December 17, 2009

Community Calendar: Mrs. Claus to read bedtime stories at library

Deadline reminder: To list an event happening in Greater Haverhill, submit no later than 10 days before The Haverhill Gazette's Thursday publication date. Listings run on a space-available basis.

Thursday, dec. 17

Bedtime stories and hot cocoa with Mrs. Claus: From 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Children's Cavallaro Room at the Haverhill Public Library. Christmas songs, stories and fun, followed by a cup of hot cocoa. No signs ups necessary. Appropriate for families with kids of all ages.

friday, dec. 18

Johnny Winter show in Salisbury: Johnny Winter will perform at 8 p.m. at the Tupelo Music Hall in Salisbury. Tickets for reserved table seating are $45 and $50. Winter is a guitar hero without equal, laying out a blueprint for his fresh take on classic blues, he is one of the most respected singers and guitar players in rock.

Saturday, Dec. 19

Crochet a bookmark: From 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the Children's Room of the Haverhill Public Library. Learn how to make a beautiful bookmark for yourself or as a gift. No sign up necessary. For kids ages 6 and up.

Free toys for tykes: From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., while supplies last, Instant Tax Service at 5 Dudley St. in Haverhill will distribute free toys for working families who may not qualify for other holiday programs. Come meet Santa, enjoy hot and cold drinks and snacks. To avoid fraud and abuse, those who attend will be required to show a valid ID and pay stub. For more information, call 1-888-347-1040.

Recycled Percussion in Salisbury: Fresh from NBC's "America's Got Talent" Season 4, third-place finishers from New Hampshire, Recycled Percussion, will perform at 7 p.m. Reserved table seating is $25.

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

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

monday, dec. 21

Winter Solstice craft at the library: For families, from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Children's Cavallaro Room at the Haverhill Public Library. The program is for all ages.

Tuesday, Dec. 22

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

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, Dec. 23

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 at All Saints Church, Blaisdell Street, Wednesdays 6 to 7:30 p.m. Cost of a four-week session is $75 or $20 for a drop-in class. Plum Island Knitters supports the Katydid Foundation Inc., a nonprofit organization that helps adults with autism. For more information or to register, call 978-255-1130 or visit www.PIKnitters.com.

REUNIONS

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

Haverhill High, Trade and St. James High School Class of 1945: 65th class reunion banquet on Sept. 25, 2010, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Michael's Function Hall in Haverhill. Cost is $30 per person. For more information, call Attilio Carbone at 978-373-5756 or Michael Der Boghosian at 978-373-3597.

Retired Whittier Vocational High School teachers and employees: Any retired employees and teachers from Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School interested in planning or attending a reunion should call Phil McCaughey at 978-372-9236 or George Manghis at 321-720-3673.

USS Columbus shipmates reconnect: Navy and Marine Corps shipmates who served on the USS Columbus (CA-74/CG-12) from 1944 through 1976 and the USS Columbus SSN-762 past and present who would like to share memories and camaraderie with old friends or make new ones, contact Allen R. Hope at 260-486-2221 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time or e-mail hope4391@comcast.net.

arts

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

Live music: Pianist Bob Allison hosts a piano bar with classic songs from the Great American Song Book on Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m., performing with the Lighthouse Trio and Friends show the first Wednesday of every month, at Hobo's Cafe, 5 Broadway, Salisbury Beach. No cover charge. Call 978-255-2558 or visit www.CasablancaPiano.com.

Activities

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

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

Business assistance: Service Corps of Retired Executives — SCORE — offers free, confidential help to individuals starting a business or already in business. Sessions are Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce. Until the Chamber's home at 87 Winter St. is rehabilitated, sessions will be in the Chamber's temporary office in the Landmark Building, Merrimack Street.

Line-dancing classes: At All Saints Parish, 120 Bellevue Ave., 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. on Wednesdays. All are welcome. Participants should wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Call 978-374-6001.

Art workshop: Mark Hayden and Joan Rademacher offer art lessons at the First Church of Christ, 10 Church St., Bradford, 9 a.m. to noon on the second and fourth Saturday of the month. All are welcome. A $5 contribution is appreciated. Call 978-374-1114.

Greater Haverhill Poets Society: The Poets Society meets the third Saturday of the month at 10 a.m. at Haverhill Public Library. New members are always welcome.

