hgazette.com, Haverhill, MA

March 19, 2009

Community calendar


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, March 19

American Cancer Society Relay for Life: Team captains meeting at 6:30 p.m., Pentucket Bank, 1 Merrimack St. Seeking residents from Haverhill and surrounding communities to serve as committee members, team captains, and volunteers for the Friday, June 12, through Saturday, June 13, event. Proceeds support the American Cancer Society's programs of research, education, advocacy and service. Contact Jennifer Cooney at 781-314-2677 or jennifer.cooney@cancer.org or visit www.RelayForLife.org/HaverhillMa.

Mass of Healing and Hope: Offered at 7 p.m. at Mary, Mother of the Church, 12 Amesbury Road, Newton, N.H., by the Rev. Michael Monette. Participants will be anointed with Holy Oil after the Mass. Prayer teams will also be available. All are welcome. Information, 603-382-8324.

Merrimack Valley Quilting Guild: Meets at 7 p.m. at the Holy Angels Church hall, 8 Atkinson Depot Road, Plaistow, N.H. For more information, call 603-382-6823.

Friday, March 20

Drop-in Storytime: The Children's Department at the Haverhill Public Library presents Drop-in Storytime from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. in the Cavallaro Room. Registration in not required. This program is designed for ages 2 through 5. Information, 978-373-1586, ext. 626.

Belly-dancing class: The city's Recreation Department and Council on Aging are offering American-style belly-dancing class at 11 a.m. at the Citizens Center, 10 Welcome St. Instructor Za-Beth has taught and performed since the 1960s. In addition to teaching and appearing in the Boston area, she participates in regional and national dance performances. Cost is $2. For more information, contact Kathy Bresnahan or Rita LaBella at 978-374-2390.

Saturday, March 21

Live entertainment: Garnet Rogers will perform at 8 p.m. at the New Moon Coffeehouse in the Unitarian Universalist Church, 16 Ashland St., at the intersection of routes 110 and 125, Haverhill. Pat Wictor will open the show. Admission is $20. Information, 978-459-5134 or www.newmooncoffeehouse.org.

Lions charity fundraiser: Hampstead Lions Club Poker and Vegas Night at The Granite Rose, Route 111, Hampstead, N.H. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. for registration and pre-tournament play, with the first tournament starting at 6 p.m. All profits raised go to charity. Sandwiches and snacks will be provided for tournament players and a cash bar will be available. For more information, call Sam at 603-329-5603.

Ham and bean supper: From 5 to 6:45 p.m. at the Kensington Congregational Church on Route 150 in the center of Kensington, N.H. Menu includes two kinds of home-cooked beans, best quality ham, old-fashioned brown bread, rolls, potato salad, cole slaw, home-cooked pies and coffee or milk. Cost is $7 adults, $2.50 children. Information, call 603-772-5821.

Ham and bean supper: All Saints Parish will host a ham and bean supper from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the church hall. Cost is $6 is adults, $3 children under 12. Information, call 978-372-7721.

Indoor flea market: Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church will hold an indoor flea market at 154 Winter St., featuring furniture, clothes, glassware, books, jewelry and more. Doors open at 9 a.m. Greek pastries will also be for sale as well as refreshments. Tables are for rent and can be reserved by calling 978-374-8887 or 978-373-3311. This event is sponsored by the Ladies Philoptochos Society Elpis.

Hill View Montessori fundraiser: Benefit dinner featuring live and silent auctions and musical entertainment will be at 6 p.m. at the Roma Restaurant. Tickets are $25 per person for adults only, at HVMAuction2009@gmail.com. Proceeds benefit a school fund for a new building.

Making sense of nature hike: Experience nature with an interactive hike through dune and marsh habitats from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. This free program is designed for ages 6 through 10. Participants should meet at the Parking Lot 4 (Hellcat). Space is limited and advance registration is required. 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.

Greater Haverhill Poets Society: The Poets Society meets at 10 a.m. at Haverhill Public Library. New members are always welcome.

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

Monday, March 23

Forty-Fives tournament: Peddler's Daughter, 45 Wingate St, 8:15 p.m. Participation is free and prizes will be awarded to winners. For more information, call Charles Wheeler at 978-994-0975.

Tuesday, March 24

Evening with Matthew Flickstein: Author, meditation teacher and executive producer of the upcoming documentary "With One Voice: The Meeting Point of All Spiritual Traditions," Matthew Flickstein, will speak at 7 p.m. in the Old Center Hall, 3 Great Pond Road, across the street from North Parish Unitarian Universalist Congregation, North Andover. Admission is a suggested donation of $15 for those who are able. This event is sponsored by Great Pond Sangha and the Center for Spiritual Renewal at North Parish. To register or for more information, call Mark at 978-975-5602 or e-mail mlemire@mlemire.org.

Reiki class: A Reiki Level 1 class will be offered from 6 to 9 p.m. at Timberlane Regional High School, 36 Greenough Road, Plaistow, N.H. Class will cover the science of the energy field, vibrations, meditation, grounding and clearing. An attunement and certificate will be given. Cost is $85 and includes materials. For more information or to register, call Donna Tilton at 603-382-0464 or the school at 603-382-6541 ext. 232 or visit www.HealingBalance.net.

Trivia night: Peddler's Daughter, 45 Wingate St., 9 p.m. Call 978-372-9555 or visit www.thepeddlersdaughter.com.

Wednesday, March 25

Free concert: Comedic singer-songwriter Howie Newman will perform from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Rhythm Cafe, 12 School St., Merrimac. Admission is free. Information, call 978-346-0444 or visit www.rhythmcafe.net.

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.

Friday, March 27

Drop-in Storytime: The Children's Department at the Haverhill Public Library presents Drop-in Storytime from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. in the Cavallaro Room. Registration in not required. This program is designed for ages 2 through 5. Information, 978-373-1586, ext. 626.

Belly-dancing class: The city's Recreation Department and Council on Aging are offering American-style belly-dancing class at 11 a.m. at the Citizens Center, 10 Welcome St. Instructor Za-Beth has taught and performed since the 1960s. In addition to teaching and appearing in the Boston area, she participates in regional and national dance performances. Cost is $2. For more information, contact Kathy Bresnahan or Rita LaBella at 978-374-2390.

Saturday, March 28

Signature cocktail competition: Johnny's Piano Bar will host a competition to find its signature martini from 7 to 9 p.m. at 59 Washington St. as part of its grand reopening under new management. Cocktails competing for the "Best Signature Cocktail of Johnny's Piano Bar" are The Pajamatini, The Mango Tangotini, Spirits, The Kim Drop and The Razzamatazz. Tickets are $25 at the door, $15 in advance, and are available at www.drinkwaterproductions.com.

Ham and bean supper: First Baptist Church in Newton, N.H., will hold a ham and bean supper from 5 to 7 p.m. Cost is $6 for adults, $2 for children over 6, free for children under 6. First Baptist Church is at 4 N. Main St., Newton, N.H. For more information, call 603-382-4019.

Baby shower benefit: The Island Pond Baptist Church Women's Ministry will throw a baby shower to benefit the Pregnancy Care Center on March 28 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the church, 26 N. Salem Road, Hampstead, N.H. There will be food, games and a guest speaker. For more information or to attend the event, call 603-329-5959 or visit www.IslandPondBC.org.

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: 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, 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.

Theater

Pentucket Players: The Players will perform Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Oklahoma!" at the Rogers Center for the Arts at Merrimack College, North Andover. Performances are April 17 at 8 p.m., April 18 at 2 and 8 p.m., and April 19 at 2 p.m. All tickets are $20. Group rates are available. For tickets or more information, call 978-521-9259 or visit www.pentucketplayers.org.

