Deadline reminder: To list an event happening in Greater Haverhill, submit no later than 10 days before The Haverhill Gazette's Thursday publication date. Listings run on a space-available basis.

THURSDAY, AUG. 27

Puppet Showplace Theatre: "The Day it Snowed Tortillas" by Crabgrass Puppet Theatre at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Puppet Showplace Theatre, 32 Station St., Brookline. To outwit a gang of bullies, a poor couple cooks up a diversion - making it snow in July. The recipe for this hilarious Mexican folktale includes award-winning scenic design, fantastic puppets, funny action, music and a chicken. Recommended for ages 3 and older. Admission is $10 per person, $8 for members. Prepaid reservations recommended. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 617-731-6400 or visit www.puppetshowplace.org.

FRIDAY, Aug. 28

Jazz at the Castle: Winnekenni Castle, 347 Kenoza Ave., will host a jazz night to benefit Ruth's House, a nonprofit thrift shop. The night will feature jazz musicians from the Haverhill area including Mark Hayden, Mike Cesati, Paul Prue and John Kendrick and their ensembles. There will be a cash bar, hors d'oeuvres and a silent auction. Advance tickets are $35 per person, $60 per couple. Tickets at the door $40 per person, $70 per couple. Information or tickets, call 978-521-5575 or email ruthshouse@verizon.net.

SATURDAY, AUG. 29

Live music and fireworks: Salisbury Beach Center presents a free firework show and live concert featuring Charlie Farren & Friends beginning at 7 p.m. Fireworks display at 10 p.m. Information, visit www.beachfests.org.

Free equestrian workshop: A free equestrian workshop for beginners, titled "Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Horses," will be held at 1 p.m. at Pear Tree Lane Stable in Haverhill. Greater Haverhill families may attend at no cost. There will be a lecture-based discussion for parents, regarding costs associated with owning horses, lessons and boarding. Children, who must be age 8 or up, will be taught a variety of basic skills, including how to prepare a horse for riding. Children must be accompanied by a parent (not a friend or neighbor, please). There is a participation limit of two children per family. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, call 978-521-1505.

Bow hunter education course: A free bow hunter education course will be held from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Georgetown Fish & Game Association, 11 Lake Ave., Georgetown. Those attending are asked to bring their own bows and arrows if they have them. Attendance is open to adult men and women, as well as minors over 10 years of age with parental permission. Each course graduate receives a state Bowhunter Certificate. Preregistration is required. For more information, call 978-632-7648 or visit www.mass.gov/masswildlife.

Haverhill Farmers Market: Haverhill's Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at GAR Park at the corner of Bailey Boulevard and Main Street. Expanded market includes seller made and seller grown products from local and organic farms, eggs, honey, ice cream, baked goods and crafts. Information, visit www.haverhillfarmersmarket.com.

Haverhill Firefighting Museum: At 75 Kenoza Ave., open 9 a.m. to noon. Weekday, group visits available by appointment. Call 978-372-4061.

SUNDAY, AUG. 30

Open auditions: The Pentucket Players are holding open auditions for "Scrooge - The Musical" from noon to 6 p.m. in the Pentucket Bank Community Room, 25 Merrimack St., Haverhill. For more information, call Teresa Kelley at 978-618-8151, email teresa@effectivestudentmarketing.com or visit www.pentucketplayers.org.

Essex Aggie alumni reunion: Second annual Alumni BBQ from 12 to 5 p.m., BBQ served at 2 p.m., at Berry Hall on the Essex Aggie campus. Menu includes smoked pulled pork, BBQ chicken breast, smoked brisket, veggie burgers and more. Cost is $18 per person. Checks can be made payable to Essex Aggie Alumni Association. Mail check and name, class and number of guests to Essex Agricultural Technical High School, Alumni Association, 562 Maple St., P.O. Box 362, Hathorne, MA, 01937. For more information, call Bob Gaudet at 987-462-6792.