Knitting and crocheting classes: Plum Island Knitters at All Saints Church, Blaisdell Street, Wednesdays 6 to 7:30 p.m. Cost of a four-week session is $75 or $20 for a drop-in class. Plum Island Knitters supports the Katydid Foundation Inc., a nonprofit organization that helps adults with autism. For more information or to register, call 978-255-1130 or visit www.PIKnitters.com.

Yoga classes: Caring Hands Center for Massage and Wellbeing offers yoga classes for all levels of experience at its new yoga studio at 55 Wingate St. The first class is free and packages are available. To register, call Cindy Brown at 978-835-8497 or e-mail yoga4stressreduction@yahoo.com. Class schedule: Mondays, all levels yoga class from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m.; Tuesdays, beginners yoga classes from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. and from 7 to 8:15 p.m.; Thursdays, all levels yoga class from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m.; Saturdays, all levels yoga class from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m.

Families

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

Fit 'n' Fun after-school program: At Cedarland Family Fun Center, 931 Boston Road, for children in grades one through five. Indoor and outdoor activities vary by season. Call program director Beth Bailey at 978-373-1596 for registration, transportation and cost information.

Fall happenings at the Haverhill YMCA

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

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

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

Friday Fun Night is from 6 to 9 p.m. for children in grades 1-4 and features supervised and themed usage of the pool, rock wall, gymnasium, volleyball 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.

Ways to Give

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

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

Children's clothing needed: Ruth's House, a nonprofit, nondenominational thrift store, has a dire need for infants clothing, especially infants to 24 months, boys and girls summer clothing, all sizes. Winter clothing is not being accepted at this time. Also needed are pots, pans, dishes and household items. Ruth's House also needs volunteers to donate as few or as many hours as possible. Donations may also be dropped off for the Sacred Heart food pantry at Ruth's House. All donations are tax-deductible, and donors will be issued receipts for their gifts. Donations may be dropped off at Ruth's House, 30 Lafayette Square, on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Store hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Thursday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more information, call 978-521-5575.

Book fundraiser: The First Church of Christ Bradford is raising money through the collection of new and used books, videos, CD's, DVD's and audio books. Donations may be dropped off in the gray container in the back parking lot of the church, 10 Church Street, Bradford. No encyclopedias, magazines, newspapers and catalogues please.

The church will be paid on an ongoing basis for all items collected in the donation container and all funds raised will benefit the general funding of the church. In addition, many of these collected books will be donated to schools, libraries, sent overseas to the troops and sold in book sales to benefit local nonprofit groups. For more information, call 978-396-6026.

Help sick or injured pets: Donate to Animal Rescue Merrimack Valley to replenish its fund to save sick or injured cats and dogs. Visit www.insiderpages.com/fundraisers/Animal-Rescue-Merrimack-Valley. Restaurant reviews result in donations to animal charity. Donations can also be made online at www.armv.org or by mailing a check to ARMV, P.O. Box 8006, Bradford, MA 01835.

Host families needed: Academic Foundation for International Cultural Exchange seeks community representatives and host families. Information, Anne Ring, 866-462-3423 or visit www.afice.org.

Kids Helping Kids: Students and their families at Little Sprouts Child Enrichment Centers are accepting gift donations for Debbie's Treasure Chest, a charity developed by three adopted girls, ages 8, 11 and 12, which targets the "forgotten kids" in state Department of Social Services custody. To donate, e-mail jtodisco@littlesprouts.com. For more information, call 781-929-2858.

Vehicle donations needed: Anyone who would like old cars removed from their yards free of charge, or would like a quick alternative to selling or trading their vehicle, can donate them to various organizations in the community. The Haverhill Boys and Girls Club is running a car campaign to raise money to help sustain its various programs through donations of unwanted vehicles. To donate a vehicle, call 1-800-246-0493. If your vehicle is accepted, it will be picked up free of charge in just a few days. The fair market value of the donation may be considered a charitable contribution for income-tax purposes. For the Melanoma Foundation, everyone who donates a car or truck, running or not, will get a receipt for a tax deduction. To make a donation, call Cars Helping America at 866-949-3668 and specify that you have a car to donate to the Melanoma Foundation. Your car, truck or camper may be worth more as a donation than a trade in and will benefit blind and vision impaired persons in Massachusetts by donating to Massachusetts Association for the Blind. This is a free tow, quick pick up and tax deductible. For more information, call 888-613-2777.

Places to Visit

Public Library hours: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Sundays. For more information, call 978-373-1586 or visit www.haverhillpl.org.

The Haverhill Firefighting Museum, 75 Kenoza Ave.: Open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Weekday and group visits are available by appointment. For more information, call 978-372-4061.

