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, Sept. 16
Zumba Gold: Class geared toward active Baby Boomers and seniors, led by certified instructor Stephanie Smith Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. at Citizens Center, 10 Welcome St., Haverhill. $5 per session.
Friday, sept. 17
Wood carving: Classes Friday mornings at 10 at the Citizens Center, 10 Welcome St., Haverhill. Taught by master carver Fred Arakelian. Registration required. Carving kit will be available on loan. Cost is $5 per session.
Saturday, Sept. 18
Car wash: Haverhill High School Excel Club fundraiser on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Water Street fire station. Profits will be used to support community service projects for the 2010-2011 school year.
Yard sale: Brookridge Community Church Maroon Dames yard sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine, at 232 Main St. All proceeds benefit the Pregnancy Care Center of Haverhill. Event also features a bake sale and raffle. Information, visit brookridge.org.
Sacred Hearts School Technology Fundraiser: A technology and small appliance recycling event. 8 a.m. to noon. Computer monitors, CPUs, hard drives, TVs and stereos, air conditioners, microwave ovens, copiers, dehumidifiers. Visit sacredheartsbradford.org for a complete list and pricing. Drop off items at Sacred Hearts School, 31 S. Chestnut St., Bradford.
Road rally, classic cars: Amesbury Rotary hosts its second annual Road Rally and Classic Cars Night from 4 to 8 p.m. at Amesbury Sports Park. Admission is $20. Information, call Jack Christian at 978-463-9156 or e-mail kubwajack@gmail.com.
Greater Haverhill Poets Society: Meets at 10 a.m. at the Haverhill Public Library, 99 Main St. New members welcome.
Haverhill Farmers Market: from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Bailey Boulevard at GAR Park. Farm-fresh and local vegetables, fruit, eggs, cheese, herbs, flowers, jams, honey, baked goods and crafts available. Information, visit haverhillfarmersmarket.org.
Haverhill Firefighting Museum: At 75 Kenoza Ave., open 9 a.m. to noon. Weekday, group visits available by appointment. Call 978-372-4061.
Tuesday, Sept. 21
Book sale: The Friends of the Haverhill Public Library fall book sale preview day from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. $20 per person. No children allowed. Call 978-373-1586.
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.
Interfaith prayer shawl tea: Communities Together, Inc., formerly The Greater Lawrence Council of Churches, Seventh annual Interfaith Prayer Shawl Tea at St. Augustine Parish, Center for Education and Ministry, 35 Essex St., Andover, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Free. RSVP by Friday morning, Sept. 17, to Fran at the Communities Together office at 978-686-4012 or e-mail ctstaff276@comcast.net.
Wednesday, Sept. 22
Golf clinic: Haverhill Recreation Department and the Council on Aging weekly golf clinic at 10 a.m. with Ted Murphy at Murphy's Garrison Par 3 Golf Center, 660 Hilldale. Golf clubs provided. Cost is $10 per week.
Walking group: Council on Aging walking group meets at 9 a.m. at the Citizen Center, 10 Welcome St. All ages welcome. Information, call Kathy or Rita at 978-374-2390, ext. 11 or 16. 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.
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.
Knitting and crocheting classes: Plum Island Knitters weekly classes at All Saints Church in Haverhill 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. Information, call 978-255-1130 or e-mail PIKnitters@comcast.net or visit www.PIKnitters.com.
REUNIONS
Haverhill High and Trade Schools Classes of 1960: 50th class reunion is Friday, Oct. 8, at 6 p.m. at the Haverhill Country Club. A cocktail hour will be followed by dinner and dancing. Cost is $65 per person. Optional foliage cruise Saturday, Oct. 9, leaves Plum Island Point cruising up the Merrimack river to Newburyport. Cost is $25 per person. Contact Carole DiBurro at 978-372-8671 or e-mail HHSTSCLOF1960@aol.com.
Haverhill High Class of 1972: Big Bash Social is Saturday, Oct. 16, from 7 to 11 p.m. at Haverhill Elks Club on Summer Street. Tickets are $20 a person. Contact Brenda at 603-243-5626 for tickets or information.
HHS Class of 1990: 20th reunion Friday, Nov. 26, at 7 p.m. at George's Restaurant, 77 Washington St. Event includes appetizers, cash bar, and DJ. Tickets are $30 before Sept. 30; $35 before Nov. 1; $40 at the door. E-mail classof1990hhs@gmail.com for ticket/mailing address information. Join Facebook Group: Haverhill High School Class of 1990 to see daily updates.
