Lifestyle

Gloucester goings on


Published: November 7, 2009

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,

Breakfast with Obama

This morning, Gloucester Democrats will meet at 9 a.m., at Cameron's Restaurant, 206 Main St., to view and discuss one or more of President Obama's podcasts. All are welcome. Admission is free. Buy coffee or full breakfast if you wish. For information, contact Mary Warhol at 978-491-9811, or mewarhol@verizon.net.

Sweet bread sale, breakfast

This morning, 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

Tonight, 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.

Schooner Adventure lecture

On Nov. 18, at 7 p.m., the Schooner Adventure Lecture Series presents "Restoring Shellfish Beds and Salt Marsh at Gloucester's Mill Pond." Speakers will be Barbara Warren, director of Salem Sound Coastwatch, and Eric Hutchins, NOAA Restoration Coordinator, who will discuss how, through untiring co-coperative efforts, the 30-acre salt marsh near the Annisquam River, was restored to the natural salinity level which allows shellfish beds and other marine organisms to thrive. The lecture will take place at Cruiseport Gloucester, 6 Rowe Square. For information call Joanne Souza at 978-281-8079 or info@schooner-adventure.org.

Hoedown skating party

On Nov. 21, the Cape Ann Skating Club will hold a Harvest Hoedown Skating Party at the Talbot Rink from 12:30 to 1:50 p.m. Admission is free, all are invited and there will be games, raffles, face painting, crafts, and more. Helmets are recommended for new skaters. Limited skate rentals available. The Harvest Hoedown is sponsored by the Cape Ann Skating Club which offers "learn to skate programs" for hockey and figure skaters year-round. For more information, call 978-546-2290. Preregistration is recommended.¬ 

Christmas parade

This year's Christmas Parade will be on Nov. 29, and parade organizers are looking for Christmas themed floats and bands. The parade will start at 3:15 p.m., from the State Fish Pier, and end at Kent Circle, followed by the annual tree lighting ceremony. People and floats can begin to line up at 2 p.m. Anyone interested in supporting this annual event may send donations c/o the Gloucester Fund, 45 Middle Street, Gloucester, MA 01930. Please enter "Santa Parade" on the memo line. Help pass the word about the parade to others as time is short. This is a community event and needs community support. For more information, call Joe Ciolino¬ at 978-281-1227.

Shakespeare on Main

The Cape Ann Shakespeare Troupe begins its 2009-10 season with Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice", directed by Joseph Stiliano at the Gorton Theatre, 267 East Main Street, on Nov. 19, 20 21 at 8 p.m., and Nov. 22 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $15, or $10 for students. For more information, visit capeannshakespearetroupe.blogspot.com

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.

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 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.

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.