Announcements

CHURCHES

Healing service: Groveland Congregational Church invites the community to a healing service Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. The service will consist of scripture readings, prayers, hymns, meditative instrumental music, and, for those who wish, anointing with oil with prayers for healing. Groveland Congregational Church is located at 4 King St., the corner of King and Main streets. For more information call 978-372-3463

Recycling fundraiser: The First Church of Christ in Bradford will hold an electronics recycling fundraiser Oct. 1 from 9 a.m. to noon. The event is at the church, located at 10 Church St., opposite Bradford Common. For more information call 978-374-1114 or visit fccbradford.org.

Ham and bean supper: The First Church of Christ in Bradford will hold a ham and bean supper Oct. 1 at 5 p.m. The menu includes baked beans, ham, hot-dogs, potato salad, cole slaw, bread, dessert and beverages. The church is 10 Church St., opposite Bradford Common. For more information call 978-374-1114 or visit fccbradford.org.

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 8:30pm. Dates are Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27 and Nov. 3. Please send an email to info@nhgoddess.com to register. Open to women only.

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.

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

Merrimack 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

Haverhill library tour: Family and Community Connection will take kids on a tour the Haverhill Public Library on Monday Sept. 26. Following the tour, kids will get to sign up for their very own library card and get a book reading! Free, but registration is required. Please call 978-374-2198 for more information.

Fall craft and book: Family and Community Connection will host a craft and reading of the book "Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf" on Friday, Sept. 30. The book and the colors and changes of autumn will inspire a special fall craft. Select 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. Free, but registration is required. Please call 978-374-2198 for more information.

Library card signup: As Haverhill students head back to school this month, the public library wants to make sure that all children have the most important school supply of all — a library card. Having a library card gives you access to 35 libraries in the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium. Use your card to request materials from other libraries, use the Internet at the library, access online databases like Consumer Reports, download eBooks from Overdrive, learn a new language via Mango or Rocket, rent a DVD or video game, download free music from Freegal, or reserve a museum pass. For more information visit the library in person or online at www.haverhillpl.org.

Craft fair: Sacred Hearts School will hold a Fall Festival & Craft Fair Sept. 30 from 4 to 8 p.m. and Oct. 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event will feature local crafters and merchants, themed raffle baskets, gently used books, jewelry, children's activities and more. The school is at 31 South Chestnut St. in Bradford. For more information call 978-372-5451.

Community fair: Merrimack Valley Hospital and Trinity Ambulance are hosting a community fair and open house on Saturday, Oct. 1st from 11:00am -2:00pm at Merrimack Valley Hospital. This year's theme is "Fall into Health, Fitness, and Fun." Participants will enjoy a complimentary barbeque lunch, fitness demonstrations, music, shopping, and children's activities. In addition, the Haverhill Kiwanis Club will be giving out free bicycle helmets while supplies last. A showing of exotic and unique creatures will be presented by Curious Creatures from 12:30pm-1:30pm. This event is held rain or shine and is free and open to the public. Interested vendors or anyone needing more information about the event are welcome to call Mary O'Neil at 978-420-1157.

Crafts fair and garage sale: Family and Community Connection will host a garage sale and craft fair of local artisans on Oct. 1 at 346 Broadway in Haverhill from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Proceeds will benefit FCC programming. Tables/spaces are available for your crafts or garage sale items. Space (without table): $10. Space (with table) $15.

Fire Department open house: The Haverhill Fire Department will host a free open house on Saturday, Oct. 1, from 11 to 3 p.m. at the Water Street Fire Station, 131 Water Street. Part of the HFD's celebration of National Fire Safety Month, firefighters will show your family life saving techniques including "stop, drop and roll", how to plan escape routes and proper fire escape maneuvers. Papa Gino's will also provide free pizza and children's coloring books throughout the afternoon.

Family golf outing: St. Joseph School of All Saints Parish will hold its second annual Family Golf Outing on Oct. 2 at Murphy's Garrison Golf Center, 654 Hilldale Ave. Tee off is at 12:30 p.m. followed by lunch. This event is open to the public.