NECC nurses reunion: Northern Essex Community College will celebrate its nursing program's 40th anniversary with a reunion on Thursday, Sept. 23 at 6 p.m. in the Technology Center on the Haverhill campus, 100 Elliott St. Open to students and staff. Tickets are $25, include a catered buffet dinner and a presentation titled Hot Topics in Nursing Practice by Dr. Margaret Fitzgerald, '70, of Fitzgerald Health Education Associates, Inc. Check payable to NECC Foundation Inc. with nursing reunion on the memo line, to Libby Jensen, Northern Essex Community College, 100 Elliott St., Haverhill, MA 01830. Contact Jensen at 978-556-3621 or e-mail ljensen@necc.mass.edu.
Haverhill High School Class of 1985: 25-year reunion will be Oct. 23 at Stevens Estate (Historic Mansion), 723 Osgood St., North Andover. Event will feature food stations, hors d'oeuvres, disc jockey and cash bar. Cost is $60 per person. Shuttle service will be available to/from Haverhill. Make checks payable to: HHS 1985. Mail to: Joe Plentzas, 13 Moccasin Path, Atkinson, NH 03811. Reserve ticket(s) by Sept. 17. For more information, e-mail kheld23@gmail.com, or call Gina at 508-648-7993. Join Facebook group "Haverhill High 1985" for updates.
Haverhill High, Trade and St. James High School Class of 1945: 65th class reunion banquet on Sept. 25, 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.
Tenney High School Class of 1970: 40th reunion, Saturday, Oct. 16, at Michael's Function Hall, formerly Pat's Beef House. Cost to be determined. Send contact info to tenneyclassof70@yahoo.com. For information, call Peg Hoegen Grassi at 978-682-5743.
Activities
Food and beverage pairing benefit: "Orient Express," a food, wine and beer pairing to benefit Merrimack Valley Hospice, Thursday, Sept. 23. beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Haverhill Country Club. Food and beverage pairings from far-off places, cultural entertainment and a silent auction. Tickets are $50. Tickets or information, call 978-552-4927 or visit merrimackvalleyhospice.org.
Book sale: The Friends of the Haverhill Public Library fall book sale continues Thursday, Sept. 23, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., books priced as marked; Friday, Sept. 24, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., books priced as marked; Saturday, Sept. 25, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., all books $3 a bag; Monday, Sept. 27, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., all books $3 a bag. Information, call 978-373-1586.
Pumpkin Festival: Chris' farm stand at Silsby's Farm, 436 Salem St., every weekend in October from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Features a kids' corn maze, hay rides and pony rides, hay castle, haunted house, pumpkin patch, tractor display, farming photo stop, face painting and live animals. Fresh vegetables and fall decorations available for purchase. Entertainment includes children's games. Country barbecue features hot dogs, hamburgers, corn on the cob and locally grown apples. Visit chrisfarmstand.com.
Car wash: The Haverhill High School Excel Club will have a fundraising car wash on Saturday, Sept. 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Water Street fire station. Profits will be used to support community service projects for the 2010-2011 school year.
East Parish Neighborhood Association: A meeting to plan the annual potluck dinner will be Tuesday, Sept. 21, at 7 p.m. at the home of Marion Bergman, 25 Sunrise St., Haverhill. For more information, 978-372-2652. The association gives a scholarship each year to a high school student who lives in the East Parish area.
Orient Express Food, Wine and Beer Pairing: A fundraiser for Merrimack Valley Hospice House. Thursday, Sept. 23, at 5:30 p.m. at Haverhill Country Club, 58 Brickett Lane in Haverhill. Tickets are $50 per person and include samples of food and beverage pairings from London, Venice, Viena, Athens and Istanbul. Also cultural entertainment and silent auction including an Apple iPad, destination vacations, show tickets, Red Sox/Yankees tickets and team-autographed Bruins hockey stick. Visit MerrimackValleyHospice.org for tickets. All tickets will be held at the door. Proceeds are used to provide hospice services to those with limited or no health insurance as well as care for grieving family members and other loved ones.
