Announcements

CHURCHES

Halloween Concert: Trinity Episcopal Church at 26 White St. will hold its second annual Halloween Concert for Children Oct. 28 at 7:30 p.m. Renee Waligora and Robin Dinda will present "Dinosauria," an organ concert with a prehistoric theme. Children are invited to wear their costumes. Refreshments follow.

Reformation conference: The First Church of Christ Bradford will host a Reformation weekend conference Oct. 28 and 29. A coalition of four area churches is partnering with White Horse Inn to present Dr. Mike Horton and Dr. Gordon Isaac in "Putting Amazing Back Into Grace: Returning to the Roots of Treasuring Christ." Horton will lead three sessions taking up the root, rejection and recovery of the Gospel. Isaac will take participants on a journey though a survey of New England church history. Local pastors will join Horton and Isaac for a panel discussion. Registration is $25. Children 17 and under are admitted free. For more information or register visit www.fccbradford.org or www.whitehorseinn.org/amazing or call 978-912-0682.

Women's workshop: The Unitarian-Universalist (UU) Church of Haverhill will once again run the free women's workshop series: "Cakes for the Queen of Heaven." Cakes is a well-established UU curriculum that explores the ancient goddess tradition. Topics by week include: body image, money, mother-daughter relationship, power, and peace. This workshop will be held at the UU church at 15 Kenoza Ave., on five Thursday nights from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Dates are Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27 and Nov. 3. Please send an email to info@nhgoddess.com to register. Open to women only.

Weekly prayer group: First Presbyterian Church, Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Signup sheet posted in church. 346 Broadway, Haverhill.

Merrimac Valley Mission School opening: The new Merrimack Valley Mission School provides Christ-centered, Bible-based, practical and affordable teachings and consists a joint ministry of three churches: the Market Street Baptist Church (MSBC), 37 Market St., Amesbury, the Ward Hill Church of Christ (WHC), 34 M St., Haverhill and the West Newbury Congregational Church (WNCC), 308 Main St.,West Newbury. The program consists of 12 four-week sessions of full-time study. Thirty-six courses are offered over a three-year period and new students may enroll at any stage in that time. Registration Fee is $30 per course, $75 for three. Make check payable to Merrimack Valley School of Missions and mail to: Merrimack Valley School of Missions, c/o MSBC 37 Market St., Amesbury, MA 01913. Contact Pastor, Michael John at 978-388-0930 for more information or mejohn@verizon.net.

FAMILIES AND KIDS

Student walk-a-thon: Tilton Elementary School will hold its first PTO sponsored "Steps for Students" walk-a-thon fundraiser Oct. 12 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Rain date is Oct. 13 or 14, weather permitting. Each grade level has a designated time to walk and a designated route to follow. Parents and families are pledging by the lap, are making a flat donation or are volunteering their time to help on the route. Funds raised will go towards enhance technology in the school. For more information, to make a pledge or donate to this walk, contact the school at 978-374-3475.

Indoor yard sale: The Haverhill Alternative School will hold an indoor yard sale Oct. 22 from 7 a.m. to noon in its gymnasium at 415 Primrose St. This fundraiser benefits the school's student activity fund. For more information call 978-374-3482.

Costume party: Winnekenni Castle will be holding a Children's Halloween Castle Day Costume Party on Sunday Oct. 23rd from 12-3pm Cost is $8 for children and $5 for adults. There will be games, prizes, a family hay ride and activities with the Little Sprouts Haverhill.

Haverhill afternoon playgroup: Family and Community Connection hosts a playgroup for children 0 to 8, where they will enjoy free play, art and gross motor activities. The playgroup is at 346 Broadway in Haverhill and will be each Wednesday through Nov. 2 from noon to 1:30 p.m. FCC staff will set up activities to encourage children's exploration. Parents are expected to stay in the room to supervise their children, but are encouraged to mingle with other parents. Free, but registration is required. Please call 978-374-2198 for more information.

