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, Nov. 19

Thanksgiving luncheon: The Haverhill Council on Aging and The Oxford will host a Thanksgiving luncheon at 11:30 a.m. at the Citizen Center, 10 Welcome St. Tickets are $1 each. Reservations required. Information or reservations, call Kathy Bresnahan or Rita Labella at 978-374-2390, ext. 11 or 16.

Youth production: North of Boston Arts Center youth production of "The Aristocats," a stage adaptation of the classic Disney animated feature, at 7 p.m. at the Memorial Theater, 502 Cabot St., Beverly. Admission is a suggested donation of $15 for adults, $10 seniors and children under 12. For more information or to reserve seats, call 508-331-2733 or visit www.thenobac.org.

FriDAY, Nov. 20

Children's program: "Drop-in Math Fun for Preschoolers" from 10 to 10:30 a.m. in the Cavallaro Room at the Haverhill Public Library, 99 Main St. Math concepts in literature will be explored. Designed for ages 3 to 5 years old. For more information or to register, call 978-373-1586, ext. 626 or visit www.haverhillpl.org.

Children's program: "Drop-in Make Your Own Healthy Snack" from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Cavallaro Room at the Haverhill Public Library, 99 Main St. Demonstration of how to make a healthy snack that can be enjoyed by participants. Designed for ages 5 and older. For more information or to register, call 978-373-1586, ext. 626 or visit www.haverhillpl.org.

Hoop shoot: The Haverhill Lodge Elks #165 will host their annual hoop shoot for boys and girls, ages 8 through 13, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Bradford Elementary School, 118 Montvale St. Volunteers welcome. Information, call 978-374-5050.

Murder mystery fundraiser: The Family & Community Connection will host a "Murder Mystery Fundraiser" at 7 p.m. at Zorvino Vineyards, 226 Main St., Sandown, N.H. Cost is $35 per person, includes dinner, dessert, mystery and fun. Profits will be used towards music and science classes for young children. Family & Community Connection is a Community Action, Inc. program for families with young children up to 5 years old. Information or tickets, call Roberta or Marion at 978-374-2198.

Northshore Players: The Northshore Players present "Honk," by Stiles and Drew, at 7:30 p.m. at the Hogan Regional Auditorium, 6 Hathorne Circle, Danvers. Tickets are $15 adults, $12 students and seniors. Information or tickets, call 978-774-3182 or visit www.northshoreplayers.org.

Youth production: North of Boston Arts Center youth production of "The Aristocats," a stage adaptation of the classic Disney animated feature, at 7 p.m. at the Memorial Theater, 502 Cabot St., Beverly. Admission is a suggested donation of $15 for adults, $10 seniors and children under 12. For more information or to reserve seats, call 508-331-2733 or visit www.thenobac.org.

SATURDAY, Nov. 21

"New Parents Coffee Hour" at 9:30 a.m. in the Cavallaro Room at the Haverhill Public Library, 99 Main St. Join other new parents for a cup of coffee and casual conversation. For more information or to register, call 978-373-1586, ext. 626 or visit www.haverhillpl.org.

New Moon Coffeehouse: Cliff Eberhardt will perform at 8 p.m. at the New Moon Coffeehouse at Universalist Unitarian Church, 16 Ashland St. Tickets are $20 and are available at the door beginning at 6:30 p.m., by calling 978-459-5134 or visiting www.newmooncoffeehouse.org.

Church bazaar: Second Baptist Church will host a church bazaar from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 314 Amesbury Line Road. Event will feature handmade crafts, Christmas items, baked goods and more. To rent a table, call Lorraine at 978-374-7071 or Janet at 978-346-8654.

Vendor gift fair: Residents of Hannah Duston Healthcare Center will hold their annual vendor gift fair and raffle from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the activities room at 126 Monument St. The event benefits the resident activity fund and will feature gift items from Arnie Mendelsohn of Rosemont Station/Merrimack Valley Hospital, gift baskets from McNutts and other vendors. Information, call Jean Diamontopoulos at 978-373-1747.

Italian supper: All Saints Parish of Haverhill will host an Italian supper from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the church hall, 120 Bellevue Ave. Cost is $7 adults, $5 children under 12. Proceeds benefit St. Joseph's School. For more information, call the church at 978-372-7721.

Ham and bean supper: Kensington Congregational Church will hold a ham and bean supper from 5 to 6:45 p.m. at the Kensington Congregational Church on Route 150 in the center of Kensington, N.H. Menu includes two kinds of home cooked beans, best quality ham, old fashioned brown bread, rolls, potato salad, cole slaw, home cooked pies and coffee or milk. Cost is $7 adults, $2.50 children, and includes all one can eat. For more information, call the church office at (603)772-5821.

Northshore Players: The Northshore Players present "Honk," by Stiles and Drew, at 7:30 p.m. at the Hogan Regional Auditorium, 6 Hathorne Circle, Danvers. Tickets are $15 adults, $12 students and seniors. Information or tickets, call 978-774-3182 or visit www.northshoreplayers.org.

Youth production: North of Boston Arts Center youth production of "The Aristocats," a stage adaptation of the classic Disney animated feature, at 2 p.m. at the Memorial Theater, 502 Cabot St., Beverly. Admission is a suggested donation of $15 for adults, $10 seniors and children under 12. For more information or to reserve seats, call 508-331-2733 or visit www.thenobac.org.

Greater Haverhill Poets Society: The Poets Society meets at 10 a.m. at Haverhill Public Library. New members are always welcome.

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

SunDAY, Nov. 22

Annual food drive: The Greater Haverhill Hunger Roundtable will conduct the annual Betsy Conte Food Drive during the VFW Santa Parade on Sunday, Nov. 22, in Haverhill. Food drive volunteers donate all items collected during the parade to six food pantries that serve needy residents in Haverhill. Spectators are encouraged to bring nonperishable food item to the parade, which begins at 1 p.m. Paper and hygiene products are also needed. For more information, call Bill LaPierre at 978-373-1281 or Elaine Miller at 978-373-1971.

Free Thanksgiving dinner: The Haverhill Lodge Elks #165 will host a free Thanksgiving dinner for veterans and those in need from noon to 3 p.m. at the lodge, 24 Summer St. Information, call 978-374-5050.

Toys needed: The Salvation Army is accepting donations of new unwrapped toys for its annual Christmas Castle. Donations can be brought to the Salvation Army, 395 Main St., weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Dec. 1 Financial donations are greatly appreciated. For more information, contact Lt. Jeff or Mari Hardy at 978-374-4658.

Vendor gift fair: Residents of Hannah Duston Healthcare Center will hold their annual vendor gift fair and raffle from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the activities room at 126 Monument St. The event benefits the resident activity fund and will feature gift items from Arnie Mendelsohn of Rosemont Station/Merrimack Valley Hospital, gift baskets from McNutts and other vendors. Information, call Jean Diamontopoulos at 978-373-1747.

Northshore Players: The Northshore Players present "Honk," by Stiles and Drew, at 2 p.m. at the Hogan Regional Auditorium, 6 Hathorne Circle, Danvers. Tickets are $15 adults, $12 students and seniors. Information or tickets, call 978-774-3182 or visit www.northshoreplayers.org.

Monday, Nov. 23

Children's program: "Mother Goose Asks Why?" at 10:30 a.m. in the Cavallaro Room at the Haverhill Public Library, 99 Main St. A family activity introducing science through great children's literature. Designed for ages 3 to 6. Registration required. For more information or to register, call 978-373-1586, ext. 626 or visit www.haverhillpl.org.

Tuesday, Nov. 24

Seasonal flu clinic: Seasonal flu vaccine clinic will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Citizen Center, 10 Welcome St.

Children's program: "Kids and Money" from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Cavallaro Room at the Haverhill Public Library, 99 Main St. A representative from TD Banknorth will come share some basic concepts relating to kids handling money. Designed for ages 8 to 11. Registration required. For more information or to register, call 978-373-1586, ext. 626 or visit www.haverhillpl.org.

Children's program: "Bilingual Family Storytime" at 6:30 p.m. in the Cavallaro Room at the Haverhill Public Library, 99 Main St. Enjoy stories, songs and activities with Miss Julia. Learn a few words in another language or teach a few in your own. All ages welcome. For more information or to register, call 978-373-1586, ext. 626 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 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.

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 25

Children's program: "Lapsit for Prewalkers" from 9:30 to 9:50 a.m. in the Cavallaro Room at the Haverhill Public Library, 99 Main St. This program is designed for very young children who have not yet begun to walk. Includes songs, rhymes, simple stories and exploration. For more information or to register, call 978-373-1586, ext. 626 or visit www.haverhillpl.org.

Children's program: "Lapsit for Walkers" from 10:30 to 11 a.m. in the Cavallaro Room at the Haverhill Public Library, 99 Main St. This program is designed for young children who have begun to walk, up to 24 months. Includes songs, rhymes, fingerplays, short stories and an activity. For more information or to register, call 978-373-1586, ext. 626 or visit www.haverhillpl.org.

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.

FriDAY, Nov. 27

Tag Day: The Korean War Veterans Association Chapter 288-294 will hold a Tag Day to benefit the Gazette Santa Fund. Veterans will be stationed at various locations, including Central Plaza, Westgate Plaza, Riversedge Plaza, near Bradford Common, Monument Square, Washington Square and at the intersection of Water and Mill streets. For more information, or to volunteer, call Commander Richard Bilodeau at 978-397-5758.

Class of 1984 25th reunion: Haverhill High School's Class of 1984 reunion at 7 p.m. at Mal's Lounge, 3rd floor of George's Restaurant, 130 Washington St. Tickets are $35 per person or $60 per couple in advance or $45 per person at the door. For more information, contact Cindy Davis Jackson at cindydavisjackson@gmail.com or visit HHS Class of 1984 on www.facebook.com.

Children's program: "Drop-in Math Fun for Preschoolers" from 10 to 10:30 a.m. in the Cavallaro Room at the Haverhill Public Library, 99 Main St. Math concepts in literature will be explored. Designed for ages 3 to 5 years old. For more information or to register, call 978-373-1586, ext. 626 or visit www.haverhillpl.org.

SATURDAY, Nov. 28

Tag Day: The Korean War Veterans Association Chapter 288-294 will hold a Tag Day to benefit the Gazette Santa Fund. Veterans will be stationed at various locations, including Central Plaza, Westgate Plaza, Riversedge Plaza, near Bradford Common, Monument Square, Washington Square and at the intersection of Water and Mill streets. For more information, or to volunteer, call Commander Richard Bilodeau at 978-397-5758.

HHS Class of 1989 reunion: The Haverhill High School Class of 1989 will hold its 20-year class reunion from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Renaissance Golf Club, 377 Kenoza St. DJ Stevie Ray from Phantom Gourmet events will provide the entertainment. This cocktail party will be include stuffed mushrooms, crab cakes, brie with pear, smoked duck breast, chicken with wild mushroom sausage, antipasto station, pork tenderloin station, pasta station, pizza station and desserts. Cash only bar. Tickets are $60 in advance or $70 cash only at the door. Please RSVP as soon as possible to Antigone "Tig" Simmons at 508-523-2126 or aaatiggy@aol.com.

HHS class of 1994 reunion: Haverhill High School Class of 1994 reunion from 7 to 11 p.m. at The Garibaldi Club, 86 Washington St. Cost is $25 per person. Please send checks payable to Katherine (Bresnahan) Dingles (class of 1994), P.O. Box 422, Atkinson, N.H. 03811. Information, call Katherine at 978-697-0474.

Whittier Class of 1984: Whittier Vo-Tech's Class of 1984 will hold its 25-year reunion at DiBurro's Function Facility, 887 Boston Road. Social hour from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by dinner. Live music provided by the live band "The Hitman." Tickets are $55 per person. Information, call Barbara at 978-469-7552. Please note: Blocks of rooms have been reserved at a special rate at The Best Western Merrimack Valley, 401 Lowell Ave., and Comfort Suites, 106 Bank Road.

Meditation class: Caring Hands Center for Massage and Well-Being offer a Saturday morning "Meditation & Relaxation" classes Nov. 28 and Dec. 12 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at 55 Wingate St. Cindy Brown will lead breathing exercises and guided meditation to help students quiet their minds and work with their thoughts instead of feeling controlled by them. Cost is $5. To register, email yoga4stressreduction@yahoo.com. For more information, visit www.caringhandsmt.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 noon. All are welcome. A $5 contribution is appreciated. Call 978-374-1114.

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

SunDAY, Nov. 29

Holiday shopping fair: A Holiday Shopping Fair will be held from noon to 3 p.m. in the Galleria Banquet Room at Maria's Family Restaurant, 8 Locust St. Over 13 different home party vendors will have items for sale, including Lia Sophia, Pampered Chef, Mia Bella candles and more. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Kelly at kelkat777@hotmail.com.

REUNIONS

Class of 1950: The Haverhill High/Trade School Class of 1950 60-year reunion will be June 19 and 20, 2010, at the Haverhill Country Club. A cocktail hour, followed by dinner, will be Saturday from 6 to 11 p.m. Brunch will be Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, call Bob Conte at 978-373-6931 or Carole (DeFelice) Lanseigne at 978-372-6767.

Haverhill High, Trade and St. James High School Class of 1945: 65th class reunion banquet on Sept. 25, 2010, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Michael's Function Hall in Haverhill. 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.

arts

Painting classes: Local artist Robin Thornhill is accepting registration for pastel and oil painting classes, open to beginner/intermediate artists. Focus is on¬�the use of color, shapes and edges while painting the landscape from photos or direct from still life.¬�Class meets Mondays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at her studio in Amesbury. Registration deadline is Nov. 23, however walk-ins or late registrations are welcome. For more information, call 603-339-1000.