Open auditions: For Pentucket Players performance of the musical "Scrooge" from 12 to 6 p.m. at the Pentucket Bank Community room, 25 Merrimack St. The group hopes to cast between 50 to 75 people in "Scrooge" and the auditions are open to children ages 7 and up, students, adults and senior citizens. Rehearsals are held in Lawrence and performances are slated for late November at Merrimack College. For specific audition information, visit www.pentucketplayers.org and click on the auditions link.

MONDAY, AUG. 31

Golf tournament: Community Action Inc. will hold its 9th annual Golf Classic Tournament at the Haverhill Country Club to benefit CAI's Stronger Families for a Stronger Community fundraising campaign. This will be a scramble format with an 8 a.m. shotgun start. Singles, twosomes, threesomes and foursomes welcome. Entry fee is $150 and includes continental breakfast before tee off, greens fees, cart, prizes, barbecue and refreshments. For more information, call Joy Smith at 978-373-1971 or visit www.communityactioninc.org.

Forty-Fives tournament: Peddler's Daughter, 45 Wingate St, 8:15 p.m. Participation is free and prizes will be awarded to winners. For more information, call Charles Wheeler at 978-994-0975.

Tuesday, Sept. 1

Business assistance: Service Corps of Retired Executives — SCORE — offers free, confidential help to individuals starting a business or already in business from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce. Until the Chamber's home at 87 Winter St. is rehabilitated, sessions will be in the Chamber's temporary office in the Landmark Building, Merrimack Street.

Trivia night: Peddler's Daughter, 45 Wingate St., 9 p.m. For more information, call 978-372-9555 or visit www.thepeddlersdaughter.com.

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 2

Line-dancing classes: At All Saints Parish, 120 Bellevue Ave., 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. All are welcome. Participants should wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Call 978-374-6001.

SATURDAY, Sept. 5

Haverhill Farmers Market: Haverhill's Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at GAR Park at the corner of Bailey Boulevard and Main Street. Expanded market includes seller made and seller grown products from local and organic farms, eggs, honey, ice cream, baked goods and crafts. Information, visit www.haverhillfarmersmarket.com.

Haverhill Firefighting Museum: At 75 Kenoza Ave., open 9 a.m. to noon. Weekday, group visits available by appointment. Call 978-372-4061.

arts

Local photographer exhibit: Local photographer Amanda Osborne's "The Natural Look" exhibit will be on display throughout the month of September at the Haverhill Public Library, 99 Main St. All individual pieces in the exhibition are available for purchase. The exhibit can be seen during library hours: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information, email naturephotos.ao@gmail.com.

NAA featured artist series: Newburyport Art Association presents "Catch of the Day" by Gail Boucher Sept. 3 through 16 in the Laura Coombs Hills Gallery, 65 Water St., Newburyport. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Information, call 978-465-8769.

Art exhibit and awards: The Newburyport Art Association presents the 2009 Fall Members' Juried Show from now through Sept. 27 at the Sargent and Hartson galleries, 65 Water St., Newburyport. Members artworks in a variety of media will be for sale. Gallery hours for the show are Wednesday through Monday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. Call 978-465-8769 or visit www.NewburyportArt.org.

Art exhibit: The Newburyport Art Association will be exhibiting work by two award-winning Southern Maine members, Leslie Doherty and Phil McCurdy from now through Sept. 2 at the Laura Hills gallery, 65 Water St., Newburyport. Gallery hours for the show are Wednesday through Monday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 12 to 5 p.m. Call 978-465-8769 or visit www.NewburyportArt.org.

Live music: Pianist Bob Allison hosts a piano bar with classic songs from the Great American Song Book on Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m., performing with the Lighthouse Trio and Friends show the first Wednesday of every month, at Hobo's Cafe, 5 Broadway, Salisbury Beach. No cover charge. Call 978-255-2558 or visit www.CasablancaPiano.com.

Activities

Beginner ballroom dancing: The Andover/North Andover branch of the Merrimack Valley YMCA will offer an 8-week beginner class designed to teach the basic steps in Swing, Salsa, Tango, Rumba, Merengue, Foxtrot and Waltz. Couples and singles are invited. Cost is $68 for YMCA members, $118 nonmembers. Sessions run from Sept. 11 through Oct. 23 and are held in the YMCA's dance studio. Registration is available at the Andover/North Andover YMCA, 165 Haverhill St., Andover.