YMCA youth basketball: The Haverhill YMCA offers a co-ed Youth Basketball League for youths entering grades 1 to 8. This league is all fun and play and will consist of 10 weeks. Grades 3 to 8 will also have a weekly practice. Team T-shirts are included. Players are selected through a blind draft and divisions will include two grades. Volunteer coaches are needed. Registration ends Oct. 21. Players who register after Oct. 21 will be placed on a wait list. Games begin Nov. 5. Mandatory assessments are as follows: Grade 3, Oct. 17 from 7 to 9 p.m.; Grade 4, Oct. 18 from 7 to 9 p.m.; Grade 5, Oct. 19 from 7 to 9 p.m.; Grade 6, Oct. 20 from 7 to 9 p.m.; Grades 7 and 8, Oct. 23 from 9 to 11 a.m. Catch all is Oct. 23 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information contact Clint Clay at 978-374-0506 or clayc@northshoreymca.org.

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.

YMCA Pee Wee soccer: The Haverhill YMCA offers a non-competitive co-ed Pee Wee Soccer League that will introduce children ages three through kindergarten to the game of soccer through exercise, drills and simulated games led by volunteer coaches. Teams will gather on Saturdays for approximately 30 minutes of practice followed by 20 minutes of simulated games. The season will last eight weeks with games starting Nov. 12. For more information contact Clint Clay at 978-374-0506 or clayc@northshoreymca.org.

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).

YMCA preschool program: The YMCA Children's Learning Center is enrolling for the Preschool Program. Curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning in a classroom setting, along with self directed activities that promote decision making and overall preparedness for Kindergarten. Contact Julie Grundy at 978-912-7422 or grundyj@northshoreymca.org for more information.

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

Taste of Paradise silent auction: Escape to paradise at the Caribbean Escape, Wine, Food and Beer Pairing on Sept. 22 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Haverhill Country Club. Proceeds benefit Merrimack Valley Hospice. Guests will be invited to "island hop" along St. John, Jamaica and St. Martin/St. Maarten, sample Caribbean cuisine and beverages while listening to Steel Rhythm, a steel drum band. The event features a silent auction with nearly 100 items, including a hockey stick autographed by the 2011 Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins, a vacation to Jamaica, a pair of authentic Fenway Park stadium seats, a refrigerated wine cooler stocked with wine, and a hockey puck autographed by Conn Smythe Award winner Tim Thomas. Tickets, $50 per person, are available online at www.MerrimackValleyHospice.org. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Sponsorship opportunities are available and silent auction donations are welcomed. For more information contact Lauren Galimi at lgalimi@homehealthfoundation.org or call 978-552-4927.

Concert series: On Thursday, Sept. 22, the Haverhill Cultural Council and Creative Haverhill's "Make Some Noise" Performance Series continues with "Deep Hole Road" performing in Columbus Park in Downtown Haverhill from 6-8 PM. This is the second showing of "Deep Hole Road", a fun and refreshing group with two couples: Sue & Phil Cassista and Sharon & Nick Pangaro. All performances are free and open to the public.

10th Annual Sarah's Place golf tournament: Sarah's Place Adult Day Health will hold its 10th Annual golf tournament on Friday, Sept. 23, at Granite Fields Golf Course in Kingston, N.H. Sarah's Place is a nonprofit organization and is committed to keeping elders and disabled adults healthy and active in the community. All proceeds from the Golf Tournament will be used to expand our activities program. Registration and a continental breakfast starts at 7 a.m. and play begins at 8 a.m. The Tournament is a Best Ball/Scramble Tournament. Cost is $125 per golfer, including 18 holes of golf, hot dogs at the turn, lunch, prizes, raffle and much more. Sponsorships are available starting at $100. Call 978-374-2175 or email amy@sarahsplace.org for more information.

NECC medical conference: Merrimack Valley Hospital's first Adult Neurobehavioral Medicine Conference for physicians, nurses and social workers will be held Sept. 23 from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Northern Essex Community College's Hartleb Technology Center, 100 Elliott St., Haverhill. Seating is limited. To register, or for more information, contact Jean MacDougall-Tattan at 978-420-1168 or jean.macdougall-tattan@steward.org.

Italian heritage tour: The annual Bella Building Italian Heritage Tour in Haverhill is Friday, Sept. 23 at 2pm. The walk begins at the Sons of Italy on 124 Washington Street. Local Historian Thomas Spitalere will lead a walk through part of the old Italian district. The walk will include part of River St and Washington Street. Please wear comfortable shoes. For more info please call Thomas Spitalere 978-376-2807.

Spotlight Playhouse presents Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap: Join the deadly fun of Agatha Christie's "The Mousetrap" as performed by Haverhill's own Spotlight Playhouse. Performances will be held at the Trinity Episcopal Church, 26 White St., on Sept. 23, 24, 30 and Oct. 1 at 8 p.m. A special 2 p.m. Matinee showing will be held on Oct. 2. Tickets are $15, $12 for seniors. To order, email tickets@spotlightplayhouse.org or call 978-380-8509. Visit spotlightplayhouse.org for more information.