Psychic readings: Thursday, Sept. 23, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at Winnekenni Castle, off Kenoza Avenue in Haverhill. Readers include Judith-Anne, Valaria and Olga. $20 each for 15 minutes. Appointments booked at the door only. Doors open at 5:55 p.m. to begin scheduling. Complimentary coffee and refreshments available. Portion of the proceeds support the castle and its programs. Presented by Winnekenni Foundation Inc., a nonprofit organization that maintains and operates castle as a cultural and event center. Call 978-521-1686, e-mail winnekenni@yahoo.com or visit winnekenni.com.
Sacred Hearts Fall Festival and Craft Fair: Friday, Oct. 1, 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 2, 10 a.m. to 2 pm.. at Sacred Hearts School, South Main Street and South Chestnut Street, Bradford. Homemade meals, local crafters and merchants, themed raffle baskets, gently used books, jewelry, cookie walk/baked goods, children's activities, wheel of chance, popcorn and snow cones. Community welcomed. No admission fee, but donation to food pantry welcomed.
Haverhill Farmers Market: Every Saturday through Oct. 30, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Bailey Boulevard at GAR Park. Farm-fresh and local vegetables, fruit, eggs, cheese, herbs, flowers, jams, honey, baked goods and crafts available. Information, visit haverhillfarmersmarket.org.
Alzheimer's/Dementia education series: Beacon Hospice of Haverhill hosts a four-week series on Alzheimer's/dementia disease. Free. Designed to help individuals confront the challenges of coping with caring for a loved one who has an Alzheimer's or dementia diagnosis. Three weeks remain: Oct. 13, Nov. 3 and Dec. 1 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Oxford Rehabilitation and Nursing Care Center, 689 Main St. Information or registration, call Lu Bonanno at 978-372-4211.
Women's fishing clinic: Ladies Night Out Fishing Clinic on Oct. 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Nuttings Lake in Billerica. Adult women who would like to learn more about fishing are welcome to sign up for this fishing clinic with the Billerica Parks and Recreation Department. Sponsored by the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Angler Education Program. Bring fishing equipment if you have it. Fishing license not required for this event. Advance registration is required. Information or registration, call Donna at 978-671-0921.
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, in the Landmark Building, 80 Merrimack St.
Road rally, classic cars: Amesbury Rotary will host the second annual Road Rally and Classic Cars Night on Saturday, Sept. 18, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Amesbury Sports Park. Admission is $20. Information, call Jack Christian at 978-463-9156 or e-mail kubwajack@gmail.com.
Interfaith prayer shawl tea: Communities Together, Inc., formerly The Greater Lawrence Council of Churches, will sponsor the seventh annual Interfaith Prayer Shawl Tea at St. Augustine Parish, Center for Education and Ministry, 35 Essex St., Andover, on Tuesday, Sept. 21, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. RSVP by Friday morning, Sept. 17, to Fran at the Communities Together office at 978-686-4012 or e-mail ctstaff276@comcast.net.
Rowing registration: Essex Rowing Club, Inc. is continuing registration for the fall season for middle school, high school, and adult programs. No experience necessary; introductory sessions available. Information or registration, visit essexrowing.org or call 978-208-4617.
Instruction
Zumba Gold: Class geared toward active Baby Boomers and seniors, led by certified instructor Stephanie Smith Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. at Citizens Center, 10 Welcome St., Haverhill. $5 per session.
Wood carving: Class is Friday mornings at 10 at the Citizens Center, 10 Welcome St., Haverhill. Taught by master carver Fred Arakelian. Registration required. Carving kit will be available on loan. Cost is $5 per session.
Golf clinic: Haverhill Recreation Department and the Council on Aging will offer weekly golf clinics on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. with Ted Murphy at Murphy's Garrison Par 3 Golf Center, 660 Hilldale. Golf clubs provided. Cost is $10 per week.
Beginner Internet classes: Learn your way around the Internet by taking free beginning Internet classes offered by the Haverhill Public Library. Classes are small, offer individual attention and hands-on practice. Drop by the Reference and Information desk or call 978-373-1586, ext. 608.
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.
Pottery classes for all ages and abilities: Purple Sage Pottery in Merrimac offers classes for all ages and abilities. Adult classes are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights from 6:30 to 9:30 and Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 9:30 to 12:30. Kids classes are split into two age groups, with the 8- to 12-year-old class running on Tuesdays from 3:45 to 5:15 p.m. and the 12- to 18-year-old class on Fridays from 4 to 6 p.m. Visit purplesagepottery.com or call 978-346-9978.