Old fashioned hymn sing: West Church, 767 Broadway, presents an old fashioned hymn sing on Sunday, Sept. 13 at 6 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 978-373-3034.

Passport to the World: An International Food, Wine and Beer Pairing on Thursday, Sept. 24, will benefit the Merrimack Valley Hospice and its recently completed Hospice House. Tickets are $50 per person and include food and beverages from six countries — Germany, France, Argentina, Morocco, Japan and Spain. Ticket-holders will be able to enter a drawing for a Nintendo Wii. Event is at Haverhill Country Club from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Visit www.merrimackvalleyhospice.org and click on the passport to purchase tickets or call 978-552-4003. Presenting sponsors are Flowers by Steve & Parker Hannfain Corporation, Filtration and Separation Division, Balston Operation.

Bowling tournament: The Haverhill Clubhouse will hold its sixth annual Bowling Tournament Saturday, Sept. 26 at Pilgrim Lanes on Primrose Street. Teams will consist of five people. Each team member must raise $100 in pledges to bowl, or $500 per team collectively. The event will begin at noon at the lanes, followed by lunch and prize giveaways at the Clubhouse, 100 Locust St. Prizes to be awarded include high score, low score, most money raised, strike king and queen. All proceeds will support Clubhouse training opportunities, activities, building repairs and improvements. For more information, call Laure Enus at 978-521-6957 or visit www.haverhillclubhouse.org.

Annual Kiwanis senior BBQ: The Kiwanis Club of Haverhill will hold its 45th annual Senior Citizen Barbecue on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Citizens Center, 10 Welcome St. This event is free and open to all Haverhill senior citizens. Lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and will include BBQ chicken, coleslaw, potato salad beverages and ice-cream. Entertainment will be provided by DJ Benny Cordischi. Reservations are not required. For more information, call 978-552-4186.

Skin cancer seminar: Skin Serenity of Haverhill will present a seminar on skin cancer on Sept. 15 from noon to 1 p.m. in the auditorium at Merrimack Valley Hospital, 140 Lincoln Ave. Staff will talk about what skin cancer is, the different types, risk factors, symptoms, how to recognize it, and how to choose the best sunscreen. For more information, call Yinelle at 978-521-8150.

Senior supper at MVH: Merrimack Valley Hospital will host a senior supper on Sept. 15 at 4 p.m. titled "Getting Your House in Order: Documentation and Protection of Your Assets," presented by attorney Jay Cleary, Kenneth Anding, LUTCF, and Janice Bernier, financial advisor and CPA. Menu includes sliced turkey with stuffing and gravy, mashed potato, baby carrots, salad, rolls, dessert and coffee. Cost is $5. The supper will be held in the first floor auditorium of the hospital, 140 Lincoln Ave. To preregister for the event, call Kathy at 978-521-8140.

Health and Safety Fair: Community Health and Safety Fair will be held on Saturday, Sept. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Merrimack Valley Hospital, 140 Lincoln Ave. The event will include resources for families and seniors, health insurance information, safety demonstrations, education stations, information of CPR, cancer prevention and new procedures; opportunities to meet local physicians, children's activities, giveaways, raffles and barbecue. Sponsored by Merrimack Valley Hospital and Trinity EMS. For more information, call 978-420-1157.

YMCA annual golf tournament: The Haverhill YMCA will hold its 19th annual Golf Tournament to benefit children and families in greater Haverhill on Oct. 5 at the Atkinson Country Club in Atkinson, N.H. Shotgun start at 11:30 a.m. Cost to participate is $175 per person, singles, twosomes or foursomes. Includes a bag lunch and buffet dinner (steak tips), live auction featuring Red Sox tickets, New England Patriots and Boston Celtics memorabilia, and a silent auction. There are cash prizes and a car will be awarded for a hole-in-one competition. For more information, contact Tracy Fuller at 978-374-0506 or fullert@northshoreymca.org, or Ray Pelletier at 978-374-0506 or pelletierr@northshoreymca.org.

