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, March 18

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 from 5 to 7 p.m. Cost is $5 for adults, $3 children 12 and younger. Menu 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. Information or tickets, call Paula Rodriguez at 978-374-7486.

History for Half-Pints: The Haverhill Historical Society presents "History for Half-Pints: The Merry Merrimack" from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Buttonwoods Museum, 240 Water St. in Haverhill for children ages 2 to 5 and their caregivers. There will be games, crafts and songs as the children learn about life along the river, in previous centuries and today. Admission is $4 per child and $1 per adult for museum members and $5 per child and $1 per adult for non-members. Registration is required. Please call 978-374-4626 or email sfraser@haverhillhistory.org to register. For more information, visit www.haverhillhistory.org.

fRIDAY, March 19

"Beauty and the Beast": By the Whittier Players at 7 p.m. at Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School, 115 Amesbury Line Road. Tickets are $6 in advance, $8 at the door. Information, call 978-373-4101, ext. 334.

Live entertainment: Richie Havens will perform at 8 p.m. at Tupelo Music Hall Salisbury, 4 Oceanfront North, Salisbury Beach. Reserved table seating. Tickets are $30 and $35. Information or tickets, call 978-462-5888 or visit www.tupelohall.com.

Parent/Child Walkabout: Birding for Beginners: Explore ecology, sights and sounds of Plum Island from 10 to 11:30 a.m. or 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Mass Audubon's Joppa Flats, One Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. Pre-registration is required. Participants meet in parking lot #1 at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on Plum Island. Cost is $10 for members, $14 nonmembers. Information or registration, call 978-462-9998 or visit www.massaudubon.org/joppaflats.

Saturday, March 20

"Beauty and the Beast": By the Whittier Players at 7 p.m. at Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School, 115 Amesbury Line Road. Tickets are $6 in advance, $8 at the door. Information, call 978-373-4101, ext. 334.

Live entertainment: Award-winning duo Paul Rishell and Annie Raines perform an eclectic, high-energy set of acoustic and electric originals and classic blues songs at 8 p.m. at the New Moon Coffeehouse, 16 Ashland St. Opening act is Brendan Hogan, former host of "Blues on WGBH." Tickets are $20 each and are available at the door starting at 6:30 p.m. or in advance by calling 978-459-5134 or visiting www.newmooncoffeehouse.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.

Live entertainment: Jack Mears and First Call will perform at 8 p.m. at the Firehouse Center for the Arts, Market Square, Newburyport. All tickets are $15. Information or tickets, call 978-462-7336 or visit www.firehouse.org.

Live entertainment: The Stompers will perform at 8 p.m. at Tupelo Music Hall Salisbury, 4 Oceanfront North, Salisbury Beach. Tickets are $25. Information or tickets, call 978-462-5888 or visit www.tupelohall.com.

Saturday morning birding: "What's That Bird?" from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Mass Audubon's Joppa Flats is at One Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. No experience required. Limited to six participants. Children ages 8 and older welcome. Registration is required in advance. Cost is $7. Information or registration, call 978-462-9998 or visit www.massaudubon.org/joppaflats.

The Wonder of Whales: Fly-by or spend the afternoon for free-flowing nature fun for families with children ages 2 through 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mass Audubon Joppa Flats Education Center, One Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. Cost is $5 per child. Information, call 978-462-9998 or visit www.massaudubon.org/joppaflats.

Watercolor illustration: A color focus study on nature with artist Gina Lee Kim from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Mass Audubon Joppa Flats Education Center, One Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. Workshop focuses on interpreting nature's colors through the brilliance of watercolor painting. Cost is $30. Registration is required in advance. Information or registration, call 978-462-9998 or visit www.massaudubon.org/joppaflats.

Sunday, MarCH 21

"Beauty and the Beast": The Whittier Players present "Beauty and the Beast" at 2 p.m. at Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School, 115 Amesbury Line Road. Tickets are $6 in advance, $8 at the door. Information, call 978-373-4101, ext. 334.

Woodwind concert: The Merrimack Valley Woodwind Quintet will perform at 3 p.m. at West Parish Church, 129 Reservation Road, Andover. A "free will" collection to support the West Parish Youth Mission trip to Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota will be taken. Information, call 978-475-3528.

Merrimack Valley String Orchestra: The multi-generational community orchestra will present a spring concert at 3 p.m. at the Universalist Unitarian Church, 15 Kenoza Ave. in Haverhill. Featured will be arrangements of music by Beethoven, Mahler, Vivaldi, Dvorak and much more, with a grand finale of an Irish Suite. The concert is free to the public. For additional information, contact Joy Schuetze, director, at 978-372-9158 or visit www.mvsostrings.org.

Live entertainment: The Robert Cray Band will perform at 7 p.m. at Tupelo Music Hall Salisbury, 4 Oceanfront North, Salisbury Beach. Tickets are $50. Information or tickets, call 978-462-5888 or visit www.tupelohall.com.