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 welcome.
Knitting and crocheting classes: Plum Island Knitters hold weekly classes at All Saints Church in Haverhill. 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 PIKnitters.com.
Yoga classes: Caring Hands Center for Massage and Wellbeing offers yoga classes for all levels of experience at its 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.
Schools
St. John's Prep: Admissions Open Houses on Sunday, Oct. 3, and Saturday, Oct. 23, for students and families interested in learning more about the private school at 72 Spring St. in Danvers. Oct. 3 sessions at 10 and 11 a.m. and noon. Oct. 23 sessions at 9, 10 and 11 a.m. In Brother Benjamin Hall. Applications and entrance exam information available.
Churches
St. James Parish: Masses Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, 8:30 a.m., Sunday vigil (Saturday 4 p.m.), Sunday, 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Adult Choir open house is Tuesday, Sept. 21, 6 p.m., in the St. Cecilia Music Room behind the altar opposite the main sacristy of the church. Youth Choir first rehearsal open house is Tuesday, Oct. 5.
St. John the Baptist: Dinner dance is Friday, Sept. 24, at Bradford Country Club. Begins at 6:30 p.m. with cocktail hour, dinner at 7:30. Dancing, silent auction follow meal. Tickets on sale after weekend Masses.
First Presbyterian Church of Haverhill: Sunday worship at 10:30 a.m. Sunday School for children during worship service from September through May. Game Night is Sunday, Sept. 26, beginning at 5 p.m. Bring a game, favorite nutless finger food and enjoy a game of Scrabble, 45s, Cadoo, Bananagrams or a new favorite. Church wish list: plastic forks and spoons, letter-size envelopes, push mower. September food pantry items: Cereal, boxed breakfast items, oatmeal, syrup and toilet paper.
First Baptist Church, Newton, N.H.: Ladies Aid Ham and Bean supper, Saturday, Sept. 25, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Home-made potato salad, cole slaw and dessert also on menu. Price is $7 for adults, $3 for children under 11. Proceeds benefit church repairs. Call Christa for information at 603-382-5757. First Baptist Church is on Route 108.
St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church of the Merrimack Valley: Ladies Guild presents its annual Fall Fair on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 15 and 16, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Jaffarian Hall, 158 Main st., North Andover. Full menu buffet will be served. Eat-in or take-out. Also a country store, Armenian foods and pastries, gift items, wheel of fortune, white elephant table and hand-crafted gift items. No admission charge. All are invited. Information, call the church at 978-685-5038 or Rose Soghigian at 978-256-0594.
Clubs
Exchange Club of Haverhill: Exchange Club meets Thursdays at noon at Olivia's, 142 Essex St., Haverhill. The group's Christmas gathering is on Thursday, Dec. 17. Members who plan to attend should contact club President Karen Currier. The Exchange Club is an all-volunteer service club dedicated to the prevention of child abuse. Programs include Junior Police, Fire Prevention, Trees for Tots, Read Across America, Youth of the Year, ACE Award and the Book of Golden Deeds. Visit haverhillexchangeclub.com.
The Haverhill Marine Corps League, William Glynn Detachment: Meetings are in the basement of City Hall the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. Participants should enter on the side opposite the Elks Lodge. Call Richard Broadnax at 978-372-9441 or Gerard Boucher at 978-521-3982.
The Rotary club is a volunteer service club of business and professional leaders dedicated to serving the community through its motto: "Service Above Self," Haverhill Rotary meets every Thursday at 12:15 p.m. at Michael's Function Hall, Alpha Street, Haverhill. Rotarians participate in community service projects.
and distribute money each year to charities and nonprofit organizations. For information, visit www.haverhillrotary.com.
Haverhill Kiwanis Club: Club members support Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Unit of the Tufts/Floating Hospital/New England Medical Center, recognize graduates with scholarships; hold an annual dinner honoring the top 5 percent of Haverhill graduates and sponsor community meals, Rebuilding Together, Gazette Santa Fund, Salvation Army bell ringing, camperships, two high school key clubs, a middle school club and a builders club. The club meets at Haverhill Country Club Tuesdays at noon. For information, call 978-374-7178, visit www.haverkiwanis.org or e-mail kiwanian@comcast.net.
