Churches
Weekly prayer group: First Presbyterian Church, Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Signup sheet posted in church. 346 Broadway, Haverhill.
Egg Hunt: King of Grace Church, 28 Chadwick St., Bradford, will hold an Easter egg hunt for children up to third grade is April 23 from 10 to 11 a.m. Easter service is at 10:30 a.m.
Families and kids
Kindgergarten Info Night: Haverhill Public Schools will hold a kindergarten information night for the class of 2024 on April 26 at Pentucket Lake Elementary, 252 Concord St. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. The presentation is for all kindergarten parents at all schools and is from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Topics of discussion include student registration, programs offered, school nursing, curriculum, special education, English language learners, and creating good study habits and being prepared. A question and answer session will follow. For more information call 978-374-3484 or 978-374-3400.
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.
Sign language: Northern Essex Community College provides sign language instruction for families with a deaf or hard-of-hearing child. Information, contact Glenys Crane-Emerson, Family Sign Language Program coordinator, at fslp@necc.mass.edu, 978-556-3701 (voice/tty), 978 556-3703 (fax), and 978-241-7057 (VP/VRS).
YMCA Preschool Program: The YMCA Children's Learning Center is enrolling for the Preschool Program. Curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning in a classroom setting, along with self directed activities that promote decision making and overall preparedness for Kindergarten. Contact Julie Grundy at 978-912-7422 or grundyj@northshoreymca.org for more information.
Rock Climbing: Designed for all levels. Certified instructors teach children learn about climbing equipment, techniques. All equipment provided by the YMCA. Group classes, private and semi-private lessons available. Call Matt C. at 978-479-2738 or chmielewskim@northshoreymca.org.
Middle School Climbing Club: Designed specifically for middle school age climbers. Meets 3 to 5 p.m. on Thursdays for eight weeks including homework time, 30 minute lesson and open climb time with a certified instructor. Each session concludes with a climbing celebration. Call Matt C. at 978-479-2738 or chmielewskim@northshoreymca.org.
Nerf Attack: Friendly, fast-paced shooting action with Nerf toys. Participants will play dodge and evade and skills games such as Capture the Flag, Snowball Fight, Warrior Attack, Gladiator and more. Children may bring their own toys or the YMCA can provide one. Protective eyewear required. Mondays at 5 p.m. or Wednesdays at 5 p.m. Call Matt C. at 978-479-2738 or chmielewskim@northshoreymca.org.
Donate Your Car: The Boys and Girls Club is currently looking for used cars to auction. Proceeds from these auctions directly benefit local Boys and Girls Clubs. For more information, call 1-800-246-0493.
Local activities
Dubus to sign copies of "Townie": Andre Dubus III, author of the NY Times bestseller, "House of Sand and Fog," will visit Northern Essex Community College on April 22 at noon for a reading and signing of his latest book, "Townie." Free and open to the public, the presentation will be in the ArtSpace in the Bentley Library on the college's Haverhill campus, 100 Elliott St. Books will be available for purchase and signing, and light refreshments will be served. This reading and book signing is sponsored by the NECC library and the college's Institutional Advancement Office. For more information contact Ann Grandmaison at agrandmaison@necc.mass.edu or 978-556-3426.
Home Show: A free Home Show and Health Fair will be held at the Best Western, 401 Lowell Ave, on Saturday, April 30, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Free health screenings, free samples, free massages, green products and much more. For more information, visit www.askyourlocalexpert.com or call Greg at 978-618-9453.
Beatles Concert: Emmaus will host a Beatles Tracks concert on Saturday, May 7, at Haverhill High School, 137 Monument Street, to support their upcoming Cycle for Shelter event. The concert will last from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with sign ups for Cycle for Shelter from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $5 for students and senior citizens or $10 for adults. At the door, tickets will cost $7 for students and senior citizens or $12 for adults. For more information, contact Genna Grasso at 978-241-3429.
Golf Tournament: Sacred Hearts School will hold their 19th Annual Principal's Golf Tournament on Monday, June 6 at the Haverhill Country Club, 58 Brickett Lane. Registration opens at 7:00 a.m. with a Shotgun start at 8:00 a.m. The tournament features a day of fun with contests of skill, raffles and a chance to win a Ford. For more information regarding sponsorship opportunities please contact Sacred Hearts School at 978-37-25451 or visit www.sacredheartsbradford.org.