Fall Festival: A walk-a-thon and craft fair will be held Oct. 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the gymnasium at Silver Hill Horace Mann Charter School. Tables for crafters are available for a $25 fee. Along with a check made payable to the school, please send a description of items you will be selling as well as contact information to: Silver Hill Horace Mann Charter School, 675 Washington St., Haverhill, MA 01832 Attn: Alex Foltz. Contact the school at 978-374-3448.

Museum passes available: Haverhill Public library offers passes to the following museums: Zoo New England, John F. Kennedy Library and Museum, Peabody Essex Museum, Currier Art Museum, Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Science, The Children's Museum, the Discovery Museums, Children's Museum of New Hampshire, New England Aquarium (Sept. to June only), The Butterfly Place, The Institute of Contemporary Art, The Sports Museum Boston and Massachusetts State Parks. Depending on the museum, a surcharge per person for admission may be required. To reserve a pass, call 978-373-1586 ext. 603 or visit www.haverhillpl.org.

Business assistance: Service Corps of Retired Executives — SCORE — 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. Until the Chamber's home at 87 Winter St. is rehabilitated, sessions will be in the Chamber's temporary office in the Landmark Building, Merrimack Street.

Line-dancing classes: At All Saints Parish, 120 Bellevue Ave., 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. on Wednesdays. All are welcome. Participants should wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Call 978-374-6001.

Forty-Fives tournaments: The Peddler's Daughter holds forty-fives tournaments every Monday at 8:15 p.m. at 45 Wingate St. Free and prizes will be awarded to winners. Call Charles Wheeler at 978-994-0975.

Trivia night: The Peddler's Daughter every Tuesday at 45 Wingate St., 9 p.m. Call 978-372-9555 or visit www.thepeddlersdaughter.com.

Art workshop: Mark Hayden and Joan Rademacher offer art lessons at the First Church of Christ, 10 Church St., Bradford, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the second and fourth Saturday of the month. All are welcome. A $5 contribution is appreciated. Call 978-374-1114.

Greater Haverhill Poets Society: The Poets Society meets the third Saturday of the month at 10 a.m. at Haverhill Public Library. New members are always welcome.

Knitting and crocheting classes: Plum Island Knitters at All Saints Church, Blaisdell Street, Wednesdays 6 to 7:30 p.m. Cost of a four-week session is $75 or $20 for a drop-in class. Plum Island Knitters supports the Katydid Foundation Inc., a nonprofit organization that helps adults with autism. For more information or to register, call 978-255-1130 or visit www.PIKnitters.com.

Yoga classes: Caring Hands Center for Massage and Wellbeing offers yoga classes for all levels of experience at its new yoga studio at 55 Wingate St. The first class is free and packages are available. To register, call Cindy Brown at 978-835-8497 or email yoga4stressreduction@yahoo.com. Class schedule: Mondays, all levels yoga class from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m.; Tuesdays, beginners yoga classes from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. and from 7 to 8:15 p.m.; Thursdays, all levels yoga class from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m.; Saturdays, all levels yoga class from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m.

Families

Fit 'n' Fun after-school program: At Cedarland Family Fun Center, 931 Boston Road, for children in grades one through five. Indoor and outdoor activities vary by season. Call program director Beth Bailey at 978-373-1596 for registration, transportation and cost information.

YMCA activities

Membership For All: YMCA income-based membership plan, allows children, adults and families of any income range. Call Sandy Brien at 978-374-0506 or e-mail briens@northshoreymca.org.

After-school child care program: At the YMCA includes arts and crafts, gym games, nutritious snack and use of YMCA facility including pool, gymnastics center and rock climbing wall. All programs licensed by the state. For more information, call Colette Farina at 978-374-0506, ext. 117, or e-mail farinac@northshoreymca.org.

Aquatic activities: The Haverhill YMCA pool is open for lap swim, water aerobics and other aquatic fitness activities. Personal trainers are available for one-on-one sessions. Adult gymnastics conditioning, ballroom and belly dancing, as well as adult rock climbing are all offered at the YMCA. For more information, call 978-374-0506 or visit www.northshoreymca.org.

