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, April 15

LLL presents Nova Scotia travelogue: Northern Essex Community College's Life Long Learning program presents "Nova Scotia: A Millie Matasso Production" at 2 p.m. in the Technology Center of the Haverhill campus, Room 103, 100 Elliott St. Matasso makes professional multi-media travelogues of her travels and will present her trademark travelogue on Nova Scotia. Admission is $2. Information, contact Charlene Boucher at 978-556-3825 or cboucher@necc.mass.edu.

Electronics recycling fundraiser: Visiting Greeks, in conjunction with the Pentucket Middle School Environmental Team and John C. Page School Green Team, will host an electronics recycling fundraiser from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Visiting Greeks Computer Repair Shop, 4 Merrimac Square, Merrimac. Cost to drop off items is $20 each, including computers, most monitors and small televisions. Only cash and check will be accepted. Pick up assistance is available for the elderly and others needing special assistance. Information, call 978-346-4087.

FriDAY, April 16

Merrimack Valley Players: The Merrimack Valley Players present "Twelve Angry Jurors at 8 p.m. at Adams Memorial Opera House, 29 West Broadway, Derry, N.H. General admission evenings is $18 adults, $15 students and seniors. Matinee performance admission is $15 adults, $12 students and seniors. Information or tickets, call 978-914-5384 or email tickets@merrimackvalleyplayers.org or visit www.merrimackvalleyplayers.org.

Electronics recycling fundraiser: Visiting Greeks, in conjunction with the Pentucket Middle School Environmental Team and John C. Page School Green Team, will host an electronics recycling fundraiser from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Visiting Greeks Computer Repair Shop, 4 Merrimac Square, Merrimac. Cost to drop off items is $20 each, including computers, most monitors and small televisions. Only cash and check will be accepted. Pick up assistance is available for the elderly and others needing special assistance. Information, call 978-346-4087.

Joppa Flats tile project: Express your love for the nature of Massachusetts and paint a tile for the new Joppa Flats family education space from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Pottery Isle at the Tannery on Water Street in Newburyport. All ages welcome. Cost is $25. Preregistration required. Information or registration, call 978-462-9998 or visit www.massaudubon.org/joppaflats.

Parent/child walkabout: Wonder of the Wrack-line: Explore the ecology, sights and sounds of Plum Island with teacher-naturalist Lisa Hutchings from 10 to 11:30 a.m. or 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Mass Audubon's Joppa Flats, 1 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. Designed for families with children ages 3 to 6. Cost is $14 and covers one adult and one child. Participants should meet at parking lot #1 on the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on Plum Island. Preregistration required. Information or registration, call 978-462-9998 or visit www.massaudubon.org/joppaflats.

Saturday, April 17

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.

Merrimack Valley Players: The Merrimack Valley Players present "Twelve Angry Jurors at 2 and 8 p.m. at Adams Memorial Opera House, 29 West Broadway, Derry, N.H. General admission evenings is $18 adults, $15 students and seniors. Matinee performance admission is $15 adults, $12 students and seniors. Information or tickets, call 978-914-5384 or email tickets@merrimackvalleyplayers.org or visit www.merrimackvalleyplayers.org.

Joppa Flats tile project: Express your love for the nature of Massachusetts and paint a tile for the new Joppa Flats family education space from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Pottery Isle at the Tannery on Water Street in Newburyport. All ages welcome. Cost is $25. Preregistration required. Information or registration, call 978-462-9998 or visit www.massaudubon.org/joppaflats.

Saturday morning birding: What's that Bird?: See the birds of Greater Newburyport from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Joppa Flats Education Center, 1 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. No experience required. Limited to six participants. Children ages 8 and older welcome. Cost is $7. Preregistration required. Information or registration, call 978-462-9998 or visit www.massaudubon.org/joppaflats.

Watercolor illustration: Artist Gina Lee Kim leads a workshop on interpreting nature's colors through the brilliance of watercolor painting from 1 to 4 p.m. at Joppa Flats Education Center, 1 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. Cost is $30. Preregistration required. Information or registration, call 978-462-9998 or visit www.massaudubon.org/joppaflats.

