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, JAN. 7

Free blues concert: Guitarist Connor Hayden performs at 9 p.m. at the Lasting Room, 122 Washington St. Beverages will be available for purchase. Hayden, 21, of Bradford, will perform with his father Mark Hayden on harmonica and local blues guitarist and vocalist Paul Prue. The performance will focus on 1920s and '30s Delta blues music. Connor Hayden, a graduate of Haverhill High School, is in his senior year at Holy Cross in Worcester.

fRIDAY, jan. 8

AlumNight at the Pentucket Fine and Performing Arts Foundation: The annual festival of the arts, held at 6:30 p.m. at the Pentucket Regional High School, 22 Main St., West Newbury, features the musical, theatrical and visual arts talents of graduates of the Pentucket district who continue to follow their passion for the arts in college and beyond. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for seniors, students and children. PFPAF is dedicating the event in memory of Val Corradino, a Merrimac resident, Haverhill teacher, a former PFPAF member and strong arts advocate who died in December. Proceeds from AlumNight and a special raffle held that evening will support The Val Corradino Young Artist's Scholarship. Raffle prize includes two tickets to the February 13th performance of "Dream Girls" at Boston's Colonial Theatre donated by The Pentucket Bank of Haverhill, $50 towards dinner before the show donated by The Merrimac Savings Bank, and a backstage tour by one of the actors following the show. Raffle tickets sold only at AlumNight are $5 each or $20 for 5 tickets. Contributions to the scholarship can be also be sent c/o PFPAF, PO Box 254, West Newbury, MA 01985. Visit www.pfpaf.org

Saturday, JAN. 9

H1N1 Clinic for city residents: The City of Haverhill will hold an H1N1 vaccine clinic from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Citizen Center on Welcome Street. The clinic is open to all Haverhill residents.

Bean Supper: A family style bean supper will be held at the Second Baptist Church at 314 Amesbury Line Road in Haverhill from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. There will be homemade beans, kidney, yellow eyes and pea beans, homemade cole slaw and potato salad, hot dogs and ham, white bread, homemade brown bread, puddings, jello, coffee and water. Admission is $7 for adults, $2.50 for children under 12, and free for children under 5. For more information, call Theresa at 978-521-2707.

Album release party: Age of End will celebrate the release of its debut album, "The Rhythm of the Slaughter," by headlining at the Worcester Palladium. The all-ages show starts at 6 p.m. Tickets are available through the Palladium's Web site or through the band directly at ageofendband@gmail.com or www.myspace.com/ageofend. The four-piece, hard rock/metal band, which hails from the Merrimack Valley, has been together for just over a year. In that short time, the band has opened for national, major-label bands.Art workshop: Mark Hayden and Joan Rademacher offer art lessons at the First Church of Christ, 10 Church St., Bradford, 9 a.m. to noon on the second and fourth Saturday of the month. All are welcome. A $5 contribution is appreciated. Call 978-374-1114.

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

What's That Bird?: A quick weekend jaunt from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. to see the birds of greater Newburyport. No experience required. Limited to six participants. Registration is required. Children age 8 and up are welcome. Fee is $7 for each day or free with the purchase of a new membership. Meet at the Joppa Flats Education Center, One Plum Island Turnpike in Newburyport. Call 978-462-9998 for information about additional programs and events, or visit the web site at www.massaudubon.org/joppaflats.

Intro to Digital Nature Photography: Will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mass Audobon's Camp Wildwood Director Bob Speare leads this workshop and field trip. Bring your camera and learn more about its capabilities, especially out in the wild. Fee is $60 and pre-registration is required. Meet at the Joppa Flats Education Center, One Plum Island Turnpike in Newburyport. Call 978-462-9998 for information about additional programs and events, or visit the web site at www.massaudubon.org/joppaflats.

Artist reception: Reception for artist Sandy Farrier from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Firehouse on Market Square in Newburyport. Exhibition runs from through Feb. 1 and is a collection of playbill covers that will make you wish you held a ticket to even the productions that have yet to be staged. Free. For more information call the box office at 978-462-7336 or go online to www.firehouse.org.

James Montgomery Band in Salisbury: Blues legend James Montgomery and his band come to the Tupelo Music Hall in Salisbury. Reserved table seating is $20. Tickets can be purchased by calling 978-462-5888 or online at www.tupelohall.com.