Sign language: Northern Essex Community College provides sign language instruction for families with a deaf or hard-of-hearing child. Information, contact Glenys Crane-Emerson, Family Sign Language Program coordinator, at fslp@necc.mass.edu, 978-556-3701 (voice/tty), 978-556-3703 (fax), and 978-241-7057 (VP/VRS).

Rock climbing: Designed for all levels. Certified instructors teach children learn about climbing equipment, techniques. All equipment provided by the YMCA. Group classes, private and semi-private lessons available. Call Matt C. at 978-479-2738 or chmielewskim@northshoreymca.org.

LOCAL ACTIVITIES

Make Some Noise: The Haverhill Cultural Council's "Make Some Noise" series continues this week with the "Magical Madrigals" on Thursday, Oct. 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Columbus Park on Washington Street. This will be the 14th week of performances downtown with two weeks left in the series, which ends Oct. 20. Magical Madrigals in a quartet of Renaissance-costumed singers who sing madrigals and other period music.

Medicare Info Session: Susan Cripps, the Council on Aging's SHINE representative from Elder Services, will be at the Citizens Center on Oct. 7 at 9 a.m. to inform seniors of the changes in the 2012 Medicare program. The COA reminds you to open any mail you receive from your insurance plan, Part D plan, Medicare, or MassHealth on or around Oct. 1. This is the time to reconsider Medicare options for the coming year. The enrollment period for Medicare begins Oct. 15 and continues through Dec. 7. During this time period you can join, switch or drop a Medicare Advantage Plan or Part D Prescription Drug Plan. For more information contact Kathy Bresnahan (ext. 11) or Rita LaBella (ext. 16) at 978-374-2390 or kbresnahan@cityofhaverhill.com.

25th annual Bobby Bell Road Race: The 25th Annual Bobby Bell 5-Mile Road Race/Walk will be taking place on Sunday, Oct. 9. The walk will start at 10:30 at the Lasting Room Grille on Washington St. There will be numerous awards in various age, weight, and specialty categories. The race will benefit two local scholarships, the Haverhill Police Auxiliaries, Haverhill Brightside, and the Andover Striders. Contact David LaBrode at 978-373-3408 or ickylabrode@verizon.net for more information.

Open House: Your MT Muscular Therapy at 215 Summer St., Suite 9, will have an open house on Saturday from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. This event is presented by Karyn Hynd, owner of Stable Hands Therapeutic Massage, and Susan Wilson, owner of Your MT Muscular Therapy. The two are planning to combine therapeutic efforts in order to help the community overcome stress, manage chronic pain, and relieve muscle related soreness and injuries. This event is free and open to the public. There will be refreshments and a raffle to win a a free massage.

Assessing Breast Cancer Risk: A free "Meet the Expert" medical seminar titled "Assessing Breast Cancer Risk- Putting Breast Cancer Risk in Perspective" will be held Oct. 11 from 6 to 7 p.m. in Merrimack Valley Hospital's first floor auditorium, 140 Lincoln Ave. Dr. Kathryn Hughes, a surgeon with Mill City Surgery, will talk about how common breast cancer is, what your chances are of getting breast cancer, what breast cancer screening is and what risk factors mean. One contact hour for nursing will be awarded at the end of the presentation. This presentation is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. For more information or to register contact Jean.MacDougall-Tattan@Steward.org or call 978-420-1168.

Craft Fair: Merrimack Valley Hospital's Employee Activities Committee needs crafters for its Oct. 12 craft fair, which will be held on the first-floor of the hospital from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The fee for tables is $25 with a two table limit. For more information or to reserve tables call Dianne at 603-382-6223 or email LadyDi8560@comcast.net. Merrimack Valley Hospital is at 140 Lincoln Ave. in Haverhill.