Bradford Rail Trail special svent: On Saturday Sept. 24, the Green Sanctuary committee of the Universalist-Unitarian Church of Haverhill along with the Friends of the Bradford Rail Trail will host a ride with the mayor to the solar farm. Bicyclists of all abilities are asked to meet behind the Roma restaurant and Ace Hardware on Middlesex Street at 11:30 a.m. to celebrate the grand opening of the rail trail. Mayor James Fiorentini along with Richard Smyth of the UU green committee will lead riders up the rail trail, across the Comeau Bridge, past Krueger Flatbread, through Lafayette Square and on to National Grid's solar farm on Hilldale Avenue for a planned noontime tour by National Grid. Afterwards, riders will return to the Bradford Rail Trail. Bicycling events are taking place Saturday across the country and the globe via moving-planet.org to show solidarity and raise awareness of a simple form of transportation that does not burn fossil fuels. Stop by the UU Green Sanctuary's information table at the rail trail from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to learn more about reducing your carbon footprint. Free coffee for who bring their own refillable cup. Also on Saturday, Richard Smyth and friends will travel to Boston's City Hall Plaza for a 4 p.m. statewide climate awareness rally. The public is invited to participate. For more information about Saturday's events visit Moving-Planet.org or UUHaverhill.org. Visit the Bradford Rail Trail on Facebook. For more information about the solar farm visit nationalgridus.com/masselectric/solar/haverhill.asp.

NECC concert: "Real Diamond," a Neil Diamond tribute band, will be the featured artist at Northern Essex Community College's annual signature fundraising event on Saturday, Sept. 24 at 7:30 p.m. Real Diamond is a professional band dedicated to the faithful re-creation of the live Neil Diamond experience. The band will perform well known Neil Diamond songs such as Cracklin' Rosie, Sweet Caroline, Cherry Cherry and others at the Collins Center in Andover. All proceeds will benefit NECC's Annual Fund Campaign. Tickets are $35. All seats are reserved and assigned. For more information visit www.necc.mass.edu/signature-event. To order tickets contact Lori Smerdon at 978-556-3870 or lsmerdon@necc.mass.edu

Ghost hunt: The Essex County Ghost Project will lead a paranormal discussion and ghost hunt through Hilldale Cemetery on Saturday Sept. 24 as part of the 10 year anniversary of Trails and Sails. The gates will open at 6:15 and this event is free. Visitors are asked to bring cameras, comfortable Shoes, voice recorders and other paranormal equipment. For more info please call Thomas Spitalere at (978)376-2807.

Flea market: The Merrimac Lions Club will hold its annual Giant Flea Market/Yard Sale on Saturday, Sept. 24 at the Laidlaw bus lot at 123 West Main St., (Route 110) Merrimac. For those who would like to sell items, spaces are available at $15 for a 10-foot frontage or two spaces for $25. The times are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The gate will open at 5 a.m. for vendors to set up. The Lions Club will be selling food and drinks. Parking is free. Proceeds support Lions charities.

Jackie Poor memorial walk: The Jackie Poor Memorial Walk will be held Sunday, Sept. 25 in Newburyport. The walk begins and ends at Michael's Harborside. Registration is at 9:30 a.m. The walk begins at 10:30 a.m. Cost is $25 for adults and $15 for ages 12 to 18. This 2 or 3-mile family-friendly walk is the capstone event in the month-long observance of National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and commemorates Jackie Poor's valiant and inspirational battle with ovarian cancer. Jackie Poor was a devoted mother of two, an unfailingly kind individual who loved Newburyport, championed conservation, and lived joyfully. Walkers are encouraged to wear teal, the color nationally employed to represent ovarian cancer awareness, and bring reusable water bottles - for which you will receive a gift. This event is presented by the Greater Newburyport Ovarian Cancer Awareness Group. Proceeds go to the nonprofit Ovations for the Cure (ovationsforthecure.org). The event is being sponsored by Jan Rooney of Jan-Co Publishing. For more information visit ocawareness.org or contact Deb Green at 978-225-6700.

Bookkeeping program: Northern Essex's Community College is introducing a new, noncredit certificate program titled Booking Fundamentals. The course is offered this fall through Workforce Development and Community Education at the Riverwalk, 360 Merrimack St., Lawrence. The two-course program, which includes Fundamentals of Bookkeeping I and II, will be held Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Each five-week course is $189. The course book is $18 and can be used for both courses. The first course runs from Sept. 27 to Oct. 25. The second is from Nov.1 to Nov. 29. For more information call 978-556-3700.

