Deadline reminder: To list an event happening in Greater Haverhill, submit no later than 10 days before The Haverhill Gazette's Thursday publication date. You may e-mail items to calendar@hgazette.com or mail to The Haverhill Gazette, Calendar Listings, 181 Merrimack St., Haverhill, MA 01830, or drop items at our office. You may submit a photograph with your listing. The Haverhill Gazette may edit your submission for length. All listings run on a space-available basis.
Thursday, Jan. 22
Preschool program: Wintertime wildlife, stories, songs and fingerplays at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. or 1 to 2 p.m. For ages 3 through 5; includes indoor and outdoor activities. Free. Meet at the visitor center. Registration required, 978-465-5753.
Friday, Jan. 23
Preschool program: Wintertime wildlife, stories, songs and fingerplays at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. or 1 to 2 p.m. For ages 3 through 5; includes indoor and outdoor activities. Free. Meet at the visitor center. Registration required, 978-465-5753.
Saturday, Jan. 24
Spaghetti dinner: All Saints Parish in Haverhill will host a spaghetti dinner from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the church hall, 120 Bellevue Ave. Cost is $5 for adults, $3 children, $15 family of two adults and three children. Information, 978-372-7721.
Auditions: Pentucket Players Inc. will hold open auditions for Rogers and Hammerstein's "Oklahoma!" from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Pentucket Bank Community Room, 35 Merrimack St. Information, visit www.pentucketplayers.org.
Fundraiser: The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Haverhill will host a fundraiser at DiBurro's Function Hall, Ward Hill, from 5 to 7 p.m. There will be a social and silent auction, with dinner and a short recognition program. Billy Fellows, an alumnus and international comedian, songwriter and entertainer, will perform. Information, 978-374-6171.
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. 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.
SUNDAY, JAN. 25
College Goal Sunday: To help students and parents complete the FAFSA. At Northern Essex Community College's Lawrence campus, 45 Franklin St., Lawrence, 2 p.m. Both a group presentation of the application process and one-on-one help with a financial aid professional will be available. Free. For more information and details on what to bring, visit www.masscollegegoalsunday.org.
Concert: "Silence/Noise: An Unconventional Approach" by Steuart Pincombe, cellist, at Christ Church of Hamilton and Wenham, 149 Asbury St., South Hamilton, 3 p.m. The goal of this concert is to inform the audience of the concepts behind new music. Program includes pieces from Dutilleux, Cage, Feldman, Pierson and Berio. Admission is a donation. For more information, call Dan McKinley at 978-468-4461 or visit www.steuartpincombe.com.
Auditions: The North Shore Players audition talent for "The Man Who Came To Dinner" at Hogan Regional Center Auditorium, 6 Hathorne Circle, Danvers at 6:30 p.m. Performances are April 24, 25 and 26. For more information, call 978-750-4842 or visit www.northshoreplayers.org.
MONDAY, JAN. 26
Informational mixer: The Exchange Club of Haverhill will host a mixer from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Olivia's, 142 Essex St. Participants will learn how the club helps the community with national and local programs to reduce child abuse. This event is free to the public. For more information, call Ron Carpenito at 617-797-8710 anytime before 5 p.m.
First time homebuyer workshop: Community Action Inc. is offering a four-night course beginning Monday, Jan. 26, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Presidential Gardens, community room, 140 Evergreen Drive, Bradford. Course dates are: Monday, Jan. 26; Wednesday, Jan. 28; Monday, Feb. 2; and Wednesday, Feb. 4. Participants receive information from housing professionals, individual mortgage pre-qualification, information about foreclosure sales, affordable housing, down payment assistance programs and reduced interest loans. Cost is $50 per household, a state approved certificate is awarded after completion. For more information, call Richard Lynch at 978-373-1971.
Forty-Fives tournament: The Peddler's Daughter, 45 Wingate St., 8:15 p.m. Free. Prizes awarded. Call Charles Wheeler at 978-994-0975.
Tuesday, Jan. 27
Trivia night: Peddler's Daughter, 45 Wingate St., 9 p.m. Call 978-372-9555 or visit www.thepeddlersdaughter.com.
Wednesday, Jan. 28
Book sale preview: The Haverhill Public Library will host a book sale preview day from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Admission is $20 per person. No children allowed. Information, call 978-374-8875.
Estate and Medicaid planning seminar: Lawyer and certified public accountant David M. Beliveau will hold an estate and Medicaid planning seminar at 6 p.m. at 5 Pleasant St., Methuen. There is no cost to attend but space is limited. To reserve a seat, call 781-890-8600, ext. 202, or e-mail david@beliveaulaw.com.
Internet safety presentation: The Essex County District Attorney's office will educate parents and guardians on how to keep their children safe online from 5:45 to 8 p.m. at The Parent Academy, Whittier Middle School, 256 Concord St. Baby-sitting and pizza will be provided for children age 12 and under accompanying their parents. Free. Door prizes will be given away at the end of the meeting. For more information, call 978-372-0376.
Foster parent open house: Dare Family Services Inc. will hold a "Becoming a Foster Parent" open house from 4 to 6 p.m. at 54 Winter St. Dare provides a tax-free stipend of $350 a week, free ongoing training, 24-hour clinical support, paid vacation and generous referral and recruitment bonuses. Each foster child receives free MassHealth coverage and a quarterly clothing allowance. Dare Family Services Inc. is a private, nonprofit foster care agency that specializes in providing intensive foster care to children and teens who have been abused and neglected. RSVP to 978-372-2185. Information, visit www.darefamily.org.
Line-dancing classes: At All Saints Parish, 120 Bellevue Ave., 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. All 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, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Cost of a four-week session is $65 or $15 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.
Thursday, Jan. 29
Book sale: The Haverhill Public Library will host a book sale from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. All books are 25 cents to $2. Information, call 978-374-8875.
Friday, Jan. 30
Book sale: The Haverhill Public Library will host a book sale from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All books are 25 cents to $2. Information, call 978-374-8875.
Career training fair: Pentucket Bank will host a free career training exploration fair from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Representatives from more than a dozen career training organizations, including Northern Essex Community College, Hesser College, Job Corps, Allied Career School and more, will be on hand to answer questions about available training opportunities, financial aid, placement services, payment plans, grant assistance and more. The event is sponsored by Merrimack Valley Workforce Investment Board, ValleyWorks Career Center and the Massachusetts One-Stop Career Centers. Vendor space is limited.
Saturday, Jan. 31
Book sale: The Haverhill Public Library will host a book sale from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All books are $2 a bag. Information, call 978-374-8875.
Haverhill Firefighting Museum: At 75 Kenoza Ave., open 9 a.m. to noon. Weekday, group visits available by appointment. Call 978-372-4061.
Music
New Moon Coffeehouse: Upcoming shows are: Guy Davis, with Stephanie Corby opening, Feb. 21; Garnet Rogers, with Pat Wictor opening, March 21; Red Molly, with Jay Mankita opening, April 18; Chris Smither, May 16. The New Moon Coffeehouse is in the Unitarian Universalist Church, 16 Ashland St., at the intersection of routes 110 and 125, Haverhill. Information, 978-459-5134 or www.newmooncoffeehouse.org.
Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra 2008-2009 Season: On Sunday, March 1, at 2:30 p.m. features Felix Mendelssohn's "Hebrides" Overture, Op. 26, "Fingal's Cave," Richard Wagner's "Wesendonck Songs"; Susan Trout, soprano, and Franz Schubert's Symphony No. 9 in C Major, D 944, "The Great." On Sunday, May 3, at 2:30 p.m. features Richard Rodgers' "Slaughter on 10th Avenue" from "On Your Toes"; William Grant Still's Symphony No. 1 "Afro-American Symphony"; George Gershwin's Concerto in F Major for Piano and Orchestra; and Louis Stewart, piano soloist. All Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra events take place at The Rogers Center for the Arts, 315 Turnpike St., North Andover at Merrimack College. Tickets are $60 general admission, $42 seniors and students ages 13 to 18 or with college ID. For more information, call 978-685-3505 or visit www.mvpomusic.org.
Art
Photo exhibit: Veteran, retired news reporter and photographer Tom Vartabedian of Haverhill will present a photographic exhibit of his works titled "Armenian Village People — A Country Kaleidoscope" throughout the month of February in the ArtSpace Gallery of the Bentley Library at Northern Essex Community College, 100 Elliott St. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. A public reception is planned Thursday, Feb. 12, from 5 to 8 p.m. For more information, contact Tom Vartabedian at tommyvart@aol.com.