SUNDAY, JAN. 10

Chinese New Year: The Haverhill Recreation Department, Council on Aging, and Bethany Community Services have orchestra tickets to "Divine Performing Arts (Shen Yun)- Chinese New Year Spectacular" at the newly renovated Opera House in Boston for the 2 p.m. performance. Tickets are $93 per person and include the show and transportation. Dutch treat dinner on the way home. Contact Kathy Bresnahan at ext. 11 or Rita LaBlla at ext. 16 at 978-374-2390 or e-mail kbresnahan@cityofhaverhill.com or dsutton@bethanycommunities.org for tickets.

Little Feat and Adam Ezra: Since 1969, Little Feat has been known for its fusion of California rock and Dixie-inflected funk-boogie with strains of folk, blues, rockabilly, country and jazz. Adam Ezra and his group have become a staple in Boston and throughout New England. General admission seating is $45. Tickets can be purchased by calling 978-462-5888 or online at www.tupelohall.com.

Free History Tour: Parker River Refuge History Tour will take place from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Did you know that the refuge was once home to hotels, restaurants and private cottages? Take a winter hike to discover the history of Parker River and Plum Island. View the last private home on the refuge and learn how the refuge was established to protect habitat for wildlife. All ages are welcome, however not recommended for children under 12. Space is limited to 10 participants. Meet at refuge parking lot 1.

Watercolor Paintings by Paula Kulas: The exhibit open from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Free at the Joppa Flats Education Center, One Plum Island Turnpike in Newburyport. The exhibit will be on display until Feb. 21. Call 978-462-9998 for information about additional programs and events, or visit the web site at www.massaudubon.org/joppaflats. Pregistration is not required.

Focus on Winter Raptors: Will allow guests to explore local venues on Sunday, Jan. 10 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to find snowy owls, short-eared owls, bald eagles, and other raptors, as well as wintering ducks and northern shrikes. Fee is $22 and pre-registration is required. Meet at the Joppa Flats Education Center, One Plum Island Turnpike in Newburyport. Call 978-462-9998 for information about additional programs and events, or visit the web site at www.massaudubon.org/joppaflats.

monday, Jan. 11

Preschool open house: Pentucket Workshop Preschool registration and open house for prospective families from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Children are welcome. Meet the staff, tour the school and learn about the curriculum. Pentucket Workshop is located at 22 Pleasant St., Georgetown. For more information, visit www.pentucketworkshoppreschool.org.

Tuesday, Jan. 12

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.

Become an Education Volunteer: Learn to assist children's educator Lisa Hutchings at the Mass Audobon's Joppa Flats Education Center in coastal ecology and birding programs in the field and at schools. No experience necessary. Post-training commitment is two half-days per month. Training days are Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This week will cover Tracking Wildlife, Jan. 19 will Winter Birds and Penguins and Jan. 26 will be All About Raptors. Fee is $15 per session and pre-registration is required. Meet at the Joppa Flats Education Center, One Plum Island Turnpike in Newburyport. Call 978-462-9998 for information about additional programs and events, or visit the web site at www.massaudubon.org/joppaflats.

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 13

Preschool open house: Pentucket Workshop Preschool will be having registration and open houses for prospective families from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Children are welcome. Meet the staff, tour the school and learn about the curriculum. Pentucket Workshop is located at 22 Pleasant St., Georgetown. For more information, visit www.pentucketworkshoppreschool.org.

Wednesday Morning Birding: Wednesdays Jan. 13, Jan. 20 and Jan. 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Join Joppa Flats Education Coordinator Dave Larson or Joppa Flats Sanctuary Director Bill Gette and USFWS veteran David Weaver for this weekly birding trip in the Newburyport/Plum Island area. Appropriate for all birding levels. Fee is $15 and pre-registration is not required. Meet at the Joppa Flats Education Center, One Plum Island Turnpike in Newburyport. Call 978-462-9998 for information about additional programs and events, or visit the web site at www.massaudubon.org/joppaflats.

