations are encouraged; call 978-281-4644 or 978-283-8251. All proceeds benefit the Docksiders 2010 performance trip to Hawaii.

Fundraiser dance

Cape Ann Relay for Life's Team Ribbons of Hope will hold its second annual fundraiser dance in memory of Mary Anne Macchi on Saturday, Feb. 7, 7 to 11 p.m., at the Gloucester Lodge of Elks. The event will feature music by Leo's Classic Hits, light refreshments and raffles. Tickets are $15 per person. For tickets, call Pam Couture at 978-283-2040, Christine Macchi at 978-282-9930, or Nancy Riley at 978-283-0193.

SeniorCare breakfast

SeniorCare Inc. will hold its 35th¬ annual Meals on Wheels Valentine¬ breakfast¬ fundraiser¬ Thursday,¬ Feb. 12,¬ 7 to 9:30¬ a.m., at the Gloucester¬ House¬ restaurant, 63¬ Rogers¬ St. Cost for the breakfast buffet is $10 per¬ person, $8 for seniors. Mail¬ checks,¬ made¬ payable¬ to SeniorCare¬ Inc., to: SeniorCare Inc., 5¬ Blackburn¬ Center, Gloucester,¬ MA¬ 01930. Call 978-281—1750 or visit www.seniorcareinc.org.

North Shore Friends

The North Shore Friends (Quakers) meet every Sunday at 10 a.m. Call 978-283-4585.

AWANA Kids Club

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

Brown bag program

Brown bag food packages will be available Friday, Jan. 30, 10:15 to 11:15 a.m., at the Rose Baker Senior Center, for those who have registered to participate in the program. Call the Council on Aging at 978-281-9765. The Open Door Food Pantry, SeniorCare Inc. and the Council on Aging sponsor this program.

Weight loss clinic

Whether trying to lose a significant amount of weight or drop a few stubborn pounds, Cape Ann Weight Loss Clinic can provide help. Your individualized program is developed based upon your goals, identified during a thorough health assessment. Over five weeks, fitness director Nicole Bembridge will help you implement your program, including proper nutritional guidance and motivation. Class length is one hour and 15 minutes and includes unlimited e-mail and phone contact. Contact Nicole Bembridge, 978-283-0470, or bembridgen@northshoreymca.org for more information. Space is limited.

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.

Military family members

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.

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.

America Reads helps kids

America Reads, a SeniorCare outreach, connects volunteer reading coaches with students in kindergarten through third grade who need help with reading. Coaching is usually done after school in the library. To volunteer, call 978-281-1750.

Adult Learning Center

Wellspring Adult Learning Center, at Sawyer Free Library, offers free tutoring in English (ESOL), GED test preparation, and math and literacy skill building. The center is open Monday from 6 to 8:30 p.m., Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 6 to 8:30 p.m. Call 978-281-9763, ext. 23.

Food stamps screening

Cape Ann Food Pantry provides food stamps eligibility screenings with a trained outreach coordinator. Call 978-283-6776, ext. 201.

Second Glance Thrift Shop

Second Glance Thrift Shop, 2 Pond Road, is open Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The shop sells low-cost clothing, shoes, books, housewares, CDs, furniture, linens, jewelry, knickknacks and artwork. The donation center entrance is located at the left-hand end of the building and is open to receive clean, sellable donations during regular business hours. Tax receipts are available upon request. Donations may not be left outside after hours. All proceeds support The Open Door/Cape Ann Food Pantry. Call 978-283-4298.

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 other things that will help increase their access to treatment and support their 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 registered nurse Joan Schaefer at 888-663-3688, ext. 1264, or e-mail jschaefer@vnacarenetwork.org.

Moose Lodge meat raffle

Cape Ann Moose Lodge 1471, 262 Main St., will hold a meat raffle every Saturday at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $5 for three for members and guests. Tickets may be purchased in advance at the lodge or the night of the raffle.

Weight Watchers meeting

A Weight Watchers meeting is held at the Gloucester Fraternity Club, 27 Webster St., every Tuesday at 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Medical insurance help

For seniors and low-income residents who need 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. Community Health Center financial counselor Fatima Calisto has office hours at the Senior Center on Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call the Council on Aging at 978-281-9765 to schedule an appointment with Romeo or Calisto.

Clothing donations

AMVETS Post 32 collects clothing for adults for distribution at Massachusetts veterans hospitals. New or clean used clothing in good condition is needed. Clothing may be dropped off at AMVETS Post 32, 14 Prospect St., weekdays after 10 a.m. To arrange for pickup, call Tom Glenn at 978-283-7516. AMVETS also collects flip-tops from aluminum cans for recycling. Proceeds benefit AMVETS' veterans hospital programs.

Knitting, crocheting group

A group meets Tuesdays 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.

Free HIV/AIDS testing

Free HIV/AIDS testing is held every Monday, 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.