Pentucket Kiwanis Club: Chartered in 1973 by Haverhill Kiwanis Club, the group's purpose was to expand Kiwanis membership to a group that would meet in the evenings, rather than at lunchtime. The club is open to all men and women who desire to serve their communities on a local, national and international level. Internationally, Kiwanis is involved in eradicating iodine deficiencies through its IDD program. The Pentucket Club purchases and serves meals twice a year at the Citizens Center, services an Adopt-A-Park, enters the top fundraising team in the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life at Northern Essex Community College and runs the only sanctioned Soap Box Derby in Massachusetts, among many other events. For information, call President Ron Mailloux at 978-372-7255.
The Cultural Council: Haverhill arts organizations are encouraged to submit notices to www.ci.haverhill.ma.us, under "Human Services Department." Call 978-374-4500, ext. 31; or e-mail culturalcouncil@cityofhaverhill.com.
Barbershop singing group: Guest night Mondays from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at All Saints Church. For information, call Dick at 978-372-8231.
Friendly Persuasion Toastmasters: Toastmasters helps participants develop better speaking and presentation skills. The group meets every second and fourth Monday at the Public Library, 7 to 9 p.m. Meetings are free. For information, call 978-749-7078.
Haverhill's Adopt-A-Park Committee: Seeks members to increase public and civic improvements and beautification through park adoptions. For information, call 978-374-2356.
Business Network International, Haverhill chapter: Free networking breakfast is every Friday at 7 a.m. at the Haverhill Best Western. For information, call Dianne McDermott at 978-394-5166.
Greater Haverhill Guild for the Blind: Meetings take place Saturdays at various locations. Any person who is blind or partially blind is welcome to attend, including singles and couples. For information or for the location of meetings, call Marge Brewer at 978-373-5903.
Lorraine Post VFW 29 Building Association: Meeting is at 10 a.m. and post-meeting is at 10:30 a.m. on the last Sunday of the month.
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.
Haverhill Trails Committee: Volunteers are welcome. Since 1993, the all-volunteer organization has maintained the city's network of trails and conservation areas. Most maintenance is done in the spring and fall, lasts for a few hours and does not require any heavy lifting. Tools are provided. Attendance at all trail maintenance events is not required. To volunteer, contact the Haverhill Conservation Office at 978-374-2334 or e-mail: conservation@cityofhaverhill.com.
The Merrimack Valley Camera Club: Meetings are every Wednesday from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Trinitarian Church, North Andover. Visitors and new members are welcome. Formats include film and digital photography for beginners and experts. For information, visit www.mvcameraclub.org.SFlbTRIPS
White Mountains: White Mountain Hotel in North Conway, N.H., on Oct. 14 and 15. Sponsored by Council on Aging. One-night hotel, one breakfast, one lunch, and one dinner. Entertainment, aguided sight-seeing tour of Mount Washington Valley and the Notches, visit to Weston's Farm in Fryeburg, Maine, and admission and tour of the Castle in the Clouds. $275 per person, double occupancy. Information, call Kathy or Rita at 978-374-2390.
Balloon Festival: Haverhill Council on Aging and AAA will offer a trip to the Lake George Balloon Festival Sept. 24 to 26. For rates and details, call Kathy or Rita at 978-374-2390, ext. 11 or 16, or e-mail kbresnahan@cityofhaverhill.com.
Caribbean cruise: The Haverhill Council on Aging and AAA present a AAA Merrimack Valley Caribbean cruise, "Norwegian Epic," from Oct. 23 through Oct. 30. Itinerary includes St. Martin, St. Thomas and Nassau. Valid passport required. For rates and details, call 978-374-2390, ext. 11 or 16.
Hawaiian cruise: Haverhill Council on Aging and Best of Times are offering an 11-day, 10-night Hawaiian inter-island cruise from Nov. 4 through 14. For rates and details, call 978-374-2390, ext. 11 or 16.
Families
YMCA kindergarten registration: The Haverhill YMCA Kindergarten Enrichment Program is accepting registrations for the 2010-2011 school year. The program wraps around the traditional school day, allowing parents to drop their kids off at the YMCA before school and pick them up at the Y after school. The Y transports children to and from school at the appropriate times to all Haverhill public schools, St. Joseph's and Hill View Montessori schools. More information, contact Colette Farina at 978-374-0506, ext. 1617, or e-mail farinac@northshoreymca.org.
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.