Black Cat Benefit Bash: This Animal Rescue Merrimack Valley will host it's annual Black Cat Benefit Bash on Oct. 14, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Nevins Memorial Library, 305 Broadway in Methuen. Formal, casual, or costumed attire is appropriate. Cat or dog hair on your clothing? No problem! You'll be among friends! Proceeds from the evening will help ARMV purchase food, provide medical care, and fund sterilization clinics for the many feral, stray, and foster cats in its care. Expect live music, food and a silent auction. Tickets for this event are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Reserve by calling: 978-374-7233 or send an email to armv@armv.org.

Chili Cookoff: The Haverhill Firefighting Museum will host their Fifth Annual Chili Cook-off on Oct. 15 from 6 to 9 p.m. in the museum at 75 Kenoza Ave. Tickets are $10 for adults or $5 for children and will be sold at the door. Attendees will select the best individual, firehouse and restaurant chilis.

On display: The works of Sachiko Akiyama, a Boston-based sculptor who works primarily with wood, will be displayed in Northern Essex Community College's ArtSpace in the Bentley Library on the Haverhill campus, 100 Elliott St., through Oct. 19. The ArtSpace is open Monday through Thursday from 2 to 9 p.m.; Friday from 2 to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. NECC offers Associate of Art degrees in illustration, visual arts, multimedia and graphic design. For more information contact ArtSpace program coordinator Marc Mannheimer at mmannheimer@necc.mass.edu or 978-556-3242.

Luncheon and awards: The Women's Fund of Essex County will hold its ninth annual Grant Awards Luncheon on Oct. 20, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Peabody Marriott Hotel, 8 Centennial Drive, Peabody. The luncheon will recognize the recipients of the 2011 grants awarded to Essex County agencies that fund programs supporting women and girls in need. Keynote Speaker Ellyn Spragins is the award-winning author of "What I Know Now: Letters to My Younger Self" and "What I Know Now about Succes". For more information or to register, please visit www.thewomensfundec.org.

Scarecrow Contest: The Haverhill Garden Club hosts its second annual community Scarecrow Contest. For a tax-deductible entry fee of $10, the Garden Club will supply you with a wooden frame to use as the skeleton for your scarecrow. You can modify the frame any way you wish. The contest offers three, first-place prizes of $100 in the categories of school, residential and business/civic group. Entries in the residential category must be outside and visible to judges. Businesses, civic groups and school entries can be indoors or outdoors, but must be visible during working/operating hours. Deadline to enter the contest is Oct. 21. Winners will be announced by Oct. 31. Last year's contest saw a total of 120 entries.The Haverhill Garden Club is a member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts Inc. To enter the contest send a check made payable to the Haverhill Garden Club, 61 Lincolnshire Drive, Bradford, MA 01835. For more information call 978-697-5101. Visit online at haverhillgardenclub.org.

Spaghetti Supper: The Couplings, a women's auxiliary Fire Department organization in Merrimac, will hold a spaghetti supper fundraiser Oct. 22 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Merrimac fire station. Tickets are $7 for adults and $3 for children ages 6 through 12. Children under 6 are admitted free. Proceeds from the event will go toward the purchase of equipment and supplies for the town's volunteer firefighters. More information is available by calling 978-346-9418.

Bean Supper: The VFW Ladies Auxiliary will host a bean supper Oct. 22 from 5 to 7 p.m. at VFW Lorraine Post 29, 64 Kenoza Ave., Haverhill. Tickets are $6 for adults and $3 for children.

Groveland Music Fesitval: An all-star cast of New England musicians, artists, and culinary experts will donate their talents to raise funds for Mad River Valley (VT) residents whose lives were destroyed by Hurricane Irene. The indoor, all-ages festival is Oct. 23 from noon to 5 p.m. at Veasey Memorial Park, 201 Washington St., Groveland. Suggested donation is $15 at the door. All proceeds go to the nonprofit Mad River Valley (VT) Flood Relief fund. For more information about the flood damages and the grassroots help the organization provides visit mrvcommunityfund.org.