Activities

Free dental health screening: The Massachusetts Department of Public Health Office of Oral Health will offer a free dental health screening for seniors on Monday, March 30 at 10:30 a.m. at the Haverhill Council on Aging, 10 Welcome St. For more information, contact Sue Najuch, RN, at 978-374-2390, ext. 13.

Haitian art show: Joseph Cantave, internationally acclaimed Haitian artist, will be the featured artist on March 29 at Margot's Gallery, 52 Wingate St. Cantave will explain his techniques and inspirations from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. Information, call 978-373-0200.

MSPCA Tag Day: The MSPCA at Nevins Farm in Methuen will host its annual Tag Day clinic for the pets of area residents on Sunday, April 5, from 9 a.m. to noon at the farm, 400 Broadway, Methuen. The event provides affordable rabies vaccinations and microchipping, a form of permanent identification. Cost is $12 for rabies vaccinations, $25 for microchipping, $30 if both done together. Nail clipping will also be provided for $5 per animal. Appointments are not required and clients will be taken on a first come, first served basis. All proceeds benefit the animals and programs of the MSPCA at Nevins Farm. Information, 978-687-7453, ext. 6101.

Financial workshop: Edward Jones of Haverhill will host a financial workshop at the Haverhill Public Library, 99 Main St. The workshop includes a series of four Thursday evenings: April 2, 9, 16 and 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Johnson Auditorium. This workshop will allow participants to gain a better understanding of the key principals of saving and investing, as well as specific strategies to help reach long-term financial goals. Seating is limited. Information or reservations, call 978-372-8453.

Free muzzleloading course: The Haverhill Hound, Rod & Gun Club will hold a free muzzleloading course beginning April 8. Students must attend every session. Attendance is open to adult men and women, as well as minors with a Hunter Education Certificate of completion. This is a comprehensive program given by instructor Thomas W. Walsh for both the advanced and beginner student. Topics covered will include selection of equipment, history of muzzleloading, safety, and care and cleaning. Classes are April 8, 10, 15 and 17 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the club, on Chadwick Road in Bradford. Preregistration is required. For information or to register, call 978-632-7648.

Rabies clinic: A rabies clinic for dogs, cats and ferrets will be Saturday, April 4, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Haverhill animal shelter at 500 Primrose St. Cost is $10 per animal. Dogs must be leashed and cats must be in carriers. Pit bulls/mixed pit bulls must be muzzled. Information, call 978-374-2325.

Drop-in Storytime: The Children's Department at the Haverhill Public Library presents Drop-in Storytime on Fridays, now through April 17, from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. in the Cavallaro Room. Registration in not required. This program is designed for ages 2 through 5. Information, 978-373-1586, ext. 626.

Senior supper at MVH: Merrimack Valley Hospital will host a senior supper on April 7 at 4 p.m. in the hospital auditorium with vascular surgeon Dr. Walter Kwass, who will talk about peripheral artery disease. Cost is $5 and includes a full dinner of lemon chicken picatta with noodles, peas, fresh bread, a garden salad and assorted desserts with tea and coffee. Preregistration is required. For more information or to register, call Kathy at 978-521-8140.

Meet the Expert seminar: Pain management: The latest advances to help those who suffer with chronic pain will be discussed in "What is Pain Management?" on Wednesday, April 1, from 2 to 3 p.m., presented by Dr. Rami Rustum, director of the Pain Management Center at Merrimack Valley Hospital. Sponsored by Merrimack Valley Hospital, this event is free and open to the public and takes place at Nichols Village, 54 Main St., Groveland. For more information, call Mary O'Neil at 978-420-1157.

Belly-dancing classes: The city's Recreation Department and Council on Aging are offering American style belly-dancing classes at the introductory price of $2 per class. Classes began March 6 and will be held every Friday at 11 a.m. at the Citizens Center, 10 Welcome St. Instructor Za-Beth has taught and performed since the 1960s. In addition to teaching and appearing in the Boston area, she participates in regional and national dance performances. For more information, contact Kathy Bresnahan or Rita LaBella at 978-374-2390.