Wednesday Evening Lecture: How Birds Get Their Names will take place from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Joppa Flats Education Center. Naturalist Alison O'Hare reports on the interesting process of naming bird species. Fee is $4 and pre-registration is not required. Meet at the Joppa Flats Education Center, One Plum Island Turnpike in Newburyport. Call 978-462-9998 for information about additional programs and events, or visit the web site at www.massaudubon.org/joppaflats.

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.

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

Painting demo: The Andovers Artists Guild hosts an acrylic painting demonstration by Ellen Rolli on Sunday, Jan. 17, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the North Parish Church, North Andover, (the corner of Academy and Great Pond roads). Free to members, $5 donation for guests. Call Nella at 978-975-0015 or¬ www.AndoversArtistsGuild.com.

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.

Age of End releases debut album: On Saturday, Jan. 9, Age of End will celebrate the release of its debut album, "The Rhythm of the Slaughter," by headlining at the Worcester Palladium. The all-ages show starts at 6 p.m. Tickets are available through the Palladium's website or through the band directly at ageofendband@gmail.com or www.myspace.com/ageofend. The four-piece, hard rock/metal band, which hails from the Merrimack Valley, has been together for just over a year. In that short time, they have opened for such national, major-label bands as Papa Roach and Unearth. In addition, they performed their first show in front of over 3,500 people at WCYY's Oxxfest in Oxford, Maine.

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.

Spotlight Playhouse presents Neil Simon's Rumors: On Feb. 5, Feb. 6, Feb. 12, Feb. 13 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 7 at 2 p.m. Doors open one half hour before showtime. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors and are available at 978-380-8509. The shows will be performed at Haverhill High School, 137 Monument St. For more information, visit www.spotlightplayhouse.org.

Art in the Mill: UNH Manchester will feature the photography of Andrew Lathrop of Milford n its second floor gallery from Jan. 25 through April 26. The public is welcome to attend an artist reception on Monday, Feb. 1, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on UNH Manchester's second floor at 400 Commercial St. Light refreshments will be served.

Through his photography, Andrew Lathrop captures events as they unwind, both in nature and in life. Attempting to showcase what helps to make New Hampshire's local farms great, both big and small was the driving force behind his exhibit at UNH Manchester. Lathrop hopes some of the imagery will help to inspire people to spend some time exploring local farms and farmers markets to see what new and unusual things are right around the corner. Spending time wandering around these and other local institutions and attractions with his wife, Elizabeth, and their dog helped provide inspiration for both his photography and his life.

Activities

"Snow-Bound Weekend" returns: Experience a re-creation of life in the early 19th century when the trustees of John Greenleaf Whittier Birthplace host "Snow-Bound Weekend," Jan. 16 and 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Quaker poet's birthplace, 305 Whittier Road. Feel the warmth emanating from the poet's own farmhouse hearth and savor the scent of apples roasting by the fire while listening to excerpt's from "Snow-Bound," Whittier's famous poem set in Haverhill. Actors will don full period dress to recreate scenes from the poet and abolitionist's work. Enjoy hot apple cider as you listen to music and poetry in the warmth of the shoe shop. Outside the home, sleigh rides will be provided and farm animals will be on display. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for seniors and children under 14. Parking is free, with shuttle service available from Francis H. Maroney Inc. and Biggart's Ice-Cream on Route 110, just off Exit 52 of Interstate 495. Whittier Road, which will be closed to all traffic, is just off of Route 110. For more information, call Elinor Curtin-Cameron at 978-372-2325, or e-mail birthplace@johngreenleafwhittier.com. To contact the birthplace, call 978-373-3979.

Cycle for Shelter Kick-Off and Expo: On Saturday, Jan. 23, Emmaus Inc. will hold a fundraising concert featuring local Beatles cover band Beatle Tracks from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Haverhill High School Auditorium. Along with the concert, they will kick-off their Cycle for Shelter campaign to get riders signed up and excited about the July 25 event. From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., an expo will be set up with information on training, bikes and gear, early discounted registration, volunteering, and a slide show from last year's event. Pre-sale tickets are $5 for students and seniors, $10 for adults and $20 for families. Call 978-241-3429 or email keri@emmausinc.org to reserve tickets. Door prices are $5 for students and seniors, $12 for adults and $25 for families. Snow date is Saturday, Jan. 30.