Writers course: If you ever thought about becoming a writer or improving upon your existing writing skills then consider attending a new noncredit program, through Northern Essex Community College's Workforce Development and Community Education division, titled So You Want to be a Writer? Taught by Jill Harmacinski, an experienced writer, blogger and Eagle Tribune reporter, this four-week workshop will be held Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 6 through Oct. 27 at the Riverwalk, 360 Merrimack St., Lawrence. The cost is $149 and $10 for materials. This lively workshop explores what professional writing opportunities are available in today's economy, different writing styles, the influence of new social media tools on writing, and a look at different writers and how they inspire your work. There will be visits and tips from published authors, reporters, and bloggers. They will share their own experiences. To register, call 978-556-3700. For questions or company paid registrations call 978-659-1200.

Pumpkin festival: Chris's Farm Stand at Silsby's Farm, 436 Salem St., will hold its annual Pumpkin Festival every weekend in October from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. Fresh vegetables and fall decorations such as dried corn stalks and straw bales will be available for purchase. Activites, for a small fee, include hay rides, pony rides, a hay castle, sunflower maze and a "pick your own" pumpkin patch. There will be free farm animal and tractor displays, and a free haunted house for toddlers as well as fall photo opportunities. A country cookout features hot dogs, hamburgers, locally grown corn on the cob and locally grown apples. A variety of baked items will be for sale. For more information visit www.chrisfarmstand.com.

Haunted Cataclysmic Castle of Fear opens this weekend: Winnekenni Castle's Haunted Cataclysmic Castle of Fear will be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 7 p.m. through Oct. 30. Admission is $18 and $10 for children ages 12 and under. Discount coupons are available online. Sunday nights are family nights and offer a special rate of $40 for two adults and two children ages 12 and under. This event is not recommended for children under the age of 8.

Rockin Halloween Music Tent Nights: Winnekenni Castle will host "Rockin' Halloween Music Tent Nights" from 7 to 10:30 p.m. beginning Oct. 7, as well as Oct. 14, 21 and 28. A special event on Oct. 29 and is open to teens, young adults and those yound at heart. There is a $5 per person cover charge. Refreshments will be available. Admission wristband doubles as a $3 discount coupon to the Castle of Fear attraction. Bands performing this Friday include Sweet Destruction and the The Zone, a tween band. For more information call the castle at 978-521-1686 or visit winnekenni.com.

NECC seeks nominations for those who are Making a Difference: The college is accepting nominations for their Making a Difference awards which honor the many individuals that have made a powerful and positive difference to Northern Essex, its students, and to the surrounding communities over the last 50 years. Nominees can include graduates of the college who have achieved personal and professional success and/or given back to the college or community; faculty or staff who have demonstrated exemplary performance as instructors, mentors, or leaders; or community friends who have shown a strong commitment to helping fulfill the mission of the college. The 50 top nominees will be recognized at the college's 50th anniversary gala which is scheduled for Friday, April 27, 2012 at DiBurro's in Ward Hill. The deadline for nominations is Tuesday, Nov. 1. A committee comprised of college faculty and staff will review nominations and select the award recipients. To learn more about the Making a Difference Awards or access a nomination form, visit the college's 50th anniversary website at http://www.necc.mass.edu/celebrating-50-years-of-making-a-difference/. For more information, contact Wendy Shaffer at the college, wshaffer@necc.mass.edu or 978 556-3858.

Chamber of Commerce Networking Program: The Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce offers a morning networking program called "Network Flix." This referral-based program meets once a month and limited to the first 30 people to sign up. Those who attend can learn how to network and market themselves, ask for referrals and gain exposure for their business. This structured event will promptly start and finish. Cost is $5 for Chamber members and $10 for non-members. Non-members will be limited to attend a maximum of two meetings and may continue attending should they join the Chamber. Network Flix meets from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at the Best Western Merrimack Valley, 401 Lowell Ave., Nov. 2 and Dec. 7. Meetings are planned for next year as well. For more information contact Jen Cantwell at 978-373-5663.