Book chat session: The public library will host Book Chat sessions on Tuesday, Sept. 27, from 7 to 8 p.m. and Thursday, Sept. 29 from 10 to 11 a.m. This is an informal monthly reader's advisory group where you can hear the latest book reviews, pick up your October book-events calendar, try out the Kindle and the Nook, and share what you are currently reading. For more information contact Jaclyn Payne at 978-373-1586, ext. 608.

Jewelry show: Shining Tiara Jewelry Show on Friday, Sept. 30, 10:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. in Merrimack Valley Hospital's first-floor lobby. Proceeds benefit the Employee Activities Committee which plans activities for employees and supports local charities. Merrimack Valley Hospital is located at 140 Lincoln Ave. in Haverhill. Information, Jude at (978) 374-2000.

Greek festival: The Holy Apostles Church at 156 Winter St., Haverhill, will hold its annual three day festival from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2. The hours are Friday, Sept. 30, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 1, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 2, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission and parking are free. The festival is a yearly tradition and features exceptional homemade food and pastries as well as Greek music and dancing. DJ Kosta performs Friday evening and Orpheus performs on Saturday starting at 8 p.m. A presentation by Curious Creatures is Saturday at 2 p.m. There will be raffles for cash prizes of $3,000, $1,000, $500 as well as for an iPad2. There will be many more items in the annual Pic n' Choose, including toys, electronics, home goods and more. For more information call the church at 978-373-3311 or visit www.holyapostleshaverhill.org.

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.

HHS Fun Golf Tourney: The Haverhill High School Hockey Club will hold its second annual Fun Golf Tournament Saturday, Oct. 1, at Garrison Golf Course in Haverhill. Two flights (start times) are at noon and 3 p.m. Participation is open to two men/women teams, four to a hole. Please request your preferred time. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be served in between the two flights. Only the first 80 people to sign up will play. Features team prizes, raffles and closest-to-the-pin contests. The club is also looking for sponsors and new members. Cost to play is $60 per person, and $50 for students and HHS Hockey Club members. Hockey Club memberships, $50 for an individual and $100 for a family, are also available and are good for all home games. Tournament sponsorships are $50. For more infomation contact Steve Franklin at 978-501-0367 or Steve031959@msn.com.

Trip to the Big E: Join the Haverhill Recreation Department and Haverhill Council on Aging for a trip to the Big E Eastern States Exposition in Springfield on Saturday, Oct. 1, at 8: AM. This trip provides an opportunity to spend the day with the children and grandchildren and experience an old-fashioned country fair. Cost is $35 per person and all ages are welcome. The trip leaves from 500 Primrose St. For more extension please contact Kathy Bresnahan 978-374-2390 ext. 11.

Preparing the artist for market: If you're a working artist of any kind, or want to be, join Creative Haverhill for a free, one-time seminar on Saturday, Oct. 1, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at 90 Washington St. You'll learn from experts in the field who want you to succeed as your own cottage industry. Pre-registration is required. For more information call David at 978-374-2388, ext 31.

Haverhill High reunion: The Haverhill High Trade School Class of 1949s 62nd Reunion Lucheon will be held at the Black Swan Country Club in Georgetown on Oct. 1 at 11:30 a.m. The Class of 49's Fund at the Haverhill Public Library has received contributions from classmates living locally, in various states throughout the contry and in Europe. Anyone needing reservations or information regarding the luncheon may call Jeannette Allard Sauriol at 978-372-9240 or e-mail her at EJSauriol@aol.com.

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. Social Networking 101 for Business, a one-day workshop, is Oct. 1 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The cost is $95. 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.

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.

Topsfield Fair trip: The Council on Aging is offering a trip to Topsfield Fair on Saturday, Oct. 1. The bus will depart from the Citizens Center, 10 Welcome St., at 9:30 a.m. and will return at approximately 3:30 p.m. Tickets, $5 per person, include transportation and admission.

Car show: The sons of Amvets Post 147 of Haverhill will host a car show on Sunday, Oct. 2, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the parking lot at Post Quarters, 576 Primrose St. Admission is free. The event includes food, door prizes, raffles and games. Free coffee, cocoa and flags while they last. Proceeds benefit veterans charities. For more information contact Patrick Dean, the commander of Sons of Amvets, at 978-771-5455.