Art exhibit: The digital art and photography of Alyce Underhill will be on display through the end of November at the Haverhill Public Library, 99 Main St. The exhibit is located in the gallery on the second floor and can be seen during regular 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, call 978-373-1586.

Art exhibit: "The Liberator of the Liberator" by Allison Katz, 2009 Brooks School visiting artist, will be on exhibit from now through Jan. 9, 2010, at the Robert Lehman Art Center at Brooks School, 1160 Great Pond Road, North Andover. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Information, call 978-725-6232 or visit www.lehmanartcenter.com.

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

College panel, mini fair: Calvary Baptist Church Scholarship Committee presents a college panel and mini fair on Tuesday, Dec. 1 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the church sanctuary, 13 Ashland St. Anticipated participants include Suffolk University, Easter Nazarene College, Unity College in Maine, Gordon College, UMass Lowell, Bentley College, Emmanuel College and North Shore Community College. For more information, call Michele Harris at 978-762-4051.

Christmas musical: Acting Out! Theater presents "It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas musical - Miracle on 34th Street" on Friday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 5 at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 6 at 1 and 6:30 p.m. in the North Andover High School auditorium, 430 Osgood St., North Andover. Tickets are $15 general admission, $20 reserved. Advanced purchase is recommended. For more information or tickets, call 978-208-9132 or email actingouttheater@comcast.net.

Annual holiday display: St. John's Episcopal Church presents the 11th annual "No Room at the Inn" display of creches and nativity sets from around the world on Dec. 3 and 4 from 7 to 9 p.m., Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Dec. 6 from noon to 4 p.m. at the church, 260 Gorham St., Lowell. Admission is a $5 donation per person, no charge children under 12. The event will also include raffle items, refreshments, gift items and a silent auction. For more information, call 978-453-5423.

Penny sale: Riverside Memorial Church will host a Penny Sale on Saturday, Dec. 5 at the church, 278 Groveland St. Doors open at 4 p.m. Drawings will begin at 6 p.m. All proceeds benefit the church's general fund. For more information, call the church office at 978-372-9871.

Yard sale: Portland Street Baptist Church will hold a yard sale on Saturday, Dec. 5 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church, 29 Portland St. Rental spaces available. Proceeds benefit the church's general fund. For more information, call 978-372-0920 or 978-994-0734.

Christmas bazaar: Holly Apostles Greek Orthodox Church will hold a Christmas bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 5 from 9 a.m .to 4 p.m. at the church, 154 Winter St. Greek food and pastries will also be for sale along with other refreshments. Craft vendors are wanted. For more information, call 978-556-5671.

Christmas concert: The Merrimack Valley Players present their 9th annual "Songs for the Season" Christmas concert on Friday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 12 at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. at Methuen Memorial Music Hall, 192 Broadway, Methuen. The Players will take this opportunity to honor our veterans at each performance and in appreciation of their service a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Veteran's Outreach Center in Haverhill. Tickets are $20 adults, $18 seniors and children under 12 for both evening performances; $18 adults, $15 seniors and children under 12 for the matinee performance. Group discounts are available. For more information or tickets, call 978-914-5384, email tickets@merrimackvalleyplayers.org or visit www.merrimackvalleyplayers.org.

Trip to Foxwoods: The Vic Geary Senior Center in Plaistow, N.H., will sponsor a trip to Foxwoods Casino on Monday, Dec. 14 on a large coach bus. The bus will leave the center at 18 Greenough Road, Plaistow, N.H., at 7 a.m. and return at approximately 4:30 p.m. Cost is $32 and includes free bingo games going, a movie with snacks on return, Foxwoods coupons for $15 Keno play and a $10 food or full buffet coupon. Seats are limited. For more information or to make a reservation, call 603-382-9276.

Senior lunch: Merrimack Valley Hospital will host a senior lunch on Tuesday, Dec. 15 at 1 p.m. in the hospital auditorium, 140 Lincoln Ave. Guest speaker Bridget Seymour, M.D., will speak on "The Aging Bowel." Menu includes seasonal green salad, chicken Parmesan, pasta with sauce, Italian green beans, dinner rolls, dessert, coffee, tea. Cost is $5 per person. To preregister, call Kathy at 978-521-8140.

Holiday social, luncheon: The Haverhill Council on Aging will host a holiday social and luncheon on Tuesday, Dec. 22 at 1 p.m. at the Citizen Center, 10 Welcome St. Music of the season will be provided by Ruth Harcovitz, who is well-known as "Boston's Julie Andrews." Lunch will be provided by the Chicken Connection. Funded by a grant from the Haverhill Cultural Council. Tickets are $3 each. For more information, contact Kathy Bresnahan or Rita LaBella at 978-374-2390, ext. 11 or 16.