Sunday, April 18

Gala concert: The Essex Chamber Music Players at Northern Essex Community College will hold a 10th anniversary celebration concert featuring Boston Symphony cellist Joanthan Miller at 2:30 p.m. in the Technology Center on the Haverhill campus, 100 Elliott St. Tickets are $10 general admission, $5 students, free NECC students with a college ID. Information, visit www.mvarts.info.

Free piano workshop: The Music Program at Northern Essex Community College will offer a piano workshop from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Technology Center on the Haverhill campus, 100 Elliott St. Free and open to the public. These workshops will give piano players of all skill levels the chance to perform and learn in a cooperative group setting. Solo piano works and instrumental and vocal works with piano accompaniment of various levels of difficulty will be explored. For more information, contact Ken Langer at 978-556-3223.

A New Look at Nature: Family educator Lisa Hutchings takes adults only out to Parker River National Wildlife Refuge to discover all the cool things you never knew about the nature of beaches from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Joppa Flats Education Center, 1 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. Brunch afterwards at Mad Martha's (not included in cost). Cost is $14. Preregistration required. Information or registration, call 978-462-9998 or visit www.massaudubon.org/joppaflats.

Tuesday, April 20

Babysitting certification: A trainer from Beverly Hospital's Child Development Center will provide a babysitting certification course from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Haverhill Public Library, 99 Main St. Participants who successfully complete final review will receive a certification from Beverly Hospital. Open to Haverhill residents ages 11 through 18. Cost is $35. Please bring own lunch. Limited to 12 participants. Information or registration, call 978-373-1586.

Teen job skills resume workshop: Introduction to job applications, resumes, and job interviews from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Haverhill Public Library, 99 Main St. Participants will be able to use the computer training lab to create their own resume. Open to students ages 14 through 18 only. Registration required. Information or registration, call 978-373-1586.

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.

WEDNESDAY, April 21

Afternoon of gaming: Enjoy an afternoon of DDR, Guitar Hero, Rock Band and Need for Speed from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Haverhill Public Library, 99 Main St. Open to grades five through 12 only. Information, call 978-373-1586.

Boy Scout open house: Boy Scout Troop 24, Sacred Hearts Parish Bradford/Groveland is holding an open house on Wednesday, April 21 from 7:15 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Patrick's Church, 114 Center St., Groveland. Information, contact Scoutmaster Ernie Bostwick at 978-374-7701 or ernest.bostwick@verizon.net or visit www.bradfordbsatroop24.com.

Bereavement support: A bereavement support group will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Saints Medical Center, 1 Hospital Drive, Lowell. Free and open to the public. Registration required. Information or registration, call Lu Bonanno at 978-372-4211.

Wednesday morning birding: Join Joppa Flats Sanctuary director Bill Gette and USFWS veteran David Weaver for this weekly birding field trip in the Newburyport/Plum Island area from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Joppa Flats Education Center, 1 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. All birding levels welcome. Cost is $14. Information, call 978-462-9998 or visit www.massaudubon.org/joppaflats.

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 weekly classes at All Saints Church in Haverhill 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. Information, call 978-255-1130 or e-mail PIKnitters@comcast.net or visit 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.

Tenney High School Class of 1970: 40th reunion, Saturday, Oct. 16, at Michael's Function Hall, formerly Pat's Beef House. Cost to be determined. Send contact info to tenneyclassof70@yahoo.com. For information, call Peg Hoegen Grassi at 978-682-5743

arts

Sculpture exhibit: Sculptor Alfred Moskowitz's "The Human Form" exhibit will be on display now through April 25 in the Hills Gallery at the Newburyport Art Association, 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. Closed Tuesdays.

Small works show: Georgetown Peabody Library will host a "Small Works" art show from now through May 15 at the library, 8 Maple St., Georgetown. Viewing hours are Monday and Wednesday from 2 to 8 p.m., Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Information, call 978-352-5728 or email papercarver@comcast.net.