Egg Hunt: Winnekenni Castle will hold a spring egg hunt on April 23 at 10:30 a.m. Cost is $7 for children ages 3-10. Participants are asked to pre-pay and register online at www.winnekenni.com. This outdoor event will be held rain or shine. Children should wear a hooded rain jacket/poncho and boots if it showers. No umbrellas allowed for egg-hunters, for child safety reasons. Children will be divided into age groups during check-in, which begins at 10:30 a.m. Collection bags will be provided and are the only ones that may be used. Parents may cheer from the sidelines and can bring cameras. The Easter Bunny will be posing for pictures. Games and activities will be inside/outside the castle depending on the weather. Refreshments will be available. A pre-paid check-in list will be at the admission gate/table. You must bring and furnish your printed e-confirmation receipt to be checked-in and admitted. For more information contact the castle at 978-521-1686 or at winnekenni@yahoo.com. Winnekenni Castle is at 347 Kenoza Ave.
Dance classes for healthy living: Zumba dance classes with instructor Jennifer Klein Roche begin April 15 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in Merrimack Valley Hospital's first floor auditorium. Subsequent classes are April 22, 29 and May 6, also at 4:30 p.m. Cost for four classes is $30. This series is part of Merrimack Valley Hospital's ongoing Essential Living Wellness Program which helps employees live healthier lives. All classes are open to the public, but registration is necessary. For more information or to register call Yinelle at 978-521-8150.
Mother's Day Celebration: The Council on Aging is planning a Mother's Day celebration May 4 at noon at the Citizens Center, 10 Welcome St. This event is for mothers and all the other important women in our lives. Lunch will be provided by the Chicken Connection. Entertainment is by Brian Corcoran. Tickets are $5 and must be purchased in advance. For more information contact Kathy Bresnahan or Rita LaBella at 978-374-2390.
Knit a Shawl: Plum Island Knitters will teach you how to make a shawl and is offering a new four-week class that meets Wednesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at All Saints Church, 120 Bellevue Ave. Cost for the class is $65. Plum Island Knitters supports the nonprofit Katydid Foundation, which serves adults on the autism spectrum. For more information or to register for a class visit www.PIKnitters.com or call 978-255-1130.
Wedding Dress Consulation: The 125 Bridal Boutique will offer free dress consultations with designer Matthew Christopher. Christopher will show off his new 2011 dress collection in private, 90 minute long, showings. Appointments are available April 29, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m, April 30, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and May 1 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Call 603-382-4511 to book yours.
Lions Club Fundraiser: The Haverhill Lions Club will hold a comedy night fundraiser April 30 featuring Bob Seibel, Johnny Pizzi and Rob Steen. Shows are at 7 and 9 p.m. at Maria's Family Restaurant, 83-85 Essex St. Tickets are $20 each. There is a special rate for groups of six or more. For more information contact Jane at 508-523-5878 or Doug at 617-799-3760.
Buttonwoods Tour Guides: The Buttonwoods Museum/Haverhill Historical Society is looking for volunteer tour guides to conduct tours during the tourist season, June through October. From a historic site overlooking the Merrimack River, the museum tells the story of life in the Merrimack Valley from Native American Indian settlements to present time. The museum includes three historic structures - the Duncan House, the John Ward House and Daniel Hunkins Shoe Shop. Volunteers are asked to commit to two to four hours per week, during the week. For more information contact Jan Williams, curator, at 978-374-4626 or jwilliams@haverhillhistory.org.
Annual auction: St. Joseph School of All Saints Parish will hold its annual auction May 7 at DiBurro's in Ward Hill. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. Auction items include weekend getaways, autographed sports memorabilia, theatre tickets, and student art pieces. There will be an "all you can eat" dinner, raffles and more. All funds received above and beyond budgeted proceeds from the auction will benefit the school's Help Our Playground Evolve (HOPE) project. Tickets are $45 each or $90 per couple. For information contact the school at 978-521-4256.