Northshore Youth Symphony Orchestra: Northshore Youth Symphony Orchestra (NYSO) honors chamber ensembles will perform a special concert at 3 p.m. at the Firehouse Center for the Arts in Newburyport. Tickets are $10 adults, $8 students and are available by calling 978-462-7336 or visiting www.firehouse.org.

Early spring migrants: Discover early-returning migrants in a running start toward spring from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Mass Audubon Joppa Flats Education Center, One Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. Cost is $22. Preregistration is required. Information or registration, call 978-462-9998 or visit www.massaudubon.org/joppaflats.

Tuesday, MarCH 23

Haverhill Garden Club to meet: The Haverhill Garden Club invites the public to their meeting at 7:30 p.m. at the Haverhill Public Library. At the meeting, there will be feature an actress portraying Isabella Stewart Gardner, who the garden club said was instrumental in the floral situation at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston.

Outdoor fitness: Haverhill Recreation Department and Council on Aging will hold an outdoor fitness conditioning class at 9 a.m. at the Haverhill Stadium on Lincoln Avenue. The class, taught by instructor Toni Coleman, will focus on issues such as cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, and maintaining overall health. All levels welcome, from first-time walker to marathon runner. Cost is $5 per session. Information or to register, contact Kathy or Rita at 978-374-2390, ext. 11 or 16.

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, MaRCH 24

Reiki Healing at MVH: Haverhill Reiki Master/Teacher Pam Mailoux will present an introduction to Reiki at noon in Merrimack Valley Hospital's first floor auditorium. Free to the public and hospital employees. Registration is required. To register, call Yinelle at 978-521-8150. Merrimack Valley Hospital is at 140 Lincoln Ave. in Haverhill. Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that promotes both physical and emotional healing.

Improv classes offered: Sponsored by Spotlight Playhouse, a local nonprofit theater group and led by actor Darrell Keene Jr. Class meets on Wednesdays, now 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.

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.

Middle Eastern Dance Night: At the Grog, 13 Middle St. in Newburyport. First dancer begins at 7:30 p.m. Guests must be 21 or older and the cost is $5 at the door. The event stars top local and regional dancers and alumni of Leodunya's Bellydancing classes. It will showcase Turkish, Egyptian, Tribal, Cabaret, Gypsy and Gothic styles. For more information, contact Janet C. Johnston at 978-590-0974 or Maria O'Connor at 978-388-4148.

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 the Mass Audubon Joppa Flats Education Center, One Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. All levels welcome. Cost is $15. Information, call 978-462-9998 or visit www.massaudubon.org/joppaflats.

Investigate, create and learn: In Search of Seals: Teacher-naturalist Lisa Hutchings invites children ages 6 through 9 to learn about local wildlife in this after school program from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the Mass Audubon Joppa Flats Education Center, One Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. Workshop focuses on interpreting nature's colors through the brilliance of watercolor painting. Cost is $14. Preregistration is required. Information or registration, call 978-462-9998 or visit www.massaudubon.org/joppaflats.

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

Improv classes offered: Sponsored by Spotlight Playhouse, a local nonprofit theater group and led by actor Darrell Keene Jr. Class meets on Wednesdays, now 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.

Newburyport Literary Festival dates announced: 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 on view: At the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem 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 now through April 26.

Activities

Choreographers' showcase: The North Shore Dance Alliance will present its annual concert of contemporary dance on Friday and Saturday, March 26 and 27 at 8 p.m. at the Firehouse Center for the Arts, Market Square, Newburyport. Concert showcases current work by a range of choreographers and companies. Tickets are $15, $12 students, seniors and members. Tickets or information, call 978-462-7336 or visit www.firehouse.org.

Methuen Ballet Ensemble presents Coppelia: On Sunday, March 28 at 3 p.m. at the Firehouse Center for the Arts, Market Square, Newburyport. Tickets are $20. Students and seniors are $18. Tickets or information, call 978-462-7336 or visit www.firehouse.org.

Fundraiser for Breast Cancer: New England Walkers for Knockers will hold its First Annual Craft/Vendor Fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 27 at the AmVets, 576 Primrose Street, Haverhill, MA. Wide range of tables includes Tastefully Simple, Handmade Jewelry, Hair and Skin Solutions, Pampered Chef, Handmade Knitted and Embroidered Items, Miche Bags, Cookie Lee Jewelry, Raffles, Bake Sale and more. All proceeds to benefit the 2010 Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. Visit www.ne-w4k.org for more information.

Vendor gift fair at Hannah Duston: Residents of Hannah Duston Healthcare Center at 126 Monument St. will hold a multi-vendor gift fair on Saturday, March 27, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday, March 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the activities room. 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. For details, contact Jean Diamontopoulos at 978-373-1747.

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.

