Community Spotlight

Artist Displays ‘Everyday Art’ at Innovation Hub Through June

By |

The paintings of Charlie Gagnon, a member of the Greater Haverhill Art Association, are on display now through June in downtown Haverhill’s Innovation Hub. His colorful work, described as everyday art, covers a range of subject matter. Gagnon, a retiree, said the opportunity to explore art in his retirement has been one of his greatest joys. See Gagnon’s unique view of the world at the UMass Lowell Innovation Hub’s third-floor Art Niche, at Harbor Place, 2 Merrimack St., Haverhill. It is open during regular iHub hours, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Community Spotlight

Haverhill Veteran to Sign Copies of World War II-Era Memoir, ‘The Color of the Band’

By |

Walter D. Medley Jr., a 94-year-old Haverhill native, will return to his hometown to sign copies of his memoir, “The Color of the Band: A Soldier Triumphs in Love and Overcomes Hate in Occupied Germany and Beyond.”

A World War II veteran, Medley worked with author Yvonne J. Medley (no relation, that they know of) to write his own story of American history – one that many Americans may not know. He wrote about the role that all-Black Army Bands and Honor Guard played to help win a second term for President Harry S. Truman, as well as to win support to desegregate the military. His is a story of a Black soldier’s navigation of Jim Crow racism in both the military and in American society. And it is the tender story of love, faith, and perseverance of a New England African American family that can trace its roots from slavery to the present day. The other story-telling thread is a personal one.

Region

Methuen Senior Center Celebrates 40 Years of Service with Party

By |

The 40th anniversary party for Methuen’s Senior Activity Center will be an evening of reflection, celebration and anticipation, according to Mayor Neil Perry. The event observing this milestone includes center tours, staff recognition, and tasty foods. The party takes place on Friday, June 14, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the center, 77 Lowell St. Tickets will go on sale on Monday, June 3, and are $10 each. Purchase is in-person at the center, first-come, first-served.

Community Spotlight

Haverhill Art Walk June 8 Supports City’s Creative Endeavors

By |

Haverhill Art Walk returns to the downtown Riverfront Cultural District, highlighting underutilized spaces and local businesses with an alleyway art market, live music and exhibitions. To close out the day of all things art, a “Brush & Booze Bar Hop,” hosted by the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce, features participating restaurants hosting artist-themed cocktails and an Art Supplies Drive to benefit the Academy of Creative Arts at Trinity. Programming will take place throughout downtown Haverhill on Saturday, June 8, between 2 and 8 p.m. There’s a color-coded map showing the locations of all activities at creativehaverhill.org. Family-friendly programming at Columbus Park runs from 2 to 5 p.m. includes screen printing with The Shirt Factory, Art with the Boys and Girls Club, hula hooping, Drag Queen Story Hour, and live music with Fake Leather Jacket. The neighboring alleyways come alive with the Alleyway Art Market with acoustic music by Blakat, Fatma 2.0, and Dmitri Hunt.

Community Spotlight

Haverhill’s Whittier Birthplace Celebrates Cultural Arts Day June 1 on the Freeman Trail

By |

Poets, musicians and visual artists will be among those celebrating cultural arts outside the Haverhill birthplace of poet, newspaper editor and abolitionist John Greenleaf Whittier. At each of 13 stops along the half-mile loop of the Freeman Memorial Trail that sweeps around the house and into the woods, artists will practice or display their unique talents in a festival of art and culture. The celebration takes place on Saturday, June 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Whittier’s Birthplace is at 305 Whittier Road, just off Amesbury Road (Route 110) in Haverhill. Participants are advised that sneakers or other sensible walking shoes and some bug spray will increase their enjoyment of the event. This activity receives financial support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Community Spotlight

Buttonwoods Hosts Second Half of American Revolution Lectures

By |

It’s been 249 years since the opening battles of the American Revolution. At Haverhill’s Buttonwoods Museum, a lecture series is examining the war that created our nation, and the patriotic narratives that have continued into modern times. “Written by the Victors: Remembering the American Revolution” unravels some of the myths and misconceptions that have been passed down through the centuries. Last month, Buttonwoods Museum Educator Antoine Trombino-Aponte introduced the first half of the lecture series. Now, the series ends with a breakdown on the war effort that won America its independence.

Community Spotlight

Haverhill Public Library Hosts Chair Yoga Class

By |

You know you should get some exercise, but you’re out of practice or have difficulty with balance or stamina. Chair yoga is an alternative that delivers benefits and can be a move toward a more active lifestyle. The Haverhill Public Library, at 99 Main St., offers regular chair yoga sessions. It is a choice for older adults who can’t move around like they used to. It can help build strength, improve flexibility, strengthen muscles, reduce the risk of falls, relieve stress, and boost energy.