Amateurs' photographs needed: Atkinson Women's Civic Club will host their first annual Photo Show Feb. 12 through March 12 at the Kimball Library, 5 Academy Ave., Atkinson, N.H. Open to amateurs only. Age groups are adults 18 and over, and youths 17 and under. Categories are animals, seasons, landscapes and favorite travel photos. More detailed information, rules and regulations, www.awcc.shutterfly.com.
Activities
Book sale: The Haverhill Public Library will host a book sale on Feb. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All books are $2 a bag. Information, call 978-374-8875.
Swim/diving lessons: Swim lessons for ages 3 and up offered on Saturdays, beginning Jan. 24, from 9 to 9:45 a.m. and from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at the Haverhill High School pool. This is a six-week session. Cost is $65 and space is limited. Diving lessons for ages 8 and up are offered Sundays, beginning Jan. 25, from 6 to 8 p.m. Cost is $5 per hour. Family Swim Time (must be age 3 or older) is offered Sundays, beginning Jan. 25, from 1 to 3 p.m. Cost is $3 per swimmer. Registration will be held at the high school pool on Jan. 24 from 8:30 to 9 a.m. For more information, call 978-374-5732.
Meditation class: For beginners as well as those already practicing meditation. Starting Monday, Jan. 26, at Newburyport Acupuncture, 172 State St., Newburyport, from 7 to 8 p.m. Cost of the six-week class is $50. To register, call Susan at 978-465-5036.
Fifties dance: The VFW is sponsoring a '50s dance on Saturday, Feb. 14, from 7 to 11 p.m. at the VFW, 64 Kenoza Ave. Contests, prizes and snacks. Tickets $10 per person. Call 978-372-8347.
Red Sox vs. Blue Jays: In Toronto, Canada, at the Rogers Centre. Bus will leave Friday, May 29, at 7 a.m. and return in the early evening on Sunday, May 31. Trip includes sightseeing at Niagara Falls and a trip to Niagara's new casino if desired. Hotel accommodations are at the Travelodge Bonaventure in Niagara Falls. Transportation provided by luxury motor coach. Cost is $279 per person, double occupancy; $275 triple occupancy, $369 single occupancy, $249 for child with two adults. All meals on your own. Sponsored by the Recreation Department and the Council on Aging. Information, 978-374-2390 ext. 11 or 16.
Trip to California: By the Recreation Department and the Council on Aging. May 2 through 8. San Francisco, Napa Valley. Call Kathy Bresnahan or Rita LaBella at 978-374-2390 or e-mail kbresnahan@cityofhaverhill.com.
Forty-Fives tournaments: The Peddler's Daughter holds 45s tournaments every Monday at 8:15 p.m. at 45 Wingate St. Participation is free and prizes will be awarded to winners. For more information, call Charles Wheeler at 978-994-0975.
Synchronized swimming for adults: The Northshore YMCA offers synchronized swimming for adults ages 18 and up on Sundays from 5:30 to 7 p.m. from now through June. Participants may join at any time. For more information, call coach Kristina Evans at 978-390-4607 or the Aquatics Office at 978-927-6855.
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.
Trivia night: The Peddler's Daughter every Tuesday at 45 Wingate St., 9 p.m. Call 978-372-9555 or visit www.thepeddlersdaughter.com.
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.
Knitting and crocheting classes: Plum Island Knitters at All Saints Church, Blaisdell Street, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Cost of a four-week session is $65 or $15 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.
Families
Dyslexia seminar: New England Dyslexia Solutions is offering a free informational seminar on Monday, Feb. 9, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 110 Haverhill Road, suite 516, Amesbury. This seminar is for those who have, or have children with, difficulties with reading, decoding, hand writing, spelling, phonemic awareness, math or attention deficits. Seating is limited and pre-registration is required. For more information or to register call 978-337-7753 or visit www.ne-dyslexia.com.
Seacoast Ski Club: Weekend trips include The Inn at Lareau Farm, Bolton Valley, Stowe and Sugarbush in Vermont; Sugarloaf and Saddleback in Maine, and The Balsams in New Hampshire. Weekend day trips include Sunday River in Maine, and Attitash, Gunstock and Mt. Sunapee in New Hampshire. Club meets every second Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Redhook Brewery, Pease Tradeport, 35 Corporate Drive, Portsmouth, N.H. Information, www.seacoastskiclub.net.