Ways to Give
Walk for hospice: The 23rd annual Walk for Hospice of the North Shore will be Sunday, Oct. 24, at St. John's Preparatory School, 72 Spring St., Danvers. Registration starts at 8 a.m. and the walk begins at 9 a.m., rain or shine. People of all ages are welcome to participate and encouraged to form walking teams in memory or in honor of a loved one. More information, call the Walk Office at 978-223-9787 or visit hns.org/walk.
Children's clothing needed: Ruth's House has a dire need for infants' clothing, especially infants to 24 months, boys and girls summer clothing, all sizes. Drop donations at 30 Lafayette Square Thursdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., 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, CDs, DVDs and audio books. Donations may be dropped off in the gray container in the back parking lot of the church, 10 Church St., Bradford. No encyclopedias, magazines, newspapers or catalogs, please. 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 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.
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 as 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 pickup, and tax deductible. For more information, call 888-613-2777.
Haverhill YMCA
Pre/postnatal 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 one through four 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 are included with registration.
Saturday Y-Night is from 6-9 p.m. for children in grades five through eight 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 northshoreymca.org.
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 northshoreymca.org.
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 haverhillpl.org.
ETC.
Dog licences available: 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.
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.
Volunteer opportunities
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge: 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. 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.
Read to children: The Merrimack Valley Jewish Coalition for Literacy is beginning its eighth year of helping local schoolchildren improve their reading skills. Volunteers are asked to spend one hour per week working one-on-one with a child and help them become a better reader. Free training will be provided. For more information about Contact Sherry Comerchero 978-374-3151.
Free tax help: Community Action Inc., which serves Haverhill and other communities in the Merrimack Valley, is seeking volunteers to help low-income taxpayers prepare and E-file their state and federal tax returns. Training to become an IRS-certified volunteer can be done online with additional training to be provided by CAI. Training is scheduled for mid-December through mid-January. Tax preparation begins mid-January and extends through mid-April. Please contact Marilyn Luther at 978-373-1971, ext. 285 or Marge Hooper at 978-373-1971, ext. 227.
Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley: Volunteers are needed to be companions, shoppers or medical advocates who drive elders in Greater Haverhill to medical appointments throughout the Merrimack Valley and to Boston. Volunteers receive two hours of training, support and mileage reimbursement. Training is offered at Elder Services, which is located at 360 Merrimack St., Building 5, Lawrence. For more information about dates and times of trainings, call Gerry Proulx at 978-946-1445.
Volunteers needed to drive cancer patients: The American Cancer Society is in great need of Road to Recovery volunteers to drive local cancer patients to and from their chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments. Drivers use their own vehicles to take patients. The schedule for volunteers is flexible. Call 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.
VNA Care Network and Hospice: Provide practical and emotional support to terminally ill patients and their families in the Merrimack Valley. Volunteers receive training, supervision and support. For more information, call Nancy Barcelo, volunteer coordinator, at 1-888-663-3688, ext. 4271 or visit www.vnacarenetwork.org.
Haverhill Trails Committee: Help maintain Haverhill's network of trails and conservation areas. Most trail maintenance is done in the spring and fall, lasts for a few hours and usually does not require any heavy lifting. Tools are provided and attendance at all trail maintenance events is not required. To volunteer, contact the Haverhill Conservation Office at 978-374-2334 or conservation@cityofhaverhill.com.
Department of Children and Families: Urgent need for volunteers to help children in state-sponsored foster care. Volunteers are needed in the Haverhill area to review abuse and neglect cases. Case reviewers need to be 18 or older, participate in a training session and commit to reviewing at least one case per month over a one-year period. For an application or more information, call Kim Sheppard, volunteer coordinator, at 617-748-2294.
Ruth's House: A nonprofit, nondenominational thrift store at 30 Lafayette Square, needs volunteers to donate as few or as many hours as possible. For more information, call 978-521-5575.
Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society: Volunteers are needed in the adoption center, during Sunday Spay Days, as adoption counselors, donation can collector, to foster a cat in your home, to trap feral cats in your area. For more information or to fill out a volunteer application, visit www.mrfrs.org or call 978-462-0760.
The SHINE Program: Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley is looking for volunteers to become certified SHINE counselors to provide no-cost health care information, assistance and counseling to Medicare beneficiaries of all ages. Individuals must complete a 50-hour certification program that prepares them to communicate information during counseling sessions. Three- to four-hour-a-week commitment required. Call 800-892-0890.
