The Rev. Sue Ellery, a former Methodist church pastor here in Haverhill, sends word from Woodsville, N.H., where she was reassigned. She reports ice already forming on leaves and tree branches, and snow capping some of the tallest mountains she sees on her daily commute. Ellery said she is making friends in the North Country, where she serves congregations in North Haverhill and Woodsville. Still, she misses her city friends here in the other Haverhill.

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Watch for Haverhill police Chief Alan DeNaro on "Point of Reference" with host Frank Novak on Thursday, Oct. 30, at 7 p.m. During the half-hour show, DeNaro will inform Haverhill residents about the effects that the recent budget cuts will have on the Police Department and what Haverhill residents can do to help.

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Perhaps the chief will respond to reports that are circulating about at least three of the new police cruisers being damaged in accidents of one type or another.

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Girls at Girls Inc. of Greater Haverhill were the first Haverhill residents to cast their presidential votes. As part of the national Girls Inc. effort called "She Votes!", girls across the country participated in the vote on Tuesday, Oct. 21. Girls in Haverhill have participated in a "She Votes!" class since the school year began, sharing information about the presidential and vice presidential candidates, as well as information about the importance of women in the political process. A visit to the class by City Councilor Mary Ellen Daly O'Brien showed the importance of women engaging in politics at the local level. By the way, Barack Obama and Joe Biden overwhelmingly won the Girls Inc. of Greater Haverhill vote.

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As boats come out of the water and go into winter storage, the Lamplighter is reminded there was much less traffic on the Merrimack River this year, because of the added expense involved in fuel and other costs, Just traveling to Maine for a weekend could be a major cost, owners say.

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Haverhill motorists are hoping the state does not run out of highway money before the rest of our bridge work is completed. That includes a new Bates/Groveland Bridge and the surface of the Basiliere Bridge, which is beginning to show frequent signs of wear and tear.

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Residents within a couple of miles of Haverhill High can attest to the training of the girls who are winning many contests in the area. Groups of runners are constant sights on Hilldale Avenue, North Broadway and their offshoots. The girls are obviously working hard at their cross-country practice, with medals to show for it.

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Hot dogs, or frankfurters, continue to be staple foods for many, with small businesses featuring them in Washington Square, Bradford and Riverside, but no old-type diners are available for drop-in snacks, if they can be called that.

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In these times of expensive fuel, it was puzzling to observers how a large truck could be left running all day in a Riverside parking lot. Police started checking on it, when reports came in about the fact the truck was not only running, but was left open. Trucks sometimes run all day in the winter, but that certainly wasn't the case on this occasion.

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Preparations for the St. James anniversary celebration are nearing completion with the installation and staining of new wooden doors at the main section of the church, restoring the original look by replacing glass and metal doors.

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Annie Coco, who died last week, will be remembered by the Whittier Club for, among other things, the Italian cookies she provided for meetings and other events involving John Greenleaf Whittier. Annie's son Tim is a trustee of the Whittier Birthplace and his mother was a faithful worker for the group and the birthplace. Her family has asked that memorial donations be made to the birthplace.

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Watch for word about some colorful new projects recalling Haverhill's one-time prominence in shoe manufacturing.

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Kevin Lyons was active as a high-ranking member of the school system in Haverhill, but now that he is superintendent in Newburyport, he is taking a bit of heat. His ruling that no candy will be allowed in the schools, even if it is put in lunch boxes by parents, is unpopular not only with students, but with some parents who are highly critical of the rule.