Photo exhibit: "Dance and Dancers," a photo exhibition by Arthur Fink, will be on display Wednesdays through Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. now through May 2 at the Firehouse Center for the Arts, Market Square, Newburyport. Free and open to the public. Information, visit www.firehouse.org.

Tea, Swords and Stitches: "A Contemporary Interpretation of Classic Kimono Design," curated and organized by Cynthia Hughes and Glenn Szegedy, will be on display now through June 6 at Brush Gallery & Artists Studios, 256 Market St., Lowell. Schedule of events: Netsuke lecture Saturday, April 24 from 2 to 4 p.m.; Iaido sword demonstration Saturday, May 1 at 2 p.m.; embroidery and saori weaving demonstration on Saturday, May 1 from noon to 4 p.m.; tea ceremony Saturday, May 15 at 2 p.m.

Newburyport Literary Festival: The Newburyport Literary Festival will take place on April 23 and April 24 in downtown Newburyport. Wally Lamb will be participating in this year's festival. Lamb is the author of three New York Times bestselling novels: "The Hour I First Believed," "I Know This Much is True" and "She's Come Undone." Two of those novels were Oprah's Book Club selections.

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: At the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem now 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. 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 now through April 26.

Activities

Teen job skills mock interviews: Sign up for a mock interview on April 22 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Haverhill Public Library, 99 Main St. Participants will be given feedback on areas they should focus on for a real interview. Open to ages 14 through 18. Information or registration, call 978-373-1586.

Reiki class: A Reiki Level III advanced class will be taught on two Thursdays, April 22 and May 6, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Timberlane Regional High School, 36 Greenough Road, Plaistow, N.H. Cost is $225 and includes certificate and materials. Information or registration, call 603-382-6541, ext. 232, or visit www.HelaingBalance.net.

Poetry: Greater Haverhill Poets will host one dozen poets presenting their original work April 23 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Buttonwoods Museum, 240 Water St. Admission is $5. Open to the public. Refreshments will be served. Information, call Dave Shaw at 978-346-9081 or Buttonwoods Museum at 978-374-4626.

Taste of Spain: Evenfall Restaurant will host a "Celebrate the Taste of Spain" dinner featuring Spanish cuisine, music and culture on Friday, April 23 beginning at 7:15 p.m. at 8 Knipe Road. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The night will also feature a live Flamenco Dance show. Tickets are $55 per person and can be purchased at Evenfall Restaurant or at www.drinkwaterproductions.com.

Joppa Flats tile project: Express your love for the nature of Massachusetts and paint a tile for the new Joppa Flats family education space April 23 from 6 to 9 p.m. or April 24 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Pottery Isle at the Tannery on Water Street in Newburyport. All ages welcome. Cost is $25. Preregistration required. Information or registration, call 978-462-9998 or visit www.massaudubon.org/joppaflats.

Ministry to hold fundraiser banquet: Somebody Cares New England will honor those who have helped this ministry to grow when it holds its Honoring Champions Fundraiser Banquet, April 24 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Citizens Center, 10 Welcome St., Haverhill. Guest speaker is Pastor Bill Wilson, founder and director of Metro Ministries of Brooklyn, New York, which ministers to over 20,000 children each week. To learn more about Wilson, visit online at www.metroministries.org. Tickets are $25 per person or you can sponsor an entire table for $175. All proceeds support the ongoing work of Somebody Cares New England, a nonprofit, Christ-based community caring organization committed to alleviating hunger and homelessness, and is an advocate for children, youth and the elderly. To purchase tickets, or for more information, website online at www.somebodycaresne.org, or you can register by calling the office of Somebody Cares New England at 978-912-7626. Checks can be mailed to PO Box 5032 Haverhill, MA 01835.

Race, run benefit: Tewksbury Run a Pleasant Mile 5k race and 1-mile kid's fun run to benefit Tewksbury Memorial High School Scholarship fund on Sunday, April 25 at TMHS, 320 Pleasant St., Tewksbury. Prizes for top two age group winners. Cost is $15 preregistration, $20 day of race, $10 students. Information or registration, visit www.glrr.net/races/Pleasant_mile_5k/2010RaceApp.pdf.