Class reunion: Timberlane High School Class of 1969 will have its 40-year reunion on Saturday, May 2, from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Yard Restaurant, 1211 South Mammoth Road, Manchester, N.H. There will be a cash bar, DJ and buffet. Tickets are $50 per person, payable to: Christina Perri, 911 Sagamore Ave., Portsmouth, N.H. 03801. For more information, contact Chris Perri at mcp6360@aol.com or Christine Noyes at christine@lewisbuilders.com.

Reunion: Haverhill High School, Haverhill Trade School and St. James High School Class of 1959 will enjoy a shared reunion on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 6:30 p.m. to midnight at the Haverhill Country Club. There will be a cocktail hour, dinner, disc jockey and a '50s theme. For information, contact Pat Kelly Ruth at 978-373-2447 or barryandpat1@verizon.net.

Swim/diving lessons: Diving lessons for ages 8 and up are offered Sundays from 6 to 8 p.m. Cost is $5 per hour. Family Swim Time (must be age 3 or older) is offered Sundays from 1 to 3 p.m. Cost is $3 per swimmer. For more information, call 978-374-5732.

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.

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.

Merrimack Valley Quilting Guild: Meets the third Thursday of each month at the Holy Angels Church hall, 8 Atkinson Depot Road, Plaistow, N.H., at 7 p.m. For more information, call 603-382-6823.

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

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 Mount 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 of North Shore summer camps: The YMCA of the North Shore has begun registrations for its summer camps for the 2009 season. Some specialty camps include soccer, basketball, flag football, art, cooking, music, science, swimming, synchronized swimming, gymnastics and cheerleading. In addition, each of the six local YMCAs offer traditional camp experiences in unique venues such as Lynch van Otterloo YMCA's Children's Island Day Camp, Ipswich Y's Camp Takoma, Greater Beverly Y's Sterling Woods Day Camp, Salem Y's Explorers Camp, Cape Ann Y's Camp Spindrift and Haverhill Y's Camp Tricklin' Falls. Camps run in one- or two-week session formats. Different types of camps accommodate children as young as 3 up through 16 in Counselor-in-Training programs. Information, 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

Crafters wanted: The annual North Andover Sheep Shearing Festival is looking for crafters for the event on May 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Old North Andover Common. For more information, call Cathy at 978-685-4927.

National Rebuilding Day: Volunteers are needed to provide home repair services on Rebuilding Day, April 25, as well as help with special projects and events throughout the year. Licensed contractors are needed to provide occasional emergency home repairs. Some materials are supplied, but your time and talents are needed. Volunteers are also needed to serve on program/governance committees or to assist with Rebuilding Day activities such as registration of volunteers, food services, safety monitors and office support. Those familiar with home repairs are needed to teach home repair workshops to greater Haverhill homeowners and other less experienced volunteers. Specialties needed: caulking, weatherizing, safety methods and basic tool skills. Volunteer registration is now online at www.rebuildingtogetherhaverhill.org or by calling Lynn Murphy at 978-469-0800. A new volunteer safety/training workshop will be held March 31 at the same time and place.

Kitchen goods needed: Ruth's House, a nonprofit, nondenominational thrift store, has a need for pots, pans, dishes, glassware, silverware, kitchen utensils, towels, facecloths and small kitchen appliances. 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, 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.

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

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. 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

Entry level exam for police, troopers: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts will hold an entry level examination for police officers (cities and towns), transit police officers (MBTA), and troopers (Massachusetts Department of State Police) on Saturday, April 25. The last filing date for the exam is April 1. Applications received by March 18 cost $100, $150 for applications received after March 18. The list that will result from this exam will determine the pool of applicants eligible for appointment to the position of police officer, transit police officer and state trooper. Application are available at City Hall, 4 Summer St., or at www.csexam.hrd.state.ma.us/hrd/.

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.