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 as space allows.
Thursday, Feb. 25
Community Heart Healthy Food Challenge: At Merrimack Valley Hospital in the hospital cafeteria. Prepare a favorite heart healthy comfort food and bring the dish and recipe to the hospital. Judging begins at 3 p.m. The winner will receive a $100 Market Basket gift card. The winning recipe will be featured for one week on the menu at Merrimack Valley Hospital.
fRIDAY, feb. 26
Livingston Taylor in Salisbury: At the Tupelo Music Hall in Salisbury at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30 and $35. Call 978-462-5888 or visit www.tupelohall.com. Doors open 90 minutes before show times.
Astonishing Adaptations Homeschool Program: From 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. for ages 6-11 at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, 6 Plum Island Turnpike in Newburyport. Come learn how plants grow in sand, why some birds eat mice while others eat seeds, and other discoveries. This program will include both indoor and outdoor activities so dress for cold weather. Meet at the Refuge Visitor Center. For more information, visit parkerriver.fws.gov.
Phillips Academy Symphony and Chamber Orchestras: At 7:30 p.m., this concert, free and open to the public. It will take place in the Cochran Chapel on the Phillips Academy campus, 180 Main St. in Andover. The chapel is handicapped accessible. The program includes works by Johann Strauss, Jr., Antonin Dvorak and John Williams. The program will also include Peter Warlock's Capriol, Suite for String Orchestra, directed by Christina Landolt, a performance by senior clarinetist Jae Hyuk You of Bassi's Concert Fantasia on Themes from Verdi's Opera "Rigoletto," and a performance by senior Jennifer Miao of Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Minor, Op. 21, both under the direction of James Orent. For more information, please contact the music department at 978-749-4263 or music@andover.edu.
Dance concert in West Newbury: Exit Dance Theatre at Pentucket Regional High School, 24 Main St. at 7 p.m. Sponsored by the nonprofit Pentucket Fine and Performing Arts Foundation, this is the first time a professional dance troupe has performed on the high school stage. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors, students, and children. Proceeds from the event directly support the Pentucket arts program. Visit www.pfpaf.org.
Saturday, feb. 27
Clean-Up Haverhill: The Vine, a Haverhill organization that hopes to improve the community, invites volunteers to help clean downtown Haverhill at 1 p.m. After the cleanup, the group will meet at the Enchanted Bake Shoppe to enjoy baked goods compliments of The Vine. Meet at the MVRTA bus station on Washington Street. For more information, call 978-238-8463, e-mail thevinehaverhill@gmail.com, or visit www.thevinehaverhill.com.
Roast pork dinner: At All Saints Parish from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the church hall on Bellevue Ave. Adults are admitted for $7 and children under 12 are $3.
Haiti Help dinner: At St. James School, Primrose Street. The Spanish community of St. James Parish will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner in order to raise money for the continuing restoration of Haiti. Breakfast begins at 8 a.m., lunch will begin at noon and dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. This is a great way to experience a little Spanish cooking and support the people of Haiti. Area restaurants as well as cooks from the parish will be participating. Tickets are $5 per person.
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.
Haverhill Firefighting Museum: At 75 Kenoza Ave., open 9 a.m. to noon. Weekday, group visits available by appointment. Call 978-372-4061.
Tom Rush in Salisbury: At the Tupelo Music Hall in Salisbury at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30 and $35. Call 978-462-5888 or visit www.tupelohall.com. Doors open 90 minutes before show times.
Boston-based duo in Newburyport: The duo "2" (Peter H. Bloom on flute and Mary Jane Rupert on piano) will perform "European and American Masters: Chamber Music from the Old World and the New" at 4 p.m. at the First Religious Society, 26 Pleasant St, Newburyport. A suggested donation of $15, $10 for seniors, and free for students and children. Call 978-465-0605 x401 for more information.
Women's Comedy Mixer in Newburyport: A new mixer event for women's business owners comes to Newburyport's Mission Oak Grill. Special women's business networking hour from 7 to 8 p.m. The 5 Funny Females, hosted by Susan Alexander, take the stage at 8 p.m. The comedy show will feature performances by Bethany Van Delft from the Boston comedy festival, Maria Ciampa, Jessimae Peluso, and Chantal Carrere. Doors open at 7. A cash bar is available. Mission Oak Grill is at 26 Green St. in Newburyport. Tickets are $25 general admission. Visit www.drinkwaterproductions.com.