John Greenleaf Whittier Birthplace: Open Wednesdays from 1 to 4 p.m.; Thursdays from 2 to 4 p.m.; Fridays from 1 to 4 p.m.; Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Closed major holidays. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, $2 for students under 18 and a $10 maximum for a family. For more information, call 978-373-3979.

The Buttonwoods Museum/Haverhill Historical Society: Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Tours by appointment only. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $3 for ages 7 to 17 and free for children 7 and under. For details, call 978-374-4626.

Other

Dog licences available: Dog licences for 2009 are available in the City Clerk's Office in City Hall. The fee for all male and female dogs is $20 and the fee for all spayed female and neutered male dogs is $15. Application forms are available online at www.ci.haverhill.ma.us. Click on the link to "Departments" and then "City Clerk." Please provide a current rabies vaccination record and spaying/neutering certificate when licensing your dog. Late fines will be charged for the time the dog is not licensed starting at $10 after May 31, $15 after June 30 and $25 after July 31. For more information, call 978-374-2312.

The Haverhill Cultural Council invites all Haverhill arts organizations to submit notice of events to the council's Web site: www.ci.haverhill.ma.us, under "Human Services Department." To submit events or for information, call 978-374-4500, ext. 31, or e-mail culturalcouncil@cityofhaverhill.com.

Affordable housing units: Three discounted condominiums for low- and moderate-income, first-time homebuyers at Riverside Place, Washington Street. Sold for $181,395. Call Richard Lynch, Community Action, 978-373-1971 for income restrictions and information. Applications available Community Action office, 145 Essex St.

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

Volunteers needed: The Friends of Parker River National Wildlife Refuge needs volunteers to help staff The Plover's Nest gift shop and bookstore at the Refuge Headquarters and Visitor Center. The store is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteers needed to help customers and act as cashiers during those times. Training will be provided. For more information or to volunteer, call Kate Toniolo at 978-465-5753.

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is at 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. For more information or to register for an event, call 978-465-5753 or visit www.parkerriver.fws.gov. All programs are free but space is limited and advanced registration is required unless otherwise indicated. Registration is not complete until you have received confirmation from a staff member.

Puppet Showplace Theatre

"Sir George & the Dragon," by Pumpernickel Puppets, on Dec. 10 at 10:30 a.m. Join an adventurous princess as she journeys to Mystery Mountain to visit the Great Green Dragon. Recommended for ages 3 and older.

"Puss in Boots," on Dec. 12 and 13 at 1 and 3 p.m. This hand puppet performance is a warm and witty retelling of the classic tale of a crafty cat and his master, designed in a marvelous mix of Renaissance style and pure fantasy. Recommended for ages 4 and older.

"The Carrot Salesman," by Brad Shur, on Dec. 16 and 17 at 10:30 a.m. The original story of a door-to-door carrot sales rabbit who is not very good at his job. But through unsuccessful efforts to sell carrots to elephants, jellyfish, moles and robots, he discovers a way to help all of the animals. Recommended for ages 3 and older.

"Holiday Fantasy," by Spring Valley Puppet Theatre, on Dec. 10 and 20 at 1 and 3 p.m. and Dec. 23 and 24 at 10:30 a.m. Enchanted toys, fairy magic and a clever mouse are just some of the surprises in a "Holiday Fantasy." Recommended for ages 4 and older.

"Hansel & Gretel," by Tanglewood Marionettes, on Dec. 26, 27 and 28 at 1 and 3 p.m. Hansel and Gretel venture into the Forbidden Forest, where they have the adventure of their lives, meeting an ogre, a spider and of course, the witch. Recommended for ages 4 and older.

"Travelin' Jack," by Applause Unlimited, on Dec. 29 and 30 at 1 and 3 p.m. This show includes three American folktales: "Foolish Jack," a tale about Jack's adventures when he first leaves home; "Why Dogs Chase Cats," and "A Bundle of Troubles," which, like most morality tales, teaches a valuable life lesson: counting your blessings, not your troubles. Recommended for ages 4 and older.

"The Velveteen Rabbit," by Applause Unlimited, on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, 2 and 3 at 1 and 3 p.m. Margery Williams' classic tale of how toys become real is told with hand puppets, storytelling and song. Recommended for ages 3 and older.

Puppet Showplace Theatre is at 32 Station St., Brookline. Admission is $10 per person, $8 members. Prepaid reservations recommended. Information or reservations, call 617-731-6400 or visit www.puppetshowplace.org.