Beginner internet classes at library: Learn your way around the Internet by taking free beginning Internet classes offered by the Haverhill Public Library. These classes are small, offer individual attention and hands-on practice and are approximately two hours long. You do not have to own a computer to participate but you are welcome to come with your own wireless enabled laptop. For dates, times and other information, please drop by the Reference and Information desk at the library, or call 978-373-1586, ext. 608.

Free yoga: Caring Hands Center for Massage and Well-Being will offer free beginner's yoga classes every Tuesday night in November from 7 to 8:15 p.m. at 55 Wingate St. Each class starts and ends with a relaxing, guided meditation for quieting the mind and relaxing the body. To register, email yoga4stressreduction@yahoo.com. For more information, visit www.caringhandsmt.com.

Bradford Ski Team registration: The Bradford Ski Team is now accepting registrations for the 2009-2010 Season. This youth alpine race team competes in the Eastern Mass Buddy Werner League and is open to children of all ages through high school age, who can ski. Coaches will teach the fundamentals needed to be successful in the sport. No racing experience is necessary. Practices are held weeknights at Ski Bradford. The season starts with the first snowfall in mid- to late-December, and racing runs January through March on Sunday mornings. Registration is open online from now to Nov. 30. For more information or to register, visit www.bradfordskiteam.com.

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.

Art workshop: Mark Hayden and Joan Rademacher offer art lessons at the First Church of Christ, 10 Church St., Bradford, 9 a.m. to noon 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 e-mail 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

Polar Express: St. Michael School presents the Polar Express on Saturday, Dec. 19. Train departs from the Newburyport MBTA Station. Ride times are 11:35 a.m., 1:15 p.m., 3:15 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Cor Unum Meal Center in Lawrence. Donations of new hats, mittens, scarves and sweaters for all ages will be accepted at the train station and distributed by Cor Unum and the Department of Children and Families to those in need. For more information, call Michelle Caso Simpson at 978-618-5423 or MaryEllen McDermott at 978-273-2631 or visit www.saintmichael.com.

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.

Fall happenings at the Haverhill YMCA

Pre/post natal exercise class for women who are pregnant or have recently given birth are Mondays at 4:15 p.m. and Thursdays at 1:15 p.m. Classes feature extensive warm-up and cool down along with pulse monitored aerobic portion and strength and flexibility exercises. Cost is $35 for members and $53 for others.

Gymnastic classes are offered for children ages 1 and up, including fun Parent and Tot classes for children under the age of 3. Children can experience tumbling, hanging and swinging on the bars, balance beam walking, parachute play and other fun activities. Starting at age 3, gymnastics basics are introduced through fun and exciting techniques. Classes build on basic skills and advance to competition team levels.

School Vacation Fun Days feature supervised activities and themes in the pool, gym, gymnastic center, rock-climbing and activity rooms. Full and half day rates are available.

Friday Fun Night is from 6 to 9 p.m. for children in grades 1-4 and features supervised and themed usage of the pool, rock wall, gymnasium, volleyball courtand gymnastics center, dodge ball tournaments, face painting, crafts, tumble track and trampoline and more. Pizza and a drink is included with registration.

Saturday Y-Night is from 6-9 p.m. for children in grades 5-8 and includes the use of the pool, gym, gymnastics, rock climbing and the Youth & Teen Center and features gladiator tournaments, gamer tournaments, demos rock band and more. Participants have the freedom to move and choose what they are interested in. Pizza is $1 per slice.

For more information about any of these programs, call the YMCA at 978-374-0506 or visit online at www.northshoreymca.org.

Ways to Give

Wingate Street businesses collecting food for the homeless: The Wingate Street Arts District in Haverhill is holding a food drive now through Christmas to benefit Emmaus Inc., which provides housing and services to the homeless in Haverhill. The Wicked Big Cafe, Positive Images, Second Thoughts, Angles & Art and Margot's Gallery are collecting nonperishable food items to feed the homeless assisted by Emmaus. Please bring canned goods, pasta, cereal and other food items to the Wingate Street Arts District the next time you are downtown. Information, call Margot at 978-373-0200.

Bell ringers needed: The Salvation Army in Haverhill is looking for conscientious people to ring bells for this holiday season. Bell ringers are paid $8 per hour. If you are interested in working as a bell ringer, stop by the Salvation Army, 395 Main St., weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or call 978-374-7571.

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

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

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.

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.