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 and include indoor play maze, outdoor playground, indoor swimming, sports games, basketball, minigolf and batting, homework time and arts and crafts. Call program director Beth Bailey at 978-373-1596 for registration, transportation and cost information.
Membership For All: YMCA income-based membership plan, allows children, adults and families of any income range. Call Sandy Brien at 978-374-0506 or e-mail briens@northshoreymca.org.
After-school child care program: At the YMCA includes arts and crafts, gym games, nutritious snack and use of YMCA facility including pool, gymnastics center and rock climbing wall. All programs licensed by the state. For more information, call Colette Farina at 978-374-0506, ext. 117, or e-mail farinac@northshoreymca.org.
YMCA activities
YMCA winter registration begins: The Haverhill YMCA has begun its winter program registration for swim lessons to gymnastics classes and rocks and ropes to tai chi. Offering a $10 sibling discount. Registration is ongoing, but spaces are filling up fast. Information, call 978-374-0506 or visit www.northshoreymca.org.
Aquatic activities: The Haverhill YMCA pool is open for lap swim, water aerobics and other aquatic fitness activities. Personal trainers are available for one-on-one sessions. Adult gymnastics conditioning, ballroom and belly dancing, as well as adult rock climbing are all offered at the YMCA. For more information, call 978-374-0506 or visit www.northshoreymca.org.
Flick-N-Float: Spend a family night in the pool watching movies such as "Cars" and "Madagascar." With the water at 87 degrees, children rarely get cold and are able to stay in the water for the entire movie. Snacks and drinks are provided during the movie. For more information, call Daniel Sebens at 978-374-0506 or e-mail sebensd@northshoreymca.org.
Adaptive swim program for children and adults with special needs: This program includes an introduction to water and water-adjustment activities. Participants can have a parent or aide in the water to assist with activities if necessary. The class will be 45 minutes long. Cost is $60 for members, $90 for nonmembers.
Friday and Saturday Fun Nights: Parents can plan a night out while their kids have use of the gym, gymnastics center, pool, rock wall and squash courts from 6 to 9 p.m. Staff provides fun, safe and positive organized activities, themed events and supervised free choice time. Friday nights are for children in grades one through four; Saturdays for grades five through 12. Cost is $5 per family for members, $7 for nonmembers, includes pizza and drinks.
Family Night: Kids and parents can join the fun together with use of the gym, gymnastics center, pool, rock wall and squash courts from 6 to 9 p.m. Staff provides fun, safe and positive organized activities, themed events and supervised free-choice time. Cost is $10 per family for members, $15 for nonmembers, includes pizza and drinks.
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 will be open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteers will be needed to help customers and act as cashiers during those times. Training will be provided. The store is expected to open in May. 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 any event above, call 978-465-5753. Registration is not complete until you have received confirmation from a staff member.
Ways to Give
Winter clothing needed: Ruth's House, a nonprofit, nondenominational thrift store, has an urgent need for adult men's and women's boots and gloves. Also needed are children's hats, mittens, gloves and blankets and pajamas for all ages. 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. For more information, call 978-521-5575.
Unwanted vehicles needed: The Boys and Girls Clubs raising money with donated cars. Call 800-246-0493.
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, PO 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.
Car donations needed: People 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. The Haverhill Boys Club is looking to raise money to help sustain its various programs. To donate a vehicle, call 1-800-246-0493. If your vehicle is accepted, it will be picked up free of charge. The fair market value of the donation may be considered a charitable contribution for income-tax purposes. 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. MAB Community Services (formerly the Massachusetts Association for the Blind) provides services and programs to the blind and vision-impaired of Massachusetts. Free tow and pickup. Old cars, boats, trailers, campers, motorcycles, Jet Skis and snowmobiles accepted. For more information, call 888-613-2777 or 508-854-0700.
Places to Visit
Special Collections Room: The Haverhill Public Library's Special will be open Tuesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 to 5 p.m. during July and August. For more information, call the library at 978-373-1586.
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.
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. Special Collections: Monday,1 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8:30 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 4:30 p.m.; closed the first Friday of each month; open 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 4:30 p.m. the first Saturday of the month. 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
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.
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.
Support group: "DivorceCare" meets Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Atkinson Community Center, 4 Main St., Atkinson, N.H. Weekly seminar focuses on ways to heal from the hurt of divorce. Registration required. To register, call Jean at 603-362-4753 or Denise at 603-489-1172 after 6 p.m.
