Lifestyle

Gloucester goings on


Published: December 17, 2008

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.

New Year's Day swim

Residents are invited to brace themselves for the new year with a plunge in the ocean at the northeastern end of Good Harbor Beach on Thursday, Jan. 1, at 8 a.m. sharp. Parking is available near the Good Harbor Beach Inn on Witham Street. Admission is free. For more information, call Bill Stanley at 978-369-2008.

Blue Christmas service

Gloucester United Methodist Church, 436 Washington St., will host a Blue Christmas service to offer comfort to those who struggle to find the joy of the Advent and Christmas seasons on Thursday, Dec. 18, at 7 p.m. Call 978-281-1040 or e-mail gloumc@verizon.net.

Provide holiday meals

Wellspring House is looking for donors to help provide Christmas holiday meals for Cape Ann area families in need. One way to donate is to send a check for $25, made payable to Holiday Meals, to: Wellspring House, 302 Essex Ave., Gloucester, MA 01930. Wellspring will then purchase a food voucher for a family. The other way is to shop for a dinner (grocery items which the recipient will cook and prepare) and deliver it to the family. Donors are asked to call Wellspring at 978-281-3221, ext. 0, if they wish to be matched to a family. Visit www.wellspringhouse.org, or contact Heidi O'Shea at 978-281-3558, ext. 329 or hoshea@wellspringhouse.org.

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.

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.

AMVETS Toys for Tots

AMVETS Post 32, in cooperation with the U.S. Marine Corps, is conducting the annual Toys for Tots collection. Only new, unwrapped toys can be accepted. Donations of toys may be dropped off at AMVETS Post 32, 14 Prospect St., from now until Dec. 20. To arrange for a pick-up, call Tom Glenn at 978-283-7516. Those wishing to make a financial donation should make checks/money orders payable to: U.S. Marines, "Toys for Tots."

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.

Gift wrapping event

The Lanesville Community Center, 8 Vulcan St., will sponsor a gift wrapping event Saturday, Dec. 20, from 2 to 6 p.m. Volunteers will wrap last minute Christmas, Hanukah or holiday time birthday presents. Residents may drop off their gifts or have them wrapped while they wait. There will also be a wrap-it-yourself table for both adults and children who prefer to wrap their own gifts. Materials will be provided. A visit from Santa will take place between 3 and 5 p.m. The event is free, but donations are appreciated. Proceeds benefit the Lanesville Emergency Action Program. Call Leslie at 978-281-7464 for more information.

Pathways seeks holiday help

Pathways for Children is seeking participants for its Surprise a Family program. Fulfill a family's wish list and make their holiday dreams come true. The deadline to deliver gifts for your special holiday family is Dec. 18. Call Diana Foster at 978-281-2400, ext. 320 for more information.

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.

Rotary Club

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

After-school art programs

Cape Ann Art Haven offers after-school art programs twice a week. Classes for students in grades three through five meet Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 3:30 to 5 and 5:30 to 7 p.m.; and classes for students in grades six through eight meet Tuesday and Thursday, 4 to 5:30 p.m. and 6 to 7:30 p.m. No experience is necessary. Walk-ins are welcome. Cost is $10 per class, $60 per month (eight classes). To sign up, call 978-283-3888.

Computer classes

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

Microsoft PowerPoint is a presentation software for creating and viewing slide shows during face-to-face meetings and presentations. Six-week class meets Wednesdays, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., beginning Jan. 7.

Microsoft Windows for Beginners is designed to teach the user about using a desktop computer keyboard and mouse, working with Microsoft Windows programs, managing files, customizing windows, managing folders and maintaining programs and flash drives. Six-week class meets Wednesdays, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., beginning March 4.

Clinical Medical Assistant Training program meets for 23 weeks, beginning Feb. 2, 2009. Class meets 20 hours per week. Applications are now being accepted.

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

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.

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.

Relay for Life fundraiser

Cape Ann Relay for Life's Team Freedom is selling Hope Jewelry products. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. The Hope Cancer Awareness Bracelet is made of colorful Millefiore coin beads with a sterling silver hope bead in the center and a pink breast cancer awareness ribbon bead. Other products include Lanyards for ID badges, eye/sunglasses holders, key holders, necklaces and anklets. Items may be purchased at Escape Day Spa, Fatima's Hair Design, Headlines, Salon 127 and Ocean Optical. For more information, call Helen at 978-281-3232 or Janelle at 978-283-4359, or e-mail oscar31@comcast.net or jandjmccarthy@yahoo.com.

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 the post at 978-281-5078. 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.

Interfaith discussion

Temple Ahavat Achim, 33 Commercial St., will host an interfaith discussion titled "Lights: The Spiritual Festivals of Winter and Our Diverse Families" on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 4:30 p.m. The program will be moderated by Rabbi Samuel Barth and Lakshmi Sirois, mental health counselor. All are welcome. Light refreshments and child supervision will be available. To RSVP, call 978-281-0739 or e-mail office@taagloucester.org. Call Lakshmi Sirois at 978-356-5956 for more information.

Student art gallery

Cape Ann Museum, 27 Pleasant St., will exhibit artwork by students from West Parish Elementary School, East Gloucester Elementary School and O'Maley School in its Education Room until Dec. 31. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m. Visit www.capeannmuseum.org or call 978-283-0455.

'A Christmas Carol'

A cast of 30 Cape Ann community members will present "A Christmas Carol" at Blackburn Performing Arts. Performances are Dec. 18-20 and 26-31 at 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 21 at 5 p.m. The New Year's Eve performance will be followed by a cast celebration; all audience members are invited. Tickets are $12 for adults, $5 for children and students. Family discounts are available. Call 978-281-0680.

Meet Me at the Museum

Cape Ann Museum, 27 Pleasant St., will host "Meet Me at the Museum" Thursday, Dec. 18, 10 to 11:30 a.m. The program is open to home-schooled students ages 6 to 10. Cost is $5 per student. The program will focus on special events that happened in Gloucester in past Decembers. For reservations, contact Courtney Richardson at 978-283-0455, ext. 12, or courtneyrichardson@capeannmuseum.org.

Open house to honor Costello

Friends and colleagues are invited to an open house to honor Michael Costello's 30-year tenure as the executive director of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce on Monday, Dec. 29, 4 to 6 p.m., at 33 Commercial St. Call 978-283-1601 or e-mail info@CapeAnnChamber.com for more information.

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.

Holiday skating exhibition

The Cape Ann Figure Skating Club will present its annual holiday skating exhibition Sunday, Dec. 21, 8:30 a.m., at Talbot Rink, O'Maley School.¬ Admission is free. Visit www.cafsc.org or call 978-546-2290 for more information.