Synchronized swimming for adults: The Northshore YMCA offers synchronized swimming for adults ages 18 and up on Sundays from 5:30 to 7 p.m. through June. Participants may join at any time. For more information, call coach Kristina Evans at 978-390-4607 or the Aquatics Office at 978-927-6855.

Swim/diving lessons: Diving lessons for ages 8 and up are offered Sundays from 6 to 8 p.m. Cost is $5 per hour. Family Swim Time (must be age 3 or older) is offered Sundays from 1 to 3 p.m. Cost is $3 per swimmer. For more information, call 978-374-5732.

Flick-N-Float: Spend a family night in the pool watching movies such as "Cars" and "Madagascar." With the water at 87 degrees, children rarely get cold and are able to stay in the water for the entire movie. Snacks and drinks are provided during the movie. For more information, call Daniel Sebens at 978-374-0506 or e-mail sebensd@northshoreymca.org.

Adaptive swim program for children and adults with special needs: This program includes an introduction to water and water-adjustment activities. Participants can have a parent or aide in the water to assist with activities if necessary. The class will be 45 minutes long. Cost is $60 for members, $90 for nonmembers.

Friday and Saturday Fun Nights: Parents can plan a night out while their kids have use of the gym, gymnastics center, pool, rock wall and squash courts from 6 to 9 p.m. Staff provides fun, safe and positive organized activities, themed events and supervised free choice time. Friday nights are for children in grades one through four; Saturdays for grades five through 12. Cost is $5 per family for members, $7 for nonmembers, includes pizza and drinks.

Family Night: Kids and parents can join the fun together with use of the gym, gymnastics center, pool, rock wall and squash courts from 6 to 9 p.m. Staff provides fun, safe and positive organized activities, themed events and supervised free-choice time. Cost is $10 per family for members, $15 for nonmembers, includes pizza and drinks.

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

Volunteers needed: The Friends of Parker River National Wildlife Refuge needs volunteers to help staff The Plover's Nest gift shop and bookstore at the Refuge Headquarters and Visitor Center. The store is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteers needed to help customers and act as cashiers during those times. Training will be provided. For more information or to volunteer, call Kate Toniolo at 978-465-5753.

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is at 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. For more information or to register for an event, call 978-465-5753 or visit www.parkerriver.fws.gov. All programs are free but space is limited and advanced registration is required unless otherwise indicated. Registration is not complete until you have received confirmation from a staff member.

REUNIONS

Class of 1944: The Haverhill High School and Haverhill Trade School Class of 1944 is holding its 65-year reunion on Sept. 16 at DiBurro's in Ward Hill. For more information, call Ted Pelosi at 978-314-0793 or Connie (Spaulding) Hosford at 978-374-7172.

Haverhill High and Trade School Class of 1954: Reunion on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Atkinson Country Club, Atkinson, N.H. Cost is $35 per person. Interested parties should RSVP to either Bob DesMarais at 978-372-3985, Al Simes at 603-887-0715 or Mary Ann Valhouli at 978-372-3083.

Class of 1964: Haverhill High and Haverhill Trade School Class of 1964 will hold a reunion banquet on Friday, Sept. 25 and Saturday, Sept. 26 golfing event at Brookstone's Event Center, 14 Route 111, Derry, N.H. Tickets are $60 each. For more information, call Sylvia Francesone (DiBurro) at 978-373-9851, Charlotte Parker (Bertram) at 978-372-0847 or Joseph Villanucci at 603-898-8732 or joe.villa@comcast.net.