Temple film series: Temple Emanu-El will kick off its adult education fall series on Oct. 2 with a presentation of the documentary film, "Browsing through Birke's." The film will be presented by Szifra Birke. Released in 2010, the documentary highlights the journey of Szifra's parents from Holocaust survivors in Poland to entrepreneurs and business-owners in the United States. All adult education programs are free and open to the public. Temple Emanu-El is at 514 Main St. For more information contact Nancy LaFleur at 978-373-3861 or visit www.templeemanu-el.org.

Whittier reunion: Whittier Regional Technical High School invites all retired teachers and employees to a reunion at The Roma Restaurant in Bradford on Oct. 3. For info and reservations call Philip McCaughey at 978-372-9236 or George Manghis at 321-720-3673.

Entrepreneurial training program: An entrepreneurial training program is being offered this fall through Northern Essex Community College's Workforce Development and Community Education Program at the Riverwalk, 360 Merrimack St., Lawrence. The 20-week, noncredit program is taught by experienced instructor and business consultant Paul Jermain of Jermain and Company begins Tuesday, Oct. 4. This program helps individuals think through a business, create a solid business plan, and learn the skills and knowledge to confidently and successfully implement the plan. This certificate program consists of 10 weeks of classroom training, guest speakers/subject matter experts, and consulting; one week of business plan presentations, plus nine weeks of independent work and one-on-one consulting. For more information please contact Dianne Lahaye at 978-659-1222 or dlahaye@necc.mass.edu or Diane Zold-Gross at 978659-1221 or dzoldgross@necc.mass.edu.

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.

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.

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.

Chili Cook-off: The Haverhill Firefighting Museum will host its 5th annual chili cook-off on Saturday evening, October 15,2011 from 6-9 PM at 75 Kenoza Ave. Attendees will taste and judge a variety of chilis prepared by local individuals, restaurants and firehouses. There will also be a silent auction of items donated by local individuals and businesses. $10/adult, $5/children under 12. For entry info contact: Cindy Graham 978-521-9602 ceegee4@hotmail.com or Janet Blinn 603-382-5378 jeblin33@comcast.net

Artist displays wood sculptures in NECC's ArtSpace: 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. An artist gallery talk and reception featuring Akiyama will be held in the ArtSpace on Sept. 30 at 1 p.m. 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.

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.

Meditation classes: Qigong Meditation-Embryonic Breathing: Sept. 20 to Oct. 25, 6 to 7 p.m.; also, Tai Chi: Sept. 20 to Dec. 6, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Timberlane High School, 36 Greenough Road, Plaistow, N.H. For more information check out www.HealingBalance.net or call 603-382-0464.

New Moon Coffeehouse concert series: The New Moon Coffeehouse will host monthly concerts from Sept. 17 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.

Garden of the Month program seeks nominations: The Haverhill Garden Club's Garden of the Month committee is accepting nominations of gardens that may be unique, eye appealing and display the use of texture, color and variety. If you would like to nominate the garden of a friend, relative, neighbor or even your own garden call Catherine at 978-374-4394. The Haverhill Garden Club is a member of the National Federation of Garden Clubs.

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.

GIVE, GET HELP

Bradford Elementary Fundraiser: Bradford Elementary School will hold its third annual 5K Road Race, One Mile Children's Fun Run, 3-Mile Fitness Walk, and Family Festival fundraiser Sept. 25 at Bradford Common. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. The Fun Run, for children 12 and under, begins at 12:30 p.m. The Fitness Walk is at 12:45 p.m. and the Road Race is at 1 p.m. The Family Festival, from 12:30 to 4 p.m., features a variety of food items, bounce castles and games, a dunk tank and live music by local folk singer Rose Gray. Proceeds benefit the Bradford Huskies, a nonprofit, school-based running club certified by USA Track & Field (USATF) and Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). The team includes students in grades four to eight who primarily attend Bradford Elementary as well as Whittier and Hunking middle schools. To become a sponsor or donor, or for more information contact Matt Castonguay at 978-374-2443 or mcastonguay@haverhill-ps.org. For registration information visit www.bradford5k.org.

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.

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.

Animal Resuce: 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

Terry and Ashley Ballard of Haverhill are pleased to announce the birth of Emma Grace Ballard, a baby girl, born at Anna Jacques Hospital in Newburyport on Sept, 14, 2011. Baby Emma weighed 6.5 pounds and measured 19 inches in length. Grandparents are Maryellen Hatch and Kevin Schrow of Haverhill, and Eileen and Joseph Sarcone of Haverhill. Great-grandmother is Susan Prunier of Haverhill.