The MVRTA will not be in service on Monday, February 21, for the Presidents day holiday.
Churches
Weekly prayer group: First Presbyterian Church, Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Signup sheet posted in church. 346 Broadway, Haverhill.
Crafters Sought: Riverside Memorial Church, 278 Groveland St., will hold its second annual Craft Fair April 2 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Event organizers are seeking crafters to participate in this event. The fee is $30 for an 8-foot by 8-foot table, with chairs included. All proceeds support Riverside Memorial missions fund. For more information please contact Renee Andrews at 617-455-2792 or by e-mail to ms.renee1969@yahoo.com. Space is limited so please call early.
The Ladies Philoptochos Society Elpis: The Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church, located at 154 Winter St., is hosting an antique appraisal event called "What's It Worth?" featuring Karen Keane, CEO of Skinner, Inc. on March 3 from 7 to 9 p.m. Admission is $20 and includes the appraisal of one item. The cost is $10 for spectators. Coins, stamps, jewelry and musical instruments will not be appraised at the event. For more information, call Valerie Gounaris at 978-373-7323 or Marita Karampalas at 978-374-8482.
Families and kids
Model Train Show: The 15th annual Haverhill Train Show will be held March 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Haverhill High School, 137 Monument St. Ten operating train displays will be featured. Proceeds benefit the high school's band. The show will also include dealers in toy and model train supplies. Admission is $4 for ages 12 and over, $1 for ages 5-12 and free to younger children. For more information, contact John Muise at 978-373-0704, after 7 p.m.
Riverside-Bradford baseball league: Registration for the 2011 season available online at rbbaseball.org.
Senior baseball league: Registration Feb. 12 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., at Haverhill Public Library. Visit haverhillseniorbaseball.com or call Larry O'Brien, 978-373-6982.
Montessori charter school open house: Hill View Montessori Public Charter School, 75 Foundation Ave., Ward Hill. Parent information session on March 5 at 10 a.m. Public lottery for seats is March 9. Serves kindergarten through grade 8. Information, Jonnie Lyn Evans, 978-521-2616, ext. 122.
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).
Family and Community Connection
These are February events for Family and Community Connection in Haverhill.
Part of Community Action, FCC serves families with children up to the age of 8 in Greater Haverhill and Newburyport.
Its goal is to help parents access resources and support they need to be become the best parents they can be. FCC's programs, events and services are child-centered and encourage family fun and interaction to support each child's academic, social, emotional development.
For more information about any activities or to register, contact Marion Rizzo at 978-374-2198 or mrizzo@communityactioninc.org. All activities take place at First Presbyterian Church (side entrance), 346 Broadway in Haverhill, unless otherwise noted.
Afternoon Playgroup, Wednesdays, through Feb. 23, Noon to 1:30 p.m.: Ages newborn to 8. Free play, art and gross motor activities. FCC staff will set up activities to encourage children's exploration. Parents are expected to stay in the room to supervise their children, but are encouraged to mingle with other parents. Registration is required.
Baby Playtime, Monday, Feb. 28, 10 to 11 a.m.: Ages to 1 year. A fun-filled hour of play. Talk with other parents of young children. Registration is required.
Haverhill Public Library activities for children
Lapsit: For children up to 24 months, Tuesdays and Wednesdays through Feb. 23, 9:30 a.m.
Preschool Storytime: For kids ages 2 through 5, Monday mornings at 10 and Tuesday afternoons at 1:15 through February, except Feb. 21 and 22 due to school vacation and Presidents Day. Stories, songs, games and crafts. No registration necessary.
Art Exploration: For all ages. Thursdays at 10 a.m. and Friday afternoons at 1:15. Activity does not meet during week of Feb. 21.
Lego Day, for children in Kindergarten and up, is Tuesday, Feb. 22 starting at 2 p.m.
American Girl Doll Tea Party for grades 3-5 is Wednesday, Feb. 23 at 3 p.m. Please sign up online at www.haverhillpl.org, or by calling 978-373-1586, ext. 626.
Martin Luther King activities for children in Kindergarten are Feb. 24 at 10 a.m., including a showing of the short video "Martin's Big Words" and other activities focusing on the impact Dr. King had on our world.
Reader's Theater for kids in grades 3 and up is Feb. 25, beginning at 10 a.m. Play until noon, then take a lunch break. If you bring a brown bag lunch, we can eat together. Children will perform a play at at 12:30 p.m. Please register at www.haverhillpl.org, or call 978-373-1586, ext. 626.
Haverhill YMCA
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.
Local activities
Performance skills workshop: Entertainer Don White will lead a class for accomplished or novice performers on Saturday, Feb. 19, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Universalist Unitarian Church in Haverhill. Learn the importance of body language, timing, facial expressions, and vocal inflection. Cost for the 2-hour workshop is $30. To register, contact Don at don@donwhite.net or 781-595-5269. Or send check (payable to Don White) and contact information to "New Moon Coffeehouse" c/o U/U Church, 16 Ashland St., Haverhill, MA 01830.