Sunday, Feb. 28
Northshore Youth Symphony Orchestra: At 3:30 p.m. at the A.J. Gorden Memorial Chapel at Gordon College, located at 255 Grapevine Road in Wenham. The Northshore Youth Wind Ensemble will perform with the Gordon College Wind Ensemble and the Metropolitan Wind Symphony for this special concert. NYSO friends and family are free. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and children under 12.
Phillips Academy Jazz Band: With Chapin Guest Artists the Greg Hopkins Big Band, at 3 p.m. Presented by the Phillips Academy Music Department, the Academy Jazz Band and ensembles were perform under the direction of Peter Cirelli. The groups will be performing music from the Count Basie Orchestra, as well as compositions by Maria Schneider and Bob Mintzer. This concert, free and open to the public, will take place in the Cochran Chapel on the Phillips Academy campus, 180 Main St. in Andover. The chapel is handicapped accessible. For more information, please contact the music department at 978-749-4263 or music@andover.edu.
Ingrid Michaelson in Salisbury: At the Tupelo Music Hall in Salisbury at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25. Call 978-462-5888 or visit www.tupelohall.com. Doors open 90 minutes before show times.
Tuesday, Mar. 2
Women's City Club: The Women's City Club of Haverhill will meet in the Fellowship Hall at the Brookridge Community Church, 232 Main St. Coffee hour is at 1:30 p.m. followed by the business meeting at 2 p.m. The program, which begins at 2:15 p.m., features a performance of Petticoats and Politics: The story of Mrs. John Quincy Adams. Louisa Catherine Adams, wife of our sixth president John Quincy Adams, will be portrayed in a one-hour performance by actress Joan Gatturna of Hingham..
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 temporary office in the Landmark Building, Merrimack Street.
Federal Employees and Retirees dinner: At 11:30 a.m., the National Active and Retired Federal Employee Association (NARFE), Chapter 1568, will hold a special dinner meeting at the Amesbury Playhouse Theater/Restaurant. All federal employees and retirees are encouraged to attend to get the most recent information on proposed Senate and House bills that could effect retirement benefits. For reservations for the $19 dinner, please call Mary Ann Blaisdell, treasurer, at 978-388-1830.
WEDNESDAY, Mar. 3
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.
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.
Knitting and crocheting classes: Plum Island Knitters will hold weekly classes at All Saints Church in Haverhill starting Jan. 6. Classes meet Wednesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Cost is $65 for four classes, which are limited to eight students. Drop-in sessions are $15 each, but require that you call for availability. All levels from beginner to expert in knitting and crochet are welcome to participate. Registration is required. Plum Island Knitters supports the Katydid Foundation Inc., a nonprofit organization that helps adults with autism and operates a home in Haverhill. Gift certificates for classes in Haverhill and Newburyport are available. For more information, call 978-255-1130 or e-mail PIKnitters@comcast.net. Visit online at www.PIKnitters.com
REUNIONS
Class of 1950: The Haverhill High/Trade School Class of 1950 60-year reunion will be June 19 and 20 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 978-360-1891 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, 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
Improv classes offered: Sponsored by Spotlight Playhouse, a local nonprofit theater group and led by actor Darrell Keene Jr. Class meets on Wednesdays, March 10 though March 31, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at 24 Essex St., Unit B. Open to ages 16 and up and costs $40 per person. Call 978-380-8509.
Pianist in Newburyport: George Winston, a Grammy award-winning solo pianist, will perform at the Firehouse Center for the Arts in Newburyport on Monday, March 8, and Tuesday, March 9, at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.firehouse.org.
Northshore Youth Symphony Orchestra upcoming concerts: Sunday, March 7, at 3 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Reading, located at 239 Woburn Street in Reading. Northshore Youth Symphony Orchestra chamber music concert. Free admission. Hear the individual instruments of the orchestra. Twelve small ensembles (strings, winds, and brass) will perform. Sunday, March 21 at 3 p.m. at the Firehouse Center for the Arts in Newburyport, Northshore Youth Symphony Orchestra (NYSO) honors chamber ensembles will perform a special concert. Tickets are available from the Firehouse Center, 978-462-7336 or www.firehouse.org. $10 for adults and $8 for students. Sunday, May 2 at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., Northshore Youth Symphony Orchestra (NYSO) "Season Finale" Spring Concerts at Gordon College Chapel, Wenham. All ensembles will perform, with the younger children in the earlier performance.