Social media courses: Find out how to use social media tools in your business through three new noncredit courses being offered this fall through Northern Essex Community College's Work Force Development and Community Education Division at the Riverwalk, 360 Merrimack St., Lawrence. Marketing Your Business Using Social Media meets Thursdays from 6:30 to 9 p.m., Oct. 13 through Nov. 3. The cost is $189. Successful Public Relations Strategies for the Small Business meets Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 15 and 22. The cost is $189. To register, call 978-556-3700. For questions or company paid registrations call 978-659-1200.

Historical Scavenger Hunt: A scavenger hunt to benefit the Haverhill Historical Society/Buttonwoods Museum is Nov. 5 starting at 6:30 p.m. on the lower level of the Merrimack Street parking garage. Teams of four to eight people will be given clues to solve as they travel the city, drawing upon memories of Haverhill's characters and places. A final clue will bring participants to a party with a cash bar and a catered buffet by Simply Perfect Catering, compliments of Pattie and Stephen Crimmin. The cost to participate in the hunt is $40 per person. Museum members get a $10 discount. Teams will receive an extra point clue upon payment. Please bring payment to any EZ-Way Cleaners location before Nov. 1 or mail a check with the names of team members to: Peter Carbone, 48 Colby St., Bradford, MA 01835. For more information contact Carbone at 508-320-7710 or peteracarbone@yahoo.com.

Health Workshop: A free six-week workshop titled "My Life, My Health" will be held on Fridays from 9 to 11:30 a.m., Oct. 14 to Nov. 8 in the boardroom at Penacook Place, 150 Water St. Presented by Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley Inc., this workshop includes lessons in eating well, controlling pain, starting an exercise program and dealing with fatigue and frustration, and is for anyone living with an ongoing medical condition, such as chronic heart failure, cancer, fibromyalgia, Parkinson's Disease, diabetes, COPD, asthma and stroke. A complimentary lunch will be served. Reservations are required by calling Nicole at 978-946-1247.

Program for older learners: Getting Friendly with Fungi, Five Fun Films, Sacred Geometry, and Aging Gracefully are just a few of the topics offered this fall by Northern Essex Community College's newest Life Long Learning Program, titled College of Older Learners (CoOL). The membership fee is $25 for the 2011 fall semester. Each six-week, two-hour per week seminar is $10. The CoOL seminars begin the first week in October and will be held on the Haverhill campus. For more information or to register for CoOL seminars contact Charlene Boucher at 978-556-3825 of cboucher@necc.mass.edu. Visit online at www.necc.mass.edu/community-engagement/cool.

Pentucket reunion: The Pentucket High School Class of 1971 will celebrate its 40th reunion on Saturday, Nov. 12, at Winnekenni Castle from 7 to 11 p.m. There will be a buffet dinner with cash bar. Musical entertainment will be provided by SoleCity, featuring classmates Bob Valyou and John Carver. Guests are welcome, including alumni from other classes and teachers. Cost is $45 per person. For information, email Pentucket.1971@gmail.com. Check out our Facebook page, Pentucket Regional High School Class of 1971, or look for reunion information on Classmates.com or AlumniClass.com/pentucket . Hope to see you there!

Business Course: Photographers, graphic designers, artists, or craft persons interested in starting or expanding an existing business are being offered a course From Artist to Entrepreneur, offered through Northern Essex Community College's Workforce Development and Community Education division. This six-week program will be held on Thursdays from 6 to 8:30 p.m. beginning Oct. 27 through Dec. 8 (no class Nov. 24) at NECC Riverwalk, 360 Merrimack St., Lawrence. The cost is $285 with a $28 materials fee. Taught by Jodi Sammons Feil, a professional photographer, graphic designer, and owner of Rhapsody Studios with more than 20 years of experience, she will examine critical elements to start or expand a business. This will include looking at marketing and sales strategies, budgeting and financial recordkeeping, and the unique challenges in determining fair market prices.

New Moon Coffeehouse concert series: The New Moon Coffeehouse will host monthly concerts through May 21. Tickets are $20. For more information check out newmooncoffeehouse.org.