Hank Phillippi Ryan benefit and book talk: Please Join Hank Phillippi Ryan of Channel 7 News for a benefit lunch, book talk and book signing on Sunday, Jan. 24. The event will benefit PATHS (Patient Advocacy Training & Health Services), which assists patients and their families with their medical journey.

The afternoon will be held at the Wyndham Andover Hotel, just off Rte. 93 and minutes from Rte. 495. You can request reservations by emailing us at author@patientpaths.org or calling our registrars, Brian or Kim Hodder at 781-275-5599. All seats must be reserved no later than Jan. 19. To learn more, visit www.patientpaths.org

Ticket packages are on sale now for $25 per person, which includes a three-course lunch, Ms. Ryan's talk, the opportunity to get your book personally signed by the author and one lucky attendee will win a $200 B&B package. Cornerstone Bookstore of Salem will be on hand with all of our Author Series books.

On the front lines in the TV news business, Hank Phillippi Ryan is also an award-winning author of Charlotte McNally Mystery Series Prime Time, Air Time, Face Time and the soon to be released, Drive Time.

Eight-Free Kick Cancer Celebration: This year's 4th annual event, celebrating Tara Ryan Byrne's 8 years of being cancer free, will be held Thursday, Feb. 18 from 6 p.m. to midnight at J.P. McBride's in Haverhill. The event benefits The Jimmy Fund and Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Over the past the years, the event has collected $60,000 to donate to The Jimmy Fund and Dana Farber.

Pottery classes for all ages and abilities: Purple Sage Pottery in Merrimac offers classes for all ages and abilities with the next session beginning the week of Jan. 4. Adult classes are held 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. The adult classes are taught by Purple Sage Pottery owner Iris Minc and North Shore potters Beth Bell, Anni Melancon, Lisa Mistretta and Lisa Victoria. The children's classes are taught by Lisa Mistretta and Meryl Goldsmith. Complete class details and information on each instructor are listed online at www.purplesagepottery.com. For more information, you may also call the studio, located at 3 Mechanic St. in Merrimac, Ma at 978-346-9978.

Chinese New Year: The Haverhill Recreation Department, Council on Aging, and Bethany Community Services have orchestra tickets to "Divine Performing Arts (Shen Yun)- Chinese New Year Spectacular" at the newly renovated Opera House in Boston on Sunday, Jan. 10, for the 2 p.m. performance. Tickets are $93 per person and include the show and transportation. Dutch treat dinner on the way home. Contact Kathy Bresnahan at ext. 11 or Rita LaBlla at ext. 16 at 978-374-2390 or e-mail kbresnahan@cityofhaverhill.com or dsutton@bethanycommunities.org for tickets.

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 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

Preschool open house: Pentucket Workshop Preschool will be having registration and open houses for prospective families on Monday, Jan. 11 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Wednesday, Jan. 13 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Children are welcome. Meet the staff, tour the school and learn about the curriculum. Pentucket Workshop is located at 22 Pleasant St., Georgetown. For more information, visit www.pentucketworkshoppreschool.org.

Free events at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge: Refuge History Tour will take place Sunday, Jan. 10 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Did you know that the refuge was once home to hotels, restaurants and private cottages? Take a winter hike to discover the history of Parker River and Plum Island. View the last private home on the refuge and learn how the refuge was established to protect habitat for wildlife. All ages are welcome, however not recommended for children under 12. Space is limited to 10 participants. Meet at refuge parking lot 1. Nature Detectives, Homeschool Tracking Program will take place Friday, Jan. 22 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. for ages 6 to 10. Introduce your homeschooler to the art and science of tracking wildlife. They will discover the clues animals leave behind and become wildlife "detectives" in this fun, educational program. Program will include both indoor and outdoor activities so dress for the weather. Meet at the Refuge Visitor Center at 6 Plum Island Turnpike. Whose Clues? will take place on Saturday, Jan. 30 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. for ages 6 to 9. How can you tell when an animal has been around? Can you discover the clues that they leave behind? Follow the animal tracks and become a wildlife detective in this fun educational program. Program will include both indoor and outdoor activities so dress for the weather. Meet at the Refuge Visitor Center at 6 Plum Island Turnpike. For all events, space is limited and advanced registration is required. Please call 978-465-5753 to register. For more information, visit parkerriver.fws.gov.