Amesbury Educational Foundation Honor's Ceremony: The Amesbury Educational Foundation's 9th annual Hall of Honor Ceremony is Friday, May 6th at 6pm at St. Joseph's Hall, 5 Sparhawk Street in Amesbury. Come celebrate the induction of three outstanding individuals including two former students, Jay Gould and Luke Parkin, and Friend of Amesbury Schools Deborah Smith M. Ed.
The AEF will also be awarding $24,000 in grant money for various innovative educational projects which will benefit the students of the Amesbury Public Schools. Hall of Honor tickets are on sale now for $45 each if purchased by April 26, 2011 ($50 per person after April 26th), and include dinner, hors d'oeuvres, dessert and a cash bar. There are several ways to secure your tickets: Call Cathy Toomey at 978-388-0880 or Joan Miller at 978-834-2373, send a check to Carol Bartlett at the Amesbury Superintendent's office, or purchase them at AEFIonline.com
Branson Show Tour Offered: Bethany Homes is offering a Branson show tour May 13 to 23. The tour will feature seven shows: The Acrobats of China, Red, Hot & Blue, Jim Stafford, the Brett Family, the Twelve Irish Tenors and the Baldknobbers Jamboree. The trip includes luxury motorcoach, 10 nights lodging, 10 breakfasts and eight dinners. Cost is $1,058 per person at sign up. More information is available from Darlene Sutton at 978-374-2165 or dsutton@bethanycommunities.org
Business assistance: Service Corps of Retired Executives 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 in the Landmark Building, 80 Merrimack St., second floor. Appointments can be booked by calling the chamber at 978-373-5663.
NECC College for Kids: College for Kids and Arts Alive, two children's summer camps located on Northern Essex Community College's Haverhill campus, return this summer with an array of fun, educational offerings.
Programs run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a junior division for 9 to 11 year-olds, and a senior division for 12 to 14 year-olds. Classes span a wide variety of more than 30 interests focusing on sports, computers, and art classes. All camps will run in four, one-week sessions. The sessions will run July 5 through July 8, July 11 through July 15, July 18 through July 22, and July 25 through July 29. The cost is $60 per activity per session time slot. Choices are given on a first come first serve basis.
The Arts Alive program designed for 6 to 8 year-olds will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. These campers receive three classes a day on a rotating basis in the areas of theater, art, music, science, hands-on mathematics, poetry, dance, creative writing, and storytelling. Each session has a theme. Themes and dates include July 5-8, Dance, Sing, Paint Act. Create; July 11-15, Archaeology Exploration; July 18 to 22, Young Architects, July 25-29, Space Race.
The first session is $150 the three other sessions are each $180 with a non-refundable $35 registration fee that is waived for the first session if the registration is received prior to April 15. Payments can be made with a check or credit card.
Before and after care is available for all campers for a nominal fee. All campers must bring a brown bag lunch.
Emergency consent forms will be mailed out as soon as the registration is received. No child will be admitted without this signed form. For additional information on College for Kids or Arts Alive, contact program coordinator Deirdre Budzyna at 978-556-3456 or dbudzyna@necc.mass.edu or visit the website at www.necc.mass.edu/collegeforkids.
NECC recycling day: You can recycle your electronic devices for free on April 5 at Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill.Recycling is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Technology Center parking lot, 100 Elliott St. ACT Secured Recycling of Lawrence will collect outdated personal computers, laptops, fax machines, cell phones, electronics, copiers, wires and cables. No televisions, projection screens, or household appliances will be accepted. For more information contact Linda Shea at 978-556-3473 or lshea@necc.mass.edu.
Italian movie night: Italian movie night at the Sons of Italy is April 20 and features "Letters to Juliet." The movie is from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Victor wow Lodge, Sons of Italy, 124 Washington St. Suggested donation is $5. Light snacks are included. For more information contact Mike Schroth at 978-376-5492.
YWCA Tribute to Women: The Haverhill YWCA will hold its 22nd annual Tribute to Women luncheon May 18 at DiBurro's in Ward Hill. The public is invited to attend. Information and reservations are available by contacting the YWCA at 978-374-6121.
