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
Jingle Jam: Presented by New Heights Community Church, 14 Brandy Brow Road in Haverhill, this is a creative and fun production for the family. This celebration of the true meaning of Christmas includes singing, dancing, laughter and lessons. Kids are invited to wear their pajamas and enjoy cocoa and cookies after the show, which begins at 7 p.m. Information is available by calling the church at 978-372-3077 or visiting www.newheightshaverhill.com.
SATURDAY, DEC. 19
L'Arche Irenicon Homes Holiday Open House: L'Arche Irenicon, a residential community for developmentally disabled adults, will open their homes for a holiday open house. The Assisi House at 9 Sussex Court in Bradford will open from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and the Nazorean House at 73 Lamoille Ave. in Bradford will open from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Holiday cheer and refreshments will be available. For more information, call Lili at 978-374-6928.
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 be distributing 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, guests will be required to show a valid ID and pay stub. For more information, call 1-888-347-1040.
Polar Express: St. Michael School in Andover sponsors this annual tradition. 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.
Jingle Jam: Presented by New Heights Community Church, 14 Brandy Brow Road in Haverhill, this is a creative and fun production for the family. This celebration of the true meaning of Christmas includes singing, dancing, laughter and lessons. Kids are invited to wear their pajamas and enjoy cocoa and cookies after the show, which begins at 7 p.m. Information is available by calling the church at 978-372-3077 or visiting www.newheightshaverhill.com.
SUNDAY, DEC. 20
Not Your Typical Silent Night: The magic of Christmas comes alive in the many sounds and styles of music and dance offered by more than 150 artists as the Blue Window Arts Group returns to the Rogers Center for the Arts at Merrimack College for the 2009 production of "Not Your Typical Silent Night" at 4 p.m. Star fiddler folk artist Jake Armerding of Ipswich and international jazz saxophonist Lance Bryant of Andover top the lost of diverse talent joining the Choral Majority gospel choir for this contemporary interpretation of the classic Christmas celebration. Also featured are singer/guitarist Ryan Phelps of Bradford, pianist composer Peter Vantine of Middleton, soprano Shaunielle McDonald of Merrimac, singer/songwriter Gail Dorey of Watertown, and members of Andover's Dance Infusion company. Singer/actress Allison Lindahl, who's starred on most New England theater stages, will be directing children's choirs, cueing dancers and wearing a few other hats as she and singer/songwriter Eric W. Lindahl, her husband and co-creator of this annual community concert, bring their vision of Christmas magic to the Rogers Center stage. Tickets are $0 for adults, $10 for children 12 and under, and lap-sitters are free with a parent. Tickets are on sale at the Rogers Center for the Arts Box Office at 978-837-5355, Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cash or check only, payable to Blue Windows Arts Group.
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.
holiday helpers
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.
Toys needed: The Salvation Army is accepting donations of new unwrapped toys for its annual Christmas Castle. Donations can be brought to the Salvation Army, 395 Main St., weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Dec. 1 Financial donations are greatly appreciated. For more information, contact Lt. Jeff or Mari Hardy at 978-374-4658.
Donations accepted: Haverhill Gazette Santa Fund. Mail to PO Box 991, Haverhill, MA 01831 or drop by 181 Merrimack St., Haverhill.