Outdoor fitness: Haverhill Recreation Department and Council on Aging will hold an outdoor fitness conditioning class on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 a.m. beginning March 23 at the Haverhill Stadium on Lincoln Avenue. The class, taught by instructor Toni Coleman, will focus on issues such as cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, and maintaining overall health. All levels welcome, from first-time walker to marathon runner. Cost is $5 per session. Information or to register, contact Kathy or Rita at 978-374-2390, ext. 11 or 16.

Ministry to hold fundraiser banquet: Somebody Cares New England will be honoring 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.

Laugh Yourself Healthy: Northern Essex Community College's Life Long Learning Program will present Richard Mullen, of Georgetown, in a presentation titled "Laugh Yourself Healthy" on Thursday, April 1, at 2 p.m. in the Technology Center on the college's Haverhill Campus, 100 Elliott St. Admission is $2. Richard Mullen, natural health educator, gelotogist, hypnotherapist, and comedian, with over thirty years of experience, will be teaching how to incorporate laughter into daily life. Life Long Learning is a program of lectures, study groups, and trips for adults. All programs are open to the public. For more information or to receive a free calendar of upcoming Life Long Learning events, contact Charlene Boucher, Life Long Learning coordinator, at 978-556-3825, or cboucher@necc.mass.edu.

Learn your geneology: This spring, Northern Essex Community College's Life Long Learning Program will offer a Genealogy 101 course with Dot Goldman. This course will be taught on Mondays, from 10 a.m. to noon, from March 29 through May 10 in the Technology Center, Room 205 on the college's Haverhill campus, 100 Elliott St. Cost of the class, including the book, is $40. Salem, NH resident, Dot Goldman has been working on her own family history for the past twenty years and is now sharing what she learned and her experiences with others. In class, participants will learn how to construct a family tree, keep all their new information organized, find ancestors in other countries, and preserve their family's history and heritage for life. At the end of the class, participants will each have their own family tree as well as a better understanding of their family history. For more information, to register, or to receive a free calendar of upcoming Life Long Learning events, contact Charlene Boucher, Life Long Learning coordinator, at 978-556-3825, or cboucher@necc.mass.edu.

Auction: Career Resources spring fling auction will be held March 26 at 6 p.m. at the Atkinson Country Club, 85 Country Club Drive, Atkinson, N.H. Bid on items such as a trip to Africa, golf packages, autographed sports memorabilia, Red Sox tickets and more. Reservations are $30 per person. Information or reservations, contact Bonnie Michaleas at 978-374-9122 or email bmichaleas@crc-mass.org.

Easter egg hunt: New Heights Community Church will hold an Easter egg hunt on Saturday, March 27 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the church, 14 Brandy Brow Road. Event will feature a bounce house, hot dogs, cotton candy, Easter egg hunt, and a performance by the Kidstuf Crew. Information, call 978-372-3077.

Religious musical: St. Anne's Church in Hampstead, N.H., will present a cantata entitled "Raise the Crown" on Palm Sunday, March 28 at 3 p.m. at the church, 26 Emerson Ave., Hampstead, N.H. It is a musical about the life and death of Jesus. Admission is free, but a free offering will be accepted. Information, call 603-329-5886.

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., 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.

Yard Sale: The Haverhill YWCA will hold an outdoor yard sale fundraiser on Saturday, April 10, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine, at the YWCA at 107 Winter St. Proceeds from this event will help pay for children's field trips. The sale will feature clothing, furniture, household goods and a variety of miscellaneous items. For more information, contact Tracey Stearns at the YWCA at 978-374-6121.

Rabies clinic: Haverhill's Health Department will conduct a rabies immunization clinic for dogs and cats on Saturday, April 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the animal control shelter located behind the Highway Department yard, 500 Primrose St. Cost is $10 per animal. Dogs must be at least six months of age, on a leash and accompanied by an adult. Cats must be in carriers. Information, call 978-374-2325.

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.

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.

Tupelo Music Hall Salisbury: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy on March 25 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35; Livingston Taylor on March 26 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30 reserved table seating, $35 general admission; The Fabulous Thunderbirds on April 1 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $40; Jo Dee Messina on April 2 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $40; Todd Rungren on April 3 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $40, $45 and $50. Tupelo Music Hall Salisbury is at 4 Oceanfront North, Salisbury Beach. Information or tickets, call 978-462-5888 or visit www.tupelohall.com.

Mass Audubon's Joppa Flats Education Center

Saturday morning birding: "What's That Bird?" on Saturday, March 27 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. No experience required. Limited to six participants. Children ages 8 and older welcome. Pre-registration is required. Cost is $7. Mass Audubon's Joppa Flats is at One Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. Information or registration, call 978-462-9998 or visit www.massaudubon.org/joppaflats.

Mass Audubon's Joppa Flats is at One Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. Information or registration, call 978-462-9998 or visit www.massaudubon.org/joppaflats.

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

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.