Trip to Angelica's: Council on Aging will host a Gateway trip to Angelica's in Middleton on Friday, April 30. Entertainment will be provided by Peking and the Mystics, an all male acapella group who sing songs from the 50s and 60. Line dancing and ballroom dancing available. Cost is $69 per person and includes luncheon, transportation and show. Cost is $44 without transportation. Information, call Kathy or Rita at 978-374-2390, ext. 11 or 16, or email kbresnahan@cityofhaverhill.com.

KidsFest: Laurie Chase KidsFest will be held Sunday, May 2 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Washington Square, Washington Street, and up to Howe Street in the downtown. Rain date is Sunday, May 16 with the same hours. Vendors are needed for the festival. All booths are non-refundable and vendors must agree to participate in the event of a rain date. Vendors are welcome to set up at 8 a.m. and are to be in service from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Booths are encouraged to be as child-friendly and festive as possible. Fee is $100 per table. The Laurie Chase KidsFest benefits the children and families of Haverhill and surrounding communities. For a vendor application form and list of rules, contact Leanne Eastman at leanne@haverhillchamber.com or Paul Malone at cop72@aol.com. Information, call 978-373-5663.

Firefighters' Ball: The Groveland Firefighters Association will host its "Annual Ball" on Saturday, May 8 at Groveland Fairways, 156 Main St., Groveland. There will be a social hour from 6 to 7 p.m., with a buffet dinner at 7 p.m., followed by music and dancing. Cash bar. Tickets are $25 per person. Tickets, call 978-372-4952 and leave a message or email GFFA@ comcast.net.

"Best of Times" trip: Council on Aging will host a "Best of Times" trip to Luciano's on Lake Pearl in Wrentham on Wednesday, May 12. Entertainment will be provided by the Royal Island Players' Tropical Island Heat. Cost is $70 per person and includes luncheon, transportation and show. Information, call Kathy or Rita at 978-374-2390, ext. 11 or 16, or email kbresnahan@cityofhaverhill.com.

Crafters wanted: Crafters are wanted for the 35th annual North Andover Sheep Shearing Festival on May 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Old North Andover Common. For more information, call Cathy at 978-685-4927.

Luncheon at DiBurro's: Council on Aging will host a Gateway luncheon on May 26 at 11:30 a.m. at DiBurro's, 887 Boston Road. Entertainment will be provided by Big John Hartman and his fabulous 50s show. Line dancing and ballroom dancing available. Cost is $44 per person and includes luncheon and show. Information, call Kathy or Rita at 978-374-2390, ext. 11 or 16, or email kbresnahan@cityofhaverhill.com.

Financial peace course: New Heights Community Church presents Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University, a 13-week course beginning June 1 and running every Tuesday night through Aug. 24. Cost is $129. Information, call 978-372-3077.

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 First Church of Christ, 10 Church St., Bradford, 9 a.m. to noon on the second and fourth Saturday of the month. All 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 welcome.

Knitting and crocheting classes: Plum Island Knitters hold weekly classes at All Saints Church in Haverhill. 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 www.PIKnitters.com

Yoga classes: Caring Hands Center for Massage and Wellbeing offers yoga classes for all levels of experience at its 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

YMCA kindergarten registration: The Haverhill YMCA Kindergarten Enrichment Program is now accepting registrations for the 2010-2011 school year. The program wraps around the traditional school day, allowing parents to drop their kids off at the YMCA before school and pick them up at the Y after school. The Y transports children to and from school at the appropriate times to all Haverhill Public Schools, St. Joseph's and Hill View Montessori schools. More information, contact Colette Farina at 978-374-0506, ext. 1617 or emailfarinac@northshoreymca.org.

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

Children's clothing needed: Ruth's House has a dire need for infants clothing, especially infants to 24 months, boys and girls summer clothing, all sizes. Drop donations at 30 Lafayette Square Thursdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., 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.