Class of 1949: Haverhill High and Trade School Class of 1949 will hold their 60-year reunion on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Roma Restaurant, 29 Middlesex St., Bradford. The reunion committee is seeking addresses for the following classmates: Joan Beaubien Hovan, Barbara Belmont, Helen Burchell, Eleanor B. Davis, Robert Coffill, Gerald Collella, Ernest E. Dallaire, Evelyn F. DePalma, Harry Dyer, Dorothy Enokian Allen, Rosemary E. Enokian, Annette Gelinas Lavoie, Cleo Giakas Lafionatis, Theresa M. Giuffrida, Barbara Halpern Phillips, Nancy Harrington Braley, Rose Haverback, O. Joyce Heath, Jane Hovey Standin, Eunice Howes O'Brien, William Hunt, Sophie Ivaleotis Metroplois, Ransom Lindsey, Florence B. Myers, Norman E. Raymond, Eleanor Sargent Oatley, Alan Shafmaster, Phyllis White, Rita Woiceshook Schena, Barbara Wollaver Holmes, Naomi Zellman Cooner, Edward J. Amirault, Leo R. Dodier, Richard Rhodes and Louis Lawson. The class of 1949 also has established a book fund at the Haverhill Public Library. For more information, call Gloria Healey Ross at 978-372-4757, Joe Mazza at 978-372-4757 or email HHS1949@msn.com.

Class of 1959: Haverhill High School, Haverhill Trade School and St. James High School Class of 1959 will celebrate their 50th reunion on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 6:30 p.m. to midnight at the Haverhill Country Club. There will be a cocktail hour, dinner, disc jockey and a '50s theme. Cost is $60 per person. For information, contact Pat Kelly Ruth at 978-373-2447 or barryandpat1@verizon.net.

Somerville High School Class of 1959: 50-year reunion on Nov. 7 at the Holiday Inn in Somerville. For more information, contact Joanne Palazzolo Armstrong at 978-373-4435 or 617-571-1591.

Class of 1984 25th reunion: Haverhill High School's class of 1984 reunion will be held on Nov. 27 at 7 p.m. at Mal's Lounge, 3rd floor of George's Restaurant, 130 Washington St. Tickets are $30 and include an appetizer buffet and DJ. For more information, contact Cindy Davis Jackson at cindydavisjackson@gmail.com or visit HHS Class of 1984 on www.facebook.com.

Class of 1950: Haverhill High and Trade School's class of 1950 is planning a reunion for Saturday, June 19, 2010, from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Haverhill Country Club, followed by bruch on Sunday, June 21, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, call Carole (DeFelice) Lanseigne at 978-372-6767 or Bob Conte at 978-373-6931.

Haverhill High, Trade and St. James High School Class of 1945: Will hold their 65th class reunion banquet on Sept. 25, 2010, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Michael's Function Hall in Haverhill. The menu will include baked haddock, marinated steak tips, boneless stuffed chicken breast and appetizers of cheese, crackers and fresh fruit. Cost is $30 per person. For more information, call Attilio Carbone at 978-373-5756 or Michael Der Boghosian at 978-373-3597.

Retired Whittier Vocational High School teachers and employees: Any retired employees and teachers from Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School interested in planning or attending a reunion should call Phil McCaughey at 978-372-9236 or George Manghis at 321-720-3673.

USS Columbus shipmates reconnect: Navy and Marine Corps shipmates who served on the USS Columbus (CA-74/CG-12) from 1944 through 1976 and the USS Columbus SSN-762 past and present who would like to share memories and camaraderie with old friends or make new ones, contact Allen R. Hope at 260-486-2221 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time or e-mail hope4391@comcast.net.

Ways to Give

Children's clothing needed: Ruth's House, a nonprofit, nondenominational thrift store, has a dire need for infants clothing, especially infants to 24 months, boys and girls summer clothing, all sizes. Winter clothing is not being accepted at this time. Also needed are pots, pans, dishes and household items. Ruth's House also needs volunteers to donate as few or as many hours as possible. Donations may also be dropped off for the Sacred Heart food pantry at Ruth's House. All donations are tax-deductible, and donors will be issued receipts for their gifts. Donations may be dropped off at Ruth's House, 30 Lafayette Square, on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Store hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Thursday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more information, call 978-521-5575.

Book fundraiser: The First Church of Christ Bradford is raising money through the collection of new and used books, videos, CD's, DVD's and audio books. Donations may be dropped off in the gray container in the back parking lot of the church, 10 Church Street, Bradford. No encyclopedias, magazines, newspapers and catalogues please. The church will be paid on an ongoing basis for all items collected in the donation container and all funds raised will benefit the general funding of the church. In addition, many of these collected books will be donated to schools, libraries, sent overseas to the troops and sold in book sales to benefit local nonprofit groups. For more information, call 978-396-6026.