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.
Medical "Meet the Expert" seminar: Dr. Nadeem Afridi, a cardiologist with Clipper Cardiovascular Associates, will lead a "Meet the Expert" seminar titled "Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Heart Disease" Feb. 22 from 6 to 7 p.m. in Merrimack Valley Hospital's first floor auditorium, 140 Lincoln Ave. Free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. Registration is required. For more information or to register call Jean at 978-420-1168 or jean.macdougall-tattan@merrimackvalleyhospital.com.
Black History Month observance: Calvary Baptist Church and the John Greenleaf Whittier Birthplace collaborate on Anne Broyles' "Priscilla and the Hollyhocks," a special musical presentation by fiddler Marie Rawlings and the Youth of Calvary Baptist Church, directed by Joseph Devoe. Admission is free to the performance at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 19, at the Calvary Baptist Church, 13 Ashland St., Haverhill. Snow date is Monday, Feb. 21.
Snowshoe outing: Sunday, Feb. 20, 1 to 3 p.m. at Camp Denison Conservation Area, 84 Nelson St., Georgetown. Led by seasoned outdoorsmen, sponsored by the Essex National Heritage Commission. Registration and payment required by Feb. 18. $5 members; $7 others. Call 978-740-0444 or visit EssexHeritage.org. Participants must bring their own snowshoes and poles, wear sturdy footwear and dress appropriately for the weather. Rain date is Feb. 27.
Merrimack Valley YMCA auction: Branch serves Lawrence area. Raffle and auction items sought for event on Saturday, March 26, at DiBurro's of Ward Hill. Proceeds benefit Reach Out for Youth and Families campaign. Tickets are $100 per person, including dinner. Tables of 10 are $1,000.
Singing lessons: Free to men 16 and older, by Merrimack Valley Townsmen Acapella Chorus. Mondays, through March 7. Local coaches available to work individually or in small groups. All Saints Church, 199 Blaisdell St., Mondays from 7:30 to 9:30.
Open house Yoga: The Yoga Tree will celebrate its six-month anniversary with an open house Feb. 12. Free yoga classes will be offered throughout the day. An evening class features live music by Boston singer and guitarist Erica Magro. This event is free and open to the public and will offer classes ranging from gentle and restorative yoga to more rigorous vinyasa flow yoga. Classes are at 7:30 and 9:30 a.m., 1 and 6 p.m., and are offered on a first-come first-served basis. Space is limited and can be reserved by visiting www.theyogatreestudio.com.
Cancer fundraiser: The 9 Free Kick Cancer celebration will take place on Thursday, Feb. 24, from 6 p.m. to midnight at JP McBride's in Lafayette Square. Business sponsors are welcome. This is the fourth annual celebration for Tara Ryan Byrne of Bradford, who began the fundraiser to celebrate her fifth year cancer-free, a milestone for those recovering from the disease. This year, Byrne is hoping to raise enough to pass the $100,000 mark in donations over the past four years. Information is available by e-mailing Carma Rorke at carmarorke@yahoo.com.
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.
Hospital lunch, speaker series: Peter Frye, rehabilitation specialty director for Amedisys Home Health Care, will talk about preventing falls at a March 1 lunch for local seniors at 1 p.m. in the Merrimack Valley Hospital auditorium. The cost for the meal and program is $5. Menu includes corned beef and cabbage, potatoes, baby carrots, salad, dinner roll, dessert, tea and coffee. To register, call Kathy at 978-521-8140. Merrimack Valley Hospital is at 140 Lincoln Ave.
Softball league sign-ups: Dirt the Skirt Softball, a recreational league for women 30 and over, is gearing up for its third season with open online registrations at dtssports.com or in person at Groveland Town Hall on Feb. 19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The registration fee is $75.
Computing skills for the elderly:
The Learn About computers Everyday (LACE) program of Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley Inc. is offering a variety of computer workshops in March and April at 360 Merrimack St., Lawrence. Classes are based on the Windows Vista operating system. Workshops include, buying a digital camera, maintaining your computer, computers for the terrified, gizmos explained, should we be afraid of Facebook, Internet bargain shopping, using Kodak Easy Share gallery, be a virtual travel agent, Windows Vista answers, buying a computer, where's my stuff, exploring Picassa, Skype, the World Wide Web, understanding e-mail and burning CDs. Classes run from March 8 through April 15. Morning workshops are 9 to 11 a.m. and afternoon workshops are 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Cost is $15 for a one-day workshop and $30 for a two-day workshop.
Advanced registration is required by March 2. For more information call 800-892-0890, ext. 1516 and leave a message or e-mail lace1050@yahoo.com. Visit online at http://elderservices.tripod.com.
