WHAV (https://whav.net/category/communityspotlight/)
Friends of the Plaistow Library hosts its annual craft fair this Saturