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 ever
O'Maley family day
On Sunday, Nov. 1, O'Maley School needs family and staff volunteers, community support, supplies and ideas for a major clean-up and landscaping effort scheduled to take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Local restaurants and food suppliers are asked to provide lunch and refreshments for participants. Local professionals are asked to donate their expertise, time and talent, and a range of garden, landscape and art equipment. For more information or to volunteer, dviau3verizon.net. Rain date is the same time on the following Sunday.
Cheerleaders'fundraiser
On Wednesday, Nov. 4, the Gloucester High School Cheerleaders will host a fundraiser at Jalapenos Restaurant from 5pm to 9pm. There will be great food and drinks, and proceeds will benefit the Friends of Gloucester High School Cheerleading booster. Call Paul Marques at 978-857-0733.
Annisquam yard sale
Today, Saturday, Oct. 31, The Annisquam Exchange, 32 Leonard St., will hold an indoor end-of-the-season yard sale from 8 a.m. to noon. Proceeds benefit the Annisquam Exchange, a community-based nonprofit organization. Call 978-283-0358.
Halloween stories
Today, Saturday, Oct. 31, Sawyer Free Library will present "Halloween with a Heart" with storyteller Lucille LePage at 11 a.m., in the Friend Room.
Film screening
Today, Saturday, Oct. 31, Cape Ann Community Cinema, 21 Main St., will present a film screening to benefit the Rocky Neck Art Colony at 2 p.m. The documentary, "Alfred Levitt: In Three Acts," is about ego, self-reflection and self-importance, and, ultimately, how one is perceived by others and by history. Tickets are $10. Visit www.pacificstreetfilms.com/levitt.htm.
Halloween Open House
On Saturday, Oct. 31, members and children will consider the question "Halloween — or All Hallows Eve?" at 7:30 p.m. at Independent Christian Church, Unitarian Universalist, corner of Church and Middle streets. The program is open to the public and blurs the line between theater, drama and church — with spooky and happy music, ghost stories and an appearance of the spirits of the church's founders, the Rev. John Murray and Judith Sargent Murray. Candy will be available. Call 978-283-3410 or visit gloucesteruu.org.
Fisk organ concert
On Sunday, Nov.1, there will be a concert of the Fisk organ at 4 p.m., St. John's Church, 48 Middle St. The featured recitalist is Hatsumi Miura, who will play works of Iberian composers, Bach, Bovet and Guilmant. ST. John's music director will join her in a two organist transcription of the Danse Macabre of Saint-Saens. The public is invited to hear this program. Donation is $10, $15 for seniors and students. For information, visit www.stjohnsgloucester.org, or call 978-283-1708.
Costume contest!
On Saturday, Oct. 31, Stop & Shop will hold a Halloween party from 11 a.m. till 3 p.m. The best costume will win a $50 gift card to Toys R Us, and entertainment will feature a DJay, magic tricks, Elmo, Sponge Bob, and balloon tricks.
Fundraiser dinner
On Sunday, Nov. 1, Cape Ann Relay for Life's Team Ribbons of Hope will hold a fundraiser dinner from 5 to 10 p.m., at The Franklin restaurant, Main Street. All patrons will be entered to win a door prize.
Rockin Halloween
Tonight, Saturday, Oct. 31, Garfish will play a special Halloween set of classic rock at Elliott's at the Blackburn from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for best costumes, and the band will play a range featuring classics from Queen to Jethro Tull to Chicago to the Beatles and more.
Flea market, bake sale
On Nov. 7, the Sheedy Park Tenants Association will be having a flea market and bake sale at 88 Pleasant St., from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Free class
On Monday, Nov. 2, a free introductory class based on the book "Past Lives, Dreams and Soul Travel" by Harold Klemp, spiritual leader of Eckankar, religion of the light and sound of God, will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m., at The Pleasant Street Tea Company, 7 Pleasant St. Learn to recall past-life lessons for help today, find guidance in dreams, and discover your natural ability to soul travel. Call Erin Acevedo at 978-546-9828.
GFC Ladies Auxiliary
On Wednesday, Nov. 4, The Gloucester Fraternity Club's Ladies Auxiliary will meet at 7 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. For dinner reservations, call Barbara Devlin at 978-282-4704. Following the meeting, an independent beauty consultant from Mary Kay Skin Care and Color Cosmetics will give a presentation. All will get a hand and lip treatment. Members and friends are invited to participate. For more information on the Mary Kay fundraiser, call Annette Spanks at 978-525-3478.
Farmer's Market Funder
On Wednesday, Nov. 11, there will be a party at Alchemy to celebrate another successful season for the Cape Ann Farmer's Market. From 6 to 10 p.m., there will be free samplings from Alchemy's new menu, with a cash bar. Admission of $5 at the door will go to support next year's market.
Stroke support group
On Thursday, Nov. 5, the Gloucester Stroke Club will have a social meeting at 7 p.m., at Addison Gilbert Hospital, 298 Washington St., Babson Women's Health Center. Refreshmentswill be served and all are invited to attend. Call Cynthia at 978-283-2366 or Virginia at 978-283-3968.
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.
Olson's letters to Cape Ann
In connection with the upcoming centenary of the birth of American poet Charles Olson (1910-1970), the Cape Ann Museum is assembling a book of Olson's letters to the people of Cape Ann. One of this country's leading post-modern writers and a passionate commentator on local affairs during his many years in Gloucester, Olson carried on correspondence with a wide range of people on any number of subjects. For this project, the museum is seeking letters and cards that Olson sent to residents. If you have correspondence from Charles Olson or know someone who does, contact Stephanie Buck at 978-283-0455, ext. 19, or stephaniebuck@capeannmuseum.org.
Advisory Committee
The city is establishing a seven-member Open Space and Recreation Advisory Committee. The committee will recommend and implement actions to preserve, protect and enhance Gloucester's open space and recreational areas. For more information, call Sarah Garcia in the Community Development Department at 978-281-9781. If interested in serving, send a letter of interest and a resume to: Mayor Carolyn A. Kirk, City Hall, 9 Dale Ave., Gloucester, MA 01930.
Computer training, GED preparation
Applications are now being taken for the next Wellspring Adult Learning Initiative. This upcoming eight-week session offers job search skills, high school equivalency diploma (GED) and college preparation, and fundamentals of computers for men and women, beginning Monday, Nov. 9. Classes meet Monday through Friday, 8:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Classes include GED test preparation featuring math and English skill building, Microsoft Word and Excel, Keyboarding, and Finding and Keeping a Job. For an application, call 978-281-3558, ext. 310.
Sweet bread sale, breakfast
On Saturday, Nov. 7, A sweet bread sale and fried-dough breakfast will be offered in the parish hall of Our Lady of Good Voyage Church, 142 Prospect St. The sale will begin at 9 a.m. and last until the bread is gone.
Heritage Center program
On Saturday, Nov. 7, Fred Dodge will tell Down East stories in the "Bert and I" tradition at the Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center at 7:30 p.m. Fred is the brother of the late Marshall Dodge, who together with Yale classmate Robert Bryan originated the "Bert and I" stories more than 50 years ago. Specializing in a distinctive Maine dialect, the pair created the roles of two Down East fishermen whose boat sunk after being sliced in two by a steamer. Admission is $8, $6 for Heritage Center members. Refreshments will be served. For advance tickets, call 978-281-0470.
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.
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.
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.
Docent training program
Cape Ann Museum is currently accepting applications for participation in this fall's docent training program. Docents are volunteer tour guides trained in educating visitors about the museum's art, history and culture collection. The museum's first class of trained docents completed a five-month training last winter and spring, and are currently leading weekly tours for public and private groups. For details, contact Linda Marshall at 978-283-0455, ext. 16, or lindamarshall@capeannmuseum.org.
Superior Officers fundraiser
On Saturday, Dec. 5, The Gloucester Superior Officers Association is conducting its annual fundraiser. Additionally, the association will host a benefit comedy basketball game featuring The Court Jesters on Saturday in the field house at Gloucester High School. The family event is open to all ages. Businesses and residents will be contacted by telephone and invited to participate in this fundraising effort. All contributors will receive complimentary tickets to the comedy basketball game. Proceeds support programs and activities, including ARC dances at the Gloucester Fraternity Club, Gloucester Little League, HAWC (Help for Abused Women and Children) and the Gloucester Lyceum and Sawyer Free Library. For tickets or for more information, call 978-282-8884.
HAWC drop-in group
A HAWC (Healing Abuse Working for Change) drop-in group meets every Wednesday from 9:30 to 11 a.m., with child care provided. This free, confidential group is for women who have experienced emotionally or physically abusive relationships. Join other women for nonjudgmental support and education about domestic violence. Call 978-281-1135 for Gloucester location. Visit www.helpabusedwomen.org.
Parent Connection support group
Wellspring Cape Ann Families offers a free parent support and education group twice weekly (ongoing throughout the year) for all parents and caregivers. Parent Connection 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 978-281-7856 for more information, or drop in.
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.
SeniorCare elder services
SeniorCare Inc. offers elder services in Beverly, 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.
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.
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.
Chili Cook-Off!
On Saturday, Nov. 14, from 7:30 to 11 p.m., Manchester Mother's Club will hold its annual chili cook-off fundraiser at the Rhumbline Bar and Restaurant, 40 Railroad Ave., Gloucester. Sample the best chilis of the North Shore, relax with a live band music and a cash bar, and take a chance in a raffle. Admission is $10 per person, and anyone wishing to enter their own chili should e-mail Amber Bazdar at chiliparty09@gmail.com. Money raised will benefit The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. If you want to attend, send a check to the MMC, P.O. Box 1424 , Manchester , MA , 01944 . If you are can't attend but want to make a donation to JDRF, please memo the check as "Donation for JDRF."
Composting schedule
The Municipal Composting Facility on Dogtown Road will be open to Gloucester residents only on the following Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the collection of leaves and brush: Oct. 31, Nov. 7, 14, 21 and 28, and Dec. 5. Leaves must be clean and free of rocks and debris, and brush must be no more than four feet in length and four inches in diameter. Plastic bags, bricks or stumps can not be accepted. Call 978-281-9785.
Cursillo ultreya
On Saturday, Nov. 7, The Cape Ann cursillo community will hold its next ultreya after the 4 p.m. Mass at St. John the Baptist Church in Essex. A pot-luck dinner begins at 5 p.m., followed by the ultreya at 6 p.m. Bring a dish to share. All are welcome. Call Al Mitchell at 978-281-0536.
Adult Learning Initiative
On Nov. 9, 12 and 17, Wellspring House, 302 Essex Ave., will host open houses at 9 a.m., to introduce potential students to the Adult Learning Initiative. ALI is an eight-week program where students master basic computer skills, focus on job readiness, and improve math, reading and writing skills. Classes meet from Nov. 30-Feb. 5, 8:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. After class, study time is also available. Contact Bo Abrams at 978-281-3558, ext. 304, or babrams@wellspringhouse.org for more information.
Penny sale
On Saturday, Nov. 21, The DES Club, 133 Prospect St., will host a penny sale at 7 p.m. The sale will feature sweet bread, pastries, groceries and a turkey give-away.
Elks harvest dance
On Saturday, Nov. 28. The Gloucester Lodge of Elks will host a harvest dance. Cocktails will be served at 7 p.m., followed by music and dancing at 8 p.m. Music will be provided by local bands Sling Daddy and Full Circle. Tickets are $8 per person. Tickets will be on sale at the lodge. Members and guests are welcome.
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.
Ucita Council
Ucita Council No. 46 meets at the Red Barn, Emerson Avenue, every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
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.
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, meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3 to 5 p.m.; and senior classes, for students in grades six through eight, meets Mondays and Wednesdays, 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. Call Rick Doucette at 978-283-0470, ext. 102, or Nikki Klink at ext. 103.
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.
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.
Recovery programs
A variety of recovery programs meets weekly in Gloucester.
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.
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. Visit www.CapeAnnBiz.com.
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-Thaken on Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 12:30 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.