The Makem Brothers with Mickey and Liam Spain: Kick off your St. Patrick's Day celebration early this year and take in the traditional Celtic sounds of the season on Saturday, March 6 at 7:30 p.m. when the Makem Brothers with Mickey and Liam Spain make a return engagement to the Rogers Center at Merrimack College. Tickets are $22 in advance and $20 in advance for college students and seniors. Tickets are $25 at the door. Tickets are on sale now. Call the Box Office at 978-837-5355 or visit www.merrimack.edu/rogers for more information.
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.
Ancient Maya artworks on view: At the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Mass. from March 27 through July 18. The exhibition, titled Fiery Pool: The Maya and the Mythic Sea, reveals and interprets the importance of water to the ancient Maya. Exhibition opens on March 27 with a film screening of "Lost Kingdom of Maya" at 1:30 p.m. and a presentation by Dr. George Stuart, famed archeologist and Maya expert at 3 p.m. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday and holiday Mondays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors and $11 students. Members, youth under 16 and residents of Salem have free general admission. Call 866-745-1876 or visit www.pem.org for more information.
Art in the Mill: UNH Manchester will feature the photography of Andrew Lathrop of Milford n its second floor gallery from Jan. 25 through April 26. The public is welcome to attend an artist reception on Monday, Feb. 1, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on UNH Manchester's second floor at 400 Commercial St. Light refreshments will be served.
Activities
Baby Boomers Bash: By the Haverhill Recreation Department at Michael's Function Hall, 12 Alpha St., on Saturday, March 13 at 7:30 p.m. Live music will be performed by "Summer of '67." Singles and couples will enjoy a great night with new and old friends and dance to music of the 60's and 70's. A cash bar as well as hot and cold hors d'oeuvres will be provided. Tickets are $25 per person and may be purchased at the Citizen Center, 10 Welcome St. Tables of ten may be reserved. Doors will open at 7 p.m., Tickets can be purchased online at www.activityreg.com and they will also be available at the door for $30. Please contact Kathy at x 11 or Rita at x 16 at 978-374-2390 for more information.
Spaghetti dinner benefits students: The TEACH program, in the St. James School building at 415 Primrose St., will host a spaghetti dinner to benefit the students in this program on March 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. Cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and younger. The meal includes spaghetti, meatballs, salad, bread, coffee and dessert. The TEACH program, on the first floor, serves children and young adults ages 7 to 22 with autism or other developmental issues. More information and tickets are available by calling Paula Rodriguez at 978-374-7486.
Dance at NECC: Line dances performed as part of Northern Essex Community College's Life Long Learning Program on Thursday, March 4 at 2 p.m. in the Technology Center on the Haverhill Campus, 100 Elliott St. The cost is $2. Participate or be part of the audience. For more information, or to receive a free calendar of events, call 978-556-3825 or cboucher@necc.mass.edu.
Craft fair: Riverside Memorial Church, 278 Groveland St., Spring Fling craft fair on Saturday, March 27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact Renee Andrews at 617-455-2792.
Ham and bean supper: At First Church of Christ at 10 Church St. in Bradford March 6 from 5 to 6 p.m. Includes spiral ham, beans, potato salad, cole slaw, hot dogs, home-made bread and pies, and beverages. Call 978-374-1114 and leave a message. The church is opposite the Bradford Common.
Indoor Flea Market: Saturday, March 6. Furniture, clothes, glassware, books, jewelry and knick-knacks at the Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church, 154 Winter St. in Haverhill. Doors open at 9 a.m. Greek pastry will be for sale along with other refreshments. Sponsored by the Ladies Philoptochos Society Elpis.
Yard Sale: On Saturday April 10, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the YMCA in Haverhill hosts Yard Sale Fundraiser. This event will be rain or shine and be held at the Y at 107 Winter Street. There will be a variety of items.
Free tax preparation: IRS certified VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) volunteers will provide free tax preparation assistance to low- to moderate-income individuals and families at Community Action Inc., 145 Essex St., beginning Jan. 30 and extending through Saturday, April 4. Federal and Massachusetts state returns will be E-filed. Dates for preparation are tentatively scheduled for Monday mornings, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, and Saturday mornings. Appointments can be scheduled by calling Marilyn Luther at 978-373-1971, ext. 285, or Marge Hooper at 978-373-1971, ext 227. Call to take advantage of Child Tax Credit, EITC, education credits and to see if you qualify for this free tax preparation.
Camp and Enrichment Fair: The Second Annual Camp and Enrichment Fair is a Merrimack Valley event for families seeking summer activity programs and camps. Scheduled for Sunday, March 7, this free fair will be held at Merrimack College in Andover from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Hosted by The Mother Connection, this event is for parents of children ages 2 to 7. For more information or to reserve a table, contact enrichmentfair@themotherconnection.org.