Events at Mass Audobon's Joppa Flats Education Center, Jan. 8 through Jan. 22: What's That Bird? is a quick weekend jaunt on Saturday, Jan. 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. to see the birds of greater Newburyport. No experience required. Limited to six participants. Pre-registration is required. Children age 8 and up are welcome. Meet at the Joppa Flats Education Center. Fee is $7 for each day or free with the purchase of a new membership. Become an Education Volunteer: Learn to assist children's educator Lisa Hutchings in coastal ecology and birding programs in the field and at schools. No experience necessary. Post-training commitment is two half-days per month. Training days are Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Jan. 12 will cover Tracking Wildlife, Jan. 19 will Winter Birds and Penguins and Jan. 26 will be All About Raptors. Meet at the Joppa Flats Education Center. Fee is $15 per session and pre-registration is required. Wednesday Morning Birding will take place on Wednesdays, Jan. 13, Jan. 20 and Jan. 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Join Joppa Flats Education Coordinator Dave Larson or Joppa Flats Sanctuary Director Bill Gette and USFWS veteran David Weaver for this weekly birding trip in the Newburyport/Plum Island area. Appropriate for all birding levels. Meet at the Joppa Flats Education Center. Fee is $15 and pre-registration is not required. Owls In The Snow is an active play and learning event with Joppa Flats teacher-naturalist Lisa Hutchings for preschoolers ages 3 to 6, with a favorite adult. Choose one of four sessions: Thursday, Jan. 7 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 7 from 1 p.m. or 2:30 p.m., Friday, Jan 8 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Friday, Jan. 8 from 1 p.m. or 2:30 p.m. Fee is $14 and pre-registration is required. Intro to Digital Nature Photography will take place on Saturday, Jan. 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mass Audobon's Camp Wildwood Director Bob Speare leads this workshop and field trip. Bring your camera and learn more about its capabilities, especially out in the wild. Fee is $60 and pre-registration is required. Watercolor Paintings by Paula Kulas will open in an exhibit on Sunday, Jan. 10 from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. The reception is free and at the Joppa Flats Education Center. Pregistration is not required. Focus on Winter Raptors will allow guests to explore local venues on Sunday, Jan. 10 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to find snowy owls, short-eared owls, bald eagles, and other raptors, as well as wintering ducks and nothern shrikes. Fee is $22 and pre-registration is required. Meet at the Joppa Flats Education Center. Wednesday Evening Lecture - How Birds Get Their Names will take place Wednesday, Jan. 13 from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Joppa Flats Education Center. Naturalist Alison O'Hare reports on the interesting process of naming bird species. Fee is $4 and pre-registration is not required. Homeschool Study Session - Catch and Release Conservation is a monthly program for homeschoolers ages 7 to 12 with an on-site study session and an exciting field trip. This month's event will take place Friday, Jan. 15 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. with a field trip on Friday, Jan. 22 from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. to search for snowy owls with teacher Lisa Hutchings. Fee is $15 and pre-registration is required. Meet at the Joppa Flats Education Center. What's That Bird? is a quick weekend jaunt on Saturday, Jan. 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. to see the birds of greater Newburyport. No experience required. Limited to six participants. Pre-registration is required. Children age 8 and up are welcome. Meet at the Joppa Flats Education Center. Fee is $7 for each day or free with the purchase of a new membership. Family Flyby: Snowy Science is a bi-monthly program on Saturdays for families to fly by or spend the afternoon for free-flowing nature fun for children ages 2 to 12. The next program is Saturday, Jan. 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meet at the Joppa Flats Education Center. Cost is $5 per child and pre-registration is not required. Focus on Merrimack River Birds will explore local venues to find gulls, wintering ducks and bald eagles on Sunday, Jan. 17 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cost is $22 and pre-registration is required. Meet at the Joppa Flats Education Center.

Mass Audobon's Joppa Flats Education Center, located at One Plum Island Turnpike in Newburyport, is a natural history education and visitor center that is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday and Monday holidays, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Join Mass Audubon at Joppa Flats and receive a discount on your first program registration. Call 978-462-9998 for information about additional programs and events, or visit the web site at www.massaudubon.org/joppaflats.

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.

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

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

"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.