Retirement Seminar: The Haverhill public library will host a free one-hour educational seminar for Baby Boomers titled "Retirement Has Changed," May 9 at 6 p.m. in the Johnson Auditorium, 99 Main St. The seminar will be lead by Michael Quinn, a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Haverhill. This seminar will help you to explore how to organize, set realistic goals for retirement and determine if you are on track to reach those goals.
Beginner Internet class: At the Haverhill Public Library, featuring individual attention and hands-on practice. Each class is two hours. Classes require advance sign-up. For dates, times and to reserve a spot, visit the Reference and Information desk at the library or call 978-373-1586, ext. 607.
Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra: The Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra will celebrate the conclusion of its 50th season with performances by three internationally renowned artists who have formed a new and dynamic group, The Omega Trio. The concert is May 1 at 2:30 p.m. at the Rogers Center for the Arts at Merrimack College, 315 Turnpike St., North Andover. Tickets, $18 for adults and $12 for students and seniors, will be available at the door and are available at www.mvpomusic.org. For more information contact Phyllis Forsyth, MVPO operations manager at 978-685-3505.
Council on Aging Trips:
April 27: "Estrogen and Tonic" at Angelica's Ballroom, $46 without transportation.
May 25: "Shaw Brothers" at DiBurro's, $48 per person without transportation.
July 20: "A Bit of Tuscany" at Zorvino Vineyards in Sandown, N.H., $40 per person without transportation.
These overnight trips are scheduled
April 7-14: London and Paris, $2,799 per person.
April 10-16: Southern Charm, Charleston, Savannah and Jekyll Island, $2,149.
Sept. 13-19: South Dakota Black Hills and Badlands, $1,899.
August 29-Sept. 5: Pacific Northwest and California, $2,299.
Oct. 13-21: Southern California and Vegas Adventure, $2399
Details on all trips and activities are available by contacting Kathy Bresnahan (ext 11) or Rita LaBella (ext 16) at 978-374-2390 or kbresnahan@cityofhaverhill.com.
Give, get help
Big Brother Big Sister: Local nonprofit collects donations of lightly used clothing and small household items curbside. To schedule a free at-home pick up, call 1-800-483-5503 or schedule online at www.bbbsfoundation.org. Donations help support the children involved in the Big Brother Big Sister mentoring organization. Donations are tax-deductible.
Book fundraisers: Several local agencies and organizations are collecting new and used videos, books, CDs, DVDs and audio books using "Got Books?" containers, including:
The First Church of Christ Bradford, 10 Church St., Bradford.
Haverhill High School, 137 Monument St., Haverhill.
Hill View Montessori School, 75 Foundation Ave. (in the Ward Hill Industrial Park).
Haverhill YMCA, 81 Winter St.
Help homeless children: Horizons for Homeless Children seeks energetic and enthusiastic volunteers to play with children living in family homeless shelters in Northeastern Massachusetts, including Haverhill. Those with two hours a week to spare and a desire to make a difference in the lives children are encouraged to fill out an application. Attendance at a training session and six-month commitment are required. Contact Brittany Pyle at 978-557-2182 or northeast@horizonsforhomelesschildren.org.
Help sick or injured pets: Donate to Animal Rescue Merrimack Valley to replenish its fund to save sick or injured cats and dogs. Visit insiderpages.com/fundraisers/Animal-Rescue-Merrimack-Valley. Restaurant reviews result in donations to animal charity. Donations can also be made online at 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 afice.org.
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, 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. 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.
Sign language: Northern Essex Community College provides sign language instruction for families with a deaf or hard-of-hearing child. Information, contact Glenys Crane-Emerson, Family Sign Language Program coordinator, at fslp@necc.mass.edu, 978-556-3701 (voice/tty), 978 556-3703 (fax), and 978-241-7057 (VP/VRS).
Places to Visit
Public Library: 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 haverhillpl.org.
The public library will have shortened operating hours on April 14 so that staff can attend training. The library will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and reopen April 15 at 9 a.m. The public library will also be closed April 18 for the Patriots Day holiday and reopen April 19 at 9 a.m.
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: Dog licences 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 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.
Cultural events: The Haverhill Cultural Council invites all Haverhill arts organizations to submit notice of events to the council's website: 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: Contact Richard Lynch, Community Action, 978-373-1971.
