Churches

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

Bean supper: St. James Episcopal Church will host a bean supper on Saturday, Sept. 17, from 5 to 7 p.m at 119 Washington St., Groveland. Tickets are $7 for adults and $3 for children under 12. For more information call, 978-373-1270.

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

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.

Families and kids

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.

Recycling fundraiser: Sacred Hearts School will hold a technology recycling fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Items that will be accepted for recycling include computer monitors and CPUs, TVs and stereos, air conditioners, microwave ovens, toasters, space heaters, copiers and more. For a complete list of items and disposal fees visit www.sacredheartsbradford.org. The school is at 31 South Main St. in Bradford.

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 12-1:30 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.

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 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. Select 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. Free, but registration is required. Call 978-374-2198 for more information.

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 available Space (without table): $10. Space (with table) $15.

Council on Aging Trip

Oct. 13-21: Southern California and Vegas Adventure, $2399

Details are available by contacting Kathy Bresnahan (ext 11) or Rita LaBella (ext 16) at 978-374-2390 or kbresnahan@cityofhaverhill.com.

LOCAL ACTIVITIES

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.

HHS Fun Golf Tourney: The Haverhill High School Hockey Club will hold its second annual Fun Golf Tournament 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.

YMCA masquerade ball: The YMCA of the North Shore is selling tickets to its 13th annual fundraising gala: Masquerade Ball. The event is Oct. 29 from 6 p.m. to midnight at CoCo Key Hotel & Water Resort (formerly the Crowne Plaza) 50 Ferncroft Road, Danvers. Black tie is optional and masks are encouraged, although this is not a costume event. For more information contact Wendy Dillon at 978-922-0990 or dillonw@northshoreymca.org. Visit www.northshoreymca.org/masquerade.cfm.

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 Oct. 1. 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.

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.

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 ceries: The New Moon Coffeehouse will host monthly concerts from Sept. 17 through May 21. Tickets are $20. For more information check out newmooncoffeehouse.org.

Tattersall Farm Day: The Trustees of Tattersall Farm and the Haverhill Rotary Club are hosting the fifth annual "Tattersall Farm Day" on Sunday, Sept. 18, from noon to 5 p.m. The farm is at 542 North Broadway. Admission to this event is $5 per adult, and children 16 and under are free. Additional charges for hot air balloon, pony rides, and hay rides. For additional information contact Kathy Bresnahan at 978-374-2390 x11 or e-mail kbresnahan@cityofhaverhill.org or visit tattersallfarm.org.

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 Sept. 24 at 7:30 p.m. 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.

Democratic City Committee breakfast: The Haverhill Democratic City Committee will hold its annual breakfast at Maria's Family Restaurant's galleria banquet room, 85 Essex St., on Sept. 17 from 10 to 11:30 am. State rep. Brian Dempsey, chairman, house ways and means committee, will be honored. All Democratic candidates for the 2012 us senate nomination, including potential candidate elizabeth warren, have been invited to attend and speak. A straw poll for the us senate race will also be held. The breakfast is open to the public and tickets are $20 each. for further information contact the HDCC at 978-373-4032

Saxophone performance: This week's "Make Some Noise" performance series features Mike Cesati & Co. The show is Thursday Sept. 15 at 6 p.m. at Columbus Park. Cesati is a saxophone player from Haverhill who plays "straight ahead jazz." The performance is free and open to the public. All Make Some Noise performances take place on Thursday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. until Oct. 22 at Columbus Park. This series is sponsored by the Haverhill Cultural Council, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, Haverhill Bank and Harbor Sweets of Salem.

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.

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. You'll learn from experts in the field who want you to succeed as your own cottage industry. For more information call David at 978-374-2388, ext 31.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Seeking female singers: WomenSong, an auditioned women's ensemble in the Merrimack Valley, is seeking singers in all parts for its next concert season. Practices started on Wednesday, September 7 from 7:15pm to 9pm at the All Saints Church (Rt 113 in West Newbury), and are open in September to all who might consider joining. For more information contact Music Director Frances Burmeister at 617 267-1520, or fburmeister@hotmail.com or visit their website: www.womensong.org

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.

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.

GIVE, GET HELP

Car Donations: Boys and Girls Clubs Looking For Car Donations: Boys and Girls Clubs throughout Massachusetts are benefitting from a car donation program. Donated cars do not have to be functional, they only need a title. The cars are picked up then sold at an auction and the funds generated are a helpful resource to the clubs. Donate your car and support your local club. To donate your car or for more information, call 800-246-0493.

Big Brother Big Sister: Local nonprofit collects donations of lightly used clothing and small household items curbside. To schedule a free at-home pick up, call 1-800-483-5503 or schedule online at www.bbbsfoundation.org. Donations help support the children involved in the Big Brother Big Sister mentoring organization. Donations are tax-deductible.

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.

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.

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.

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.