Council on Aging
Community Action Inc. is offering a $1,000 Goldman Scholarship to an area resident who is enrolled in a full-time college or other post secondary program. College students from Haverhill, Amesbury, Newburyport, Salisbury, Groveland, Georgetown, Boxford, Rowley, Newbury, West Newbury and Merrimac are eligible. Applications are available at Community Action's main office, 145 Essex St., Haverhill. Completed applications are due by March 4. Applications are also available online at www.communityactioninc.org. For more information is available from Marge Hooper at 978-373-1971.
Chess Exhibition: Trip to the Hamilton-Wenham Public Library for a Chess Simultaneous Exhibition. Master chess player Lou Mercuri will play 30 people at once. Saturday, March 5, 1 to 3 p.m. Registration is required. Call 978-374-2390.
Shoveling Help: Seniors who need assistance with snow shoveling should contact Director Brian Thierrien at the Haverhill Boys and Girls Club, 978-374-6171 after 2:30 for details.
Lunch menus, Feb. 21 through 25
Monday: Holiday; no meal served
Tuesday: Baked chicken, whipped potato and chives, peas and carrots, apricots, oatmeal bread
Wednesday: Krunch Lite fish, red bliss whipped potatoes, broccoli and cauliflower, fruit yogurt, dark rye bread
Thursday:Roast turkey and gravy with cranberry sauce, herb whipped potatoes, French style green beans, peaches, dinner roll
Friday: Sweet and sour meatballs, white rice, mixed vegetables, fresh orange, Italian bread
Lunch menus, Feb. 28 through March 4
Monday: Low-sodium hotdog with roll, mustard and relish, New England baked beans, cole slaw, Arctic ice or diet ice cream
Tuesday: Cheese lasagna with marinara sauce and parmesan cheese, green beans, applesauce, breadstick
Wednesday: Chicken breast fillet, whipped potato and chives, zucchini and stewed tomatoes, cranberry sauce, apricots, multigrain bread
Thursday - American Southwest lunch: Southwest chili bake, corn, lowfat sour cream, tossed salad with dressing, corn chips, orange, whole-wheat bread
Friday: Florentine-baked fish, dirty rice, California blend vegetables, fig bar, light rye bread
These day trips are scheduled
Feb. 22: Madi Gras Day at Lantana with Henri Smith, $68 including transportation.
April 8: Yakov Smirnoff at Foxwoods Theater, $59 per person.
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
March 24-27: Washington, D.C. for Cherry Blossom Time, $595 per person.
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
March 17-25, 2012: Tropical Costa Rica.
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.
Memorial blood drive: Precious Angels Memorial Drive and Marrow Donor Registration, sponsored by the American Red Cross, is in memory of local children, including Diamond Tincher, who lost her battle with cancer in March 2009. Drive is Saturday, Feb. 26, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lowell Elks Lodge, 40 Old Ferry Road, Lowell. Sign up by calling 1-800-REDCROSS or at RedCrossBlood.org, sponsor code 8297. Appointments are recommended.
Cancer fundraiser: The 9 Free Kick Cancer celebration will take place on Thursday, Feb. 24, from 6 p.m. to midnight at JP McBride's in Lafayette Square. Business sponsors are welcome. This is the fourth annual celebration for Tara Ryan Byrne of Bradford, who began the fundraiser to celebrate her fifth year cancer-free, a milestone for those recovering from the disease. This year, Byrne is hoping to raise enough to pass the $100,000 mark in donations over the past four years. Information is available by e-mailing Carma Rorke at carmarorke@yahoo.com.
Ruth's House: Greatest need: men's winter coats and jeans in all sizes; children's clothing, including tops and jeans, in sizes 4 through 18. Donations can be dropped off on 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. Closed Sunday and Monday. 111 Lafayette Square, Haverhill. For more information, call 978-521-5575.
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).
Grief workshops: Beacon Hospice offers bereavement support groups in Newburyport, Methuen and Dracut. Eight-week support group to help with loss of a loved one meets Jan. 27 to March 10 at Anna Jaques Hospital, 25 Highland Ave., Newburyport, 6 to 7:30 p.m. An eight-week group for those who have lost a spouse meets at St. Monica's Parish, 112 Lawrence St., Methuen, from Feb. 9 to March 30, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Six-week support group meets at Dracut Council on Aging. Contact Lu Bonnano, 978-372-4211 for more information or to register for any of these groups.
Healing retreat: For children and families on Saturday, Jan. 29, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. John's Preparatory School, 72 Spring St., Danvers. Run by the Bertolon Grief and Healing Center, a program of the Hospice of the North Shore. Children will meet others who have experienced a loss, share stories and enjoy activities. Adults will have a chance to talk with other grieving parents. Space is limited and registration of $20 per family is required by Jan. 21. Call 978-774-5100 or e-mail grief@hns.org.
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 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.
