Churches
Weekly prayer group: First Presbyterian Church, Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Signup sheet posted in church. 346 Broadway, Haverhill.
Dinner at All Saints: All Saints Parish in Haverhill will host a roast pork dinner March 19 after the 4 p.m. Mass at All Saints Church. Tickets, at the door, are $7 for adults and $3 for children under 12.
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. 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 contact Renee Andrews at 617-455-2792 or e-mail ms.renee1969@yahoo.com. Space is limited.
Families and kids
The Exchange Club of Haverhill: will hold its 10th annual St. Patrick's Day charity breakfast to support the prevention of child abuse March 17 from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at DiBurro's function hall in Ward Hill.
Entertainment includes music by The Square Riggers, food, raffle prizes, Irish blarney and light-hearted comedy. Tickets are a $25 donation. Tables of 10 are $250. All proceeds will be directed to programming for the prevention of child abuse. The Exchange Club of Haverhill's mission is to combat this national problem and to ensure the safety and well being of children in their community. For more information or to obtain tickets contact Rick Barry at 978-372-9311.
Riverside-Bradford baseball league: Registration for the 2011 season available online at rbbaseball.org.
Senior baseball league: Visit haverhillseniorbaseball.com or call Larry O'Brien, 978-373-6982.
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.
YWCA tribute to women: The Haverhill YWCA will hold its 22nd annual Tribute to Women luncheon May 18 at DiBurro's in Ward Hill. Nominations will be accepted until March 18. Nomination packets are available at the YWCA, 107 Winter St. All of this year's nominees will be honored at the luncheon. The public is invited to attend. Information and reservations are available by contacting the YWCA at 978-374-6121.
YMCA for All: The Haverhill YMCA will hold its "Y For All" annual campaign kick off breakfast March 23 at 8 a.m. at the Haverhill Country Club, 58 Brickett Lane. Attendees will learn about the important work the YMCA is doing in your community. Co-chairs of this event are Mary O'Neil and Terry Beaton. Honorary chairman is State Rep. Brian Dempsey. This event is sponsored by Pentucket Bank, Haverhill Bank, and Cedar's Foods.
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).
Preschool at the 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.
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
Class reunion: Haverhill High School Class of 1966 will reunite on Saturday, April 30 at DiBurro's in Bradford. Meal choices are roast beef or chicken divan. Music will be provided by A Good Time's DJ George Whitehouse. Tickets are $66 per person. For more information or tickets, contact Kathy O'Shea Bresnahan at kbresnahan@cityofhaverhill.com or 978-374-2390 ext. 11.
You kids think you can dance?: If you think you have all the right moves then the Laurie Chase KidsFEST wants you to put on your dancing shoes. This year's celebration will feature a new "Haverhill, You Think You Can Dance Showcase." The competition is open to individuals and groups (four members or less) in grades 2-12. Auditions are April 2 from 9 a.m. to noon at Haverhill Community Television, 60 Elm St. The competition has two age groups: Junior Showcase, grades 2-6, and Senior Showcase, grades 7-12. At the auditions you will be asked to dance to one song with music. Finalists will be notified by phone and will perform at KidsFEST on May 1 in downtown Haverhill. For more information call 978-373-5663 or visit www.haverhillchamber.com.
See the Sox and Washington D.C.: The Recreation Department and Council on Aging are planning a trip to Washington D.C. and Camden Yards on April 26 to see the Red Sox play the Baltimore Orioles. The games is at 7:30 p.m. The bus departs April 26 at 7 a.m. and returns in the early evening of April 28. The trip includes a day of sightseeing in Washington, D.C., and includes visits to war memorials, the FDR Memorial, the Smithsonian museums and an illuminated tour of the Presidential monuments. Deluxe hotel accommodations include two breakfast buffets. Transportation is by luxury motor coach. Additional meals are on your own. Cost is $279 per person, double occupancy; $269 for triple occupancy and $379 for single occupancy. Children in room with adults are $229. For reservations or more information contact Kathy Bresnahan or Rita LaBella at 978-374-2390 or kbresnahan@cityofhaverhill.com.
Comedy Night: Come celebrate St. Patrick's day with an evening of laughs at Amvets Post 147, 576 Primrose St., and support Merrimack Valley Militia Baseball. Evening festivites include skits from four local comics, silent auctions and more. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $30 per person or $50 per couple.
Talented people wanted: The Haverhill Cultural Council will hold auditions for musicians, actors, street and circus performers and others interested in participating in "Make Some Noise," a 16-week series of performance events that will take place in Haverhill's downtown public spaces from July to October. Make Some Noise is a pilot program to connect and engage residents and visitors to the downtown's emergent social scene. The Haverhill Cultural Council encourages participation in this project from Greater Haverhill's diverse population of cultures, abilities and ages. Auditions are March 24 from 5 to 7:45 p.m., and March 26 from 11 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Performers should prepare a three to five minute audition piece and bring a resume. Performers will receive a fee for a two-hour performance. Performers must be 18 years of age or older. To reserve an audition slot e-mail culturalcouncil@cityofhaverhill.com.
AmVets Ladies Auxiliary to meet: AmVets Ladies Auxiliary will meet April 12 at 7:30 p.m. at Post Quarters, 576 Primrose St., Haverhill. This meeting will consist of final nominations and election of officers for the 2011-2012 season. President Alice Cyr will conduct the elections and announce upcoming events of the Auxiliary. She will also announce the delegates to the Annual Convention, to be held in Sturbridge from June 8 to June 12. All members are requested to attend this very important meeting.
Author to sign books: The North Andover Historical Society, 153 Academy Road, will host a book singing with local author and long-time Edgewood Farm resident Susan Walsh on March 16 at 7 p.m. Copies of Walsh's new book, "Edgewood: An Old Farm in the New Millennium" will be available for $25 each. Historical society members receive a 10 percent discount. Walsh's book is published by Pear Tree Publishing in Bradford. Visit online at www.northandoverhistoricalsociety.org.
NECC Outstanding Alumni: Northern Essex Community College is accepting nominations until April 11 for its annual Outstanding Alumni Award. Established by NECC's Alumni Association, the award recognizes and honors an alum of the college who has achieved success in his/her career, is active in the community, and/or has given something back to NECC as a volunteer and/or financial donor. Nominations are welcome from all members of the college community, other alumni, friends of the college and from any resident of the Merrimack Valley. The award will be presented during commencement exercises on May 21.
Nomination forms are available from Libby Jensen at ljensen@necc.mass.edu or at 978-556-3621. Forms are also available online at www.necc.mass.edu/alumnifriends/alumni/outstanding-alumni.
Women's City Club to meet: The Women's City Club of Haverhill will meet March 15 at the Brookridge Community Church, 232 Main St., in Fellowship Hall. Coffee hour begins at 1:30 p.m., followed by the business meeting at 2 p.m. The program of entertainment begins at 2:15 p.m. and features Greg Curtis. He will perform a variety of popular songs, including Broadway standards and patriotic songs.
Craft fair fundraiser: A spring craft fair to benefit Children's Hospital Dartmouth will be held April 9 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the American Legion, 1314 Main St., Haverhill. Vendor tables are $25 each and donations for table space will benefit the hospital. To reserve a space or if you would like to donate a craft item call Cheri at 603-556-3049. This event is sponsored by Walmart in Plaistow, N.H.
Wei Chi shop events: Introduction to wei chi healing, March 2, 6:30 to 9 p.m., $15, walk-ins welcome. For more information and to register, call 978-702-4929 or e-mail weichiuniversity@gmail.com. 57 Wingate St., Haverhill.
Boating safety classes: The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Division 3 of Newburyport offers a boating safety course at the station on the Merrimack River 65b Water St., Newburyport. Classes began Tuesday, March 8, from 6:45 to 9 p.m. and run for five consecutive weeks. For more information or to register, contact Joe Amore Flotilla's 38 public information officer, 978-609-0060 or e-mail to safeboat@comcast.net. Or, you may contact John O'Connell during the day at 978-465-2216 and evenings at 978-462-6083.
Better living through sleep: Northern Essex Community College's will celebrate Sleep Awareness Week, Wednesday, March 23 from 11a.m. to 2p.m. in Lecture Hall A of the Spurk building on the college's Haverhill campus, 100 Elliott St.
Free and open to the public, the event aims to educate the public on the importance of sleep health, common sleep disorders, and the consequences of poor sleep. During the event there will be a live set up of a sleep study demonstrating what happens during a sleep test. Participants will also have the opportunity to have a free sleep screening and enter to win a raffle for a $250 gift certificate for Jordan's Furniture with a 'relaxation' gift basket. Two representatives from AAA will also be presenting the dangers and prevention of "Drowsy Driving."
Spring Fling Auction: Career Resources Corporation will host their 2011 Spring Fling Auction on Friday, March 25 at 6 p.m. at the Atkinson Country Club in Atkinson. Reservations for the auctions are $30 per person and can be purchased at crc-mass.org. All proceeds will benefit CRC and its mission to assist those with disabilities throughout Haverhill. Prizes this year include a trip to Africa, Red Sox tickets, Disney World family packages and more.
Fun Run: St. Joseph School of All Saints Parish will hold a 5K Fun Run & Walk June 4 at 8:30 a.m. Starting line is at the school, 56 Oak Terrace. Prizes will be awarded in various categories. The first 250 to register get free T-shirts. Entry fee for ages 15 and over is $25 by May 26, and $30 afterwards. Runners/walkers ages 14 and under pay $10 by May 26, and $15 for late registration. Register online at www.sjshav.com or download a mail-in registration form. This event includes a free breakfast for all runners and walkers and a spring festival with music, games and other family activities. Proceeds support the school's PTO playground project, HOPE (Help Our Playground Evolve). For more information contact the school at 978-521-4256.
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.
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.
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.
Class of 1956 reunion: The Haverhill High and Haverhill Trade School Class of 1956 will hold a dinner dance Sept. 23 and a brunch on Sept. 24 at the Haverhill Country Club. For more information contact contact Shirley Esty at 978-372-1871 or Mary Buswell at mjbwell@comcast.net.
Scholarship available: 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.
Computing skills for the elderly: The Learn About computers Everyday 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. Classes run now 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
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.
These day trips are scheduled
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: Ruth's House, a nonprofit thrift store located at 111 Lafayette Square is in need of donations of spring clothing for children and adults. Winter clothing is not being accepted at this time. Also needed are donations of dishes, pots, pans, flatware and curtains. You may also drop off donations for the Sacred Hearts food pantry. All donations are tax deductible and donors will be issued receipts for their gifts. Donations may be dropped off 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 noon. The store is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday. For more information call 978-521-5575 or visit online at www.ruthshouse.org.
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.