Civil War Roundtable meeting: The Civil War Roundtable of the Merrimack will meet at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 10 at the Hilton Senior Center, 43 Lafayette Road (Route 1) in Salisbury. The topic is an "open Civil War show and tell" where all roundtable members are invited to present their Civil War memorabilia. Admission is free and anyone with an interest in America's Civil War is invited to attend. For more information, call Tom at 978-462-8518.
Classes with Healing Balance: Qigong Class: Practice gentle ancient Chinese healing exercises. Mar. 2 through April 6, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., $75. Bring a pillow. Tai Chi Class: A slow-motion sequence to help circulate chi, promote health, longevity, relaxation, balance, concentration, immune function, bone density and energy. Mar. 2 through May 25, 7 p.m. to 8:45 p.m., $150, no class April 27. Reiki I Class: March 4 and 18, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., $85. Includes certificate. All classes are at Timberlane High School, 36 Greenough Rd., Plaistow, NH. For details call the instructor at 603-382-0464, or print out registration form at www.HealingBalance.net.
Pottery classes for all ages and abilities: Purple Sage Pottery in Merrimac offers classes for all ages and abilities. Adult classes are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Kids classes are split into two age groups, with the 8 to 12 year old class running on Tuesdays from 3:45 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. and the 12 to 18 year old class on Fridays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Visit www.purplesagepottery.com or call 978-346-9978.
Beginner internet classes: Learn your way around the Internet by taking free beginning Internet classes offered by the Haverhill Public Library. Classes are small, offer individual attention and hands-on practice. Drop by the Reference and Information desk or call 978-373-1586, ext. 608.
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 will hold weekly classes at All Saints Church in Haverhill starting Jan. 6. Classes meet Wednesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Cost is $65 for four classes, which are limited to eight students. Drop-in sessions are $15 each, but require that you call for availability. All levels from beginner to expert in knitting and crochet are welcome to participate. Registration is required. Plum Island Knitters supports the Katydid Foundation Inc., a nonprofit organization that helps adults with autism and operates a home in Haverhill. Gift certificates for classes in Haverhill and Newburyport are available. For more information, call 978-255-1130 or e-mail PIKnitters@comcast.net. Visit online at 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
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.
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 court and 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.
Haverhill YMCA offers winter programs: The Haverhill YMCA is accepting registrations for its winter program sessions. Children can participate in many fun activities, including swim lessons, gymnastics classes, sports, floor hockey, rock climbing and dance.
To meet your fitness goals for this year, the YMCA has new and updated cardio equipment. Nautilus, strength training, and over 40 group exercise classes are included in the fitness program. There is a $5 joiner fee.
The YMCA camp kick-off will be held Jan. 30. The event includes information about camping, fun activities, plus savings and give-a ways to those who register for camp on that day.
The YMCA's third annual parent/child Valentines Dance will be held Feb. 14 from 4 to 6 p.m. The cost is $10 per family for Y members, $15 for non Y members. The dance includes refreshments and games as well as pictures of fathers and daughters and mother and sons. The YMCA is at 81 Winter St. For more information, call 978-374-0506, ext. 130. You can also e-mail fullert@northshoreymca.org. Visit online at www.northshoreymca.org.
Ways to Give
Donate your car to help the blind: Your car, truck, or camper may be worth more as a donation than a trade in. Call the Massachusetts Association for the Blind at 1-888-613-277 for details. This is a few tow, quick pick up, and donations are tax deductible. Proceeds benefit blind and vision impaired persons in Massachusetts.
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
Haverhill Republicans to hold delegate caucus: The Haverhill Republican City Committee will hold a delegate caucus to elect delegates to the Republican State Convention on Saturday, Jan. 23 in the Technology Center, Room TC103AB, on the Haverhill campus of Northern Essex Community College. Registration is from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Doors close at 10 a.m. Delegate selection is at 11:30 a.m. The state convention is April 17 in Worcester. Any registered Republican as of Dec. 1, 2009, is eligible to be a delegate. The person must be a resident of the ward in which they are selected. The voter status of all participants will be checked at the door for accuracy. Delegates are elected by ward committee members only. Proxy votes are prohibited. A person not need be present to be elected. In the event of poor weather, the event will be held Jan. 30, same place and time. For more information, contact chairman Jack A. Roy at 978-314-9189.
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.