Help sick or injured pets: Donate to Animal Rescue Merrimack Valley to replenish its fund to save sick or injured cats and dogs. Visit www.insiderpages.com/fundraisers/Animal-Rescue-Merrimack-Valley. Restaurant reviews result in donations to animal charity. Donations can also be made online at www.armv.org or by mailing a check to ARMV, P.O. Box 8006, Bradford, MA 01835.

Host families needed: Academic Foundation for International Cultural Exchange seeks community representatives and host families. Information, Anne Ring, 866-462-3423 or visit www.afice.org.

Kids Helping Kids: Students and their families at Little Sprouts Child Enrichment Centers are accepting gift donations for Debbie's Treasure Chest, a charity developed by three adopted girls, ages 8, 11 and 12, which targets the "forgotten kids" in state Department of Social Services custody. To donate, e-mail jtodisco@littlesprouts.com. For more information, call 781-929-2858.

Vehicle donations needed: Anyone who would like old cars removed from their yards free of charge, or would like a quick alternative to selling or trading their vehicle, can donate them to various organizations in the community. The Haverhill Boys and Girls Club is running a car campaign to raise money to help sustain its various programs through donations of unwanted vehicles. To donate a vehicle, call 1-800-246-0493. If your vehicle is accepted, it will be picked up free of charge in just a few days. The fair market value of the donation may be considered a charitable contribution for income-tax purposes. For the Melanoma Foundation, everyone who donates a car or truck, running or not, will get a receipt for a tax deduction. To make a donation, call Cars Helping America at 866-949-3668 and specify that you have a car to donate to the Melanoma Foundation. Your car, truck or camper may be worth more as a donation than a trade in and will benefit blind and vision impaired persons in Massachusetts by donating to Massachusetts Association for the Blind. This is a free tow, quick pick up and tax deductible. For more information, call 888-613-2777.

Places to Visit

Haverhill Farmers Market: Haverhill's Farmers Market will be open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Oct. 31 at GAR Park at the corner of Bailey Boulevard and Main Street. Expanded market will include seller made and seller grown products from local and organic farms, eggs, honey, ice cream, baked goods and crafts. Information, visit www.haverhillfarmersmarket.com.

Public Library hours: 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 www.haverhillpl.org.

The 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: 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.

The Buttonwoods Museum/Haverhill Historical Society: 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.

Other

Artists and vendors wanted: The Haverhill Rotary Club is co-sponsoring Tattersall Farm day on Sunday, Sept. 20 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 542 North Broadway. Seeking vendors, artists, craftsmen and agricultural demonstrators to participate. Vendor spaces are available for $25. For more information, call Kathy Bresnahan at 978-374-2390 ext. 11.

Crafters and vendors wanted: Crafters and vendors are needed for the Harvest Fair on Oct. 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Plaistow Fish and Game, 18 May Ray Road, Plaistow, N.H. Cost is $15 for an 8-foot table. For more information, call Carolyn at 978-521-5968 or email elizstarr@yahoo.com.

Dog licences available: Dog licences for 2009 are available in the City Clerk's Office in City Hall. The fee for all male and female dogs is $20 and the fee for all spayed female and neutered male dogs is $15. Application forms are available online at www.ci.haverhill.ma.us. Click on the link to "Departments" and then "City Clerk." Please provide a current rabies vaccination record and spaying/neutering certificate when licensing your dog. Late fines will be charged for the time the dog is not licensed starting at $10 after May 31, $15 after June 30 and $25 after July 31. For more information, call 978-374-2312.

The Haverhill Cultural Council invites all Haverhill arts organizations to submit notice of events to the council's Web site: www.ci.haverhill.ma.us, under "Human Services Department." To submit events or for information, call 978-374-4500, ext. 31, or e-mail culturalcouncil@cityofhaverhill.com.

Affordable housing units: Three discounted condominiums for low- and moderate-income, first-time homebuyers at Riverside Place, Washington Street. Sold for $181,395. Call Richard Lynch, Community Action, 978-373-1971 for income restrictions and information. Applications available Community Action office, 145 Essex St.