Business assistance: Service Corps of Retired Executives offers free, confidential help to individuals starting a business or already in business. Sessions are Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce in the Landmark Building, 80 Merrimack St., second floor. Appointments can be booked by calling the Chamber at 978-373-5663.

COUNCIL ON AGING TRIPS

Nov. 2: Trip to the Peabody Essex Museum to view the exhibit "Painting the American Landscape." Cost is $32 per person. Nov. 15: Trip to see the Andrews Sisters Tribute Show honoring World War II veterans at the Newport Grand Casino in Newport, R.I. Tickets are $64 per person and include transportation, admission to the show and a buffet.

Nov. 17: Trip to White's of Westport for a pre-holiday marathon Bingo. Cost is $55 per person and includes lunch, entertainment and prizes valued at over $750

Nov. 27-28: Trip to New York City to see the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular Show featuring the Rockettes. Includes a stop at Mohegan Sun for a presentation of "The Night Before Christmas," as well as time for shopping and lunch on Fifth Avenue. Cost is $299 per person, double occupancy. Three meals are included.

GIVE, GET HELP

Call for crafters: Merrimack Valley Hospital's Employee Activities Committee needs crafters for its Oct. 12 craft fair, which will be held on the first-floor of the hospital from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The fee for tables is $25 with a two table limit. For more information or to reserve tables call Dianne at 603-382-6223 or email LadyDi8560@comcast.net. Merrimack Valley Hospital is at 140 Lincoln Ave. in Haverhill.

Help homeless children: Horizons for Homeless Children seeks energetic and enthusiastic volunteers to play with children living in family homeless shelters in Northeastern Massachusetts, including Haverhill. Those with two hours a week to spare and a desire to make a difference in the lives children are encouraged to fill out an application. Attendance at a training session and six-month commitment are required. Contact Brittany Pyle at 978-557-2182 or northeast@horizonsforhomelesschildren.org.

Animal Rescue: Animal Rescue Merrimack Valley needs volunteers. There are many volunteer opportunities available, including: become a foster home for cats and kittens awaiting adoption, assist at weekly adoption events, provide animal care at our Danville, N.H., sanctuary, and transport sick and injured animals to the veterinarian. Experience is not required, and training will be provided. We are an all-volunteer, non-profit organization. For more information on all of our volunteer opportunities or to find out ways you can help, please email us at armv@armv.org or visit us online at www.ARMV.org.

Collections: Several local agencies and organizations are collecting new and used videos, books, CDs, DVDs and audio books using "Got Books?" containers, including: The First Church of Christ Bradford, 10 Church St., Bradford; Haverhill High School, 137 Monument St., Haverhill; Hill View Montessori School, 75 Foundation Ave. (in the Ward Hill Industrial Park); Haverhill YMCA, 81 Winter St.

Salvation Army offers youth programs: The Salvation Army in Haverhill is accepting applications for youth programs that are open to children ages 4 to 18. A Monday music program, for ages 7 to 18, includes free lessons in music theory, brass music instruction, drums, guitar, piano, sacred dance, puppetry, drama, children's choir and timbrels. Tuesday is youth programs night and this fall the focus will be on character building skills, sketching, bicycle safety and going green. Dinner will be served to each participant of this free program. Friday night youth basketball is recruiting players for a travel team. The cost is $15. The Salvation Army is looking for eight sponsors at $200 each to help pay for team shirts and travel expenses. Limited transportation is available for those in need. Parents and interested sponsors are asked to stop by the Salvation Army at 395 Main St., or call 978-374-7571.

Haverhill Salvation Army Seeks Volunteers: The Salvation Army in Haverhill is looking for few volunteers in the following areas: Writer/Correspondent: in writing and covering stories of happenings at The Haverhill Salvation Army in Haverhill; Piano: player for Monday and Tuesday and Sunday one hour each day. Chef: to cook and serve meals on Tuesday night for children; Driver: to transport youth to and from activities on Monday, Tuesday and Friday must know how to drive a 12-passenger van; Grant writer/ Fund raiser: for Youth programs to raise money for the purpose to keep programs free to the community. We are looking for people who have a passion to serve others and use their talent to teach others! Will you help put a smile on a child's face? Will you help build, teach our future children of Haverhill? For more information contact The Salvation Army at 978-374-7571 or stop by 395 Main St., Haverhill, MA 01830.

Volunteer tutors needed: The Salvation Army in Haverhill is looking for volunteers to help children develop their talents in varioius areas, including sacred dance, piano, drums, guitar, brass instruments, drawing, acting and puppetry. Volunteers are also needed for an after school program. Last year, As man as 200 children are expected to sign up for programs offered this fall. If you can spare one hour of you time a week to help a child learn please contact the Salvation Army at 978-374-7571.

Library seeks museum pass sponsors: The public library is seeking sponsors for passes to the Children's Museum-Boston ($700), the Museum of Science ($600), and Imajine That! ($275). All gifts marked "museums" — no matter how small — will go toward these memberships, which are renewed annually. Museum passes may be checked out on your library card. Current memberships include: the Museum of Fine Arts, Franklin Park Zoo and the Stone Zoo, John F. Kennedy Library and Museum, Peabody Essex Museum, Currier Museum of Art (NH), the Children's Museum, the Discovery Museums, Children's Museum of N.H., the Institute of Contemporary Art, Massachusetts Parks, USS Constitution Museum, and the New England Aquarium (September to June). Your support of this program is very important to your community, providing a low-cost entertaining and educational outing. Checks may be made payable to the Haverhill Public Library, a nonprofit organization. For more information contact Jennifer Lyons at 978-373-1586, ext. 617.

Tag Days: The officers and members of the Amvets Ladies Auxiliary say the generosity of people in Haverhill helped make their recent Tag Days fundraiser a success. Proceeds will help support a variety of projects, including the Auxiliary's "Adopt a Platoon" program, which provides active members of the military with personal items, the Auxiliary's Bingo and refreshment parties at local nursing homes, veterans hospitals and coffee hours at the Bedford VA and donations to two annual scholarships at Haverhill High School. The Auxiliary meets the second Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at Post Quarters, 576 Primrose St.

PLACES TO VISIT

Haverhill Public Library, 99 Main St.: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Sundays. For more information, call 978-373-1586 or visit haverhillpl.org.

Haverhill Firefighting Museum, 75 Kenoza Ave.: Open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Weekday and group visits are available by appointment. For more information, call 978-372-4061.

John Greenleaf Whittier Birthplace, 305 Whittier Road: Open Wednesdays from 1 to 4 p.m.; Thursdays from 2 to 4 p.m.; Fridays from 1 to 4 p.m.; Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Closed major holidays. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, $2 for students under 18 and a $10 maximum for a family. For more information, call 978-373-3979.

Buttonwoods Museum/Haverhill Historical Society, John Ward Avenue: Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Tours by appointment only. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $3 for ages 7 to 17 and free for children 7 and under. For details, call 978-374-4626.

PEOPLE OF NOTE

Haverhill Bank has named Charlette Weeden of Haverhill its senior vice president, CFO and treasurer. Weeden, who most recently was employed by Holbrook Cooperative Bank, was responsible for financial operations, including asset liability management and regulatory compliance and reporting. Previously, she served as CFO at Marlborough Co-Operative Bank and vice president at Butler Bank, Lowell.

On Sunday, Oct. 9, John Anton / Team Anton will join thousands at the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC) 15th Annual Buddy Walk & Family Picnic, to celebrate the Down syndrome community and promote acceptance and inclusion.

John, a 46 year old self advocate with Down syndrome, is walking to increase awareness of people with Down syndrome. John advocates for the rights of individuals with Down syndrome by providing legislative advocacy and employee training for individuals with DS. To get involved today, you can make a donation to Team Anton, register to walk, or volunteer, visit http://mdsc.kintera.org/buddywalk2011. Support of this event will help the MDSC ensure individuals with Down syndrome are valued, included, and given opportunities to pursue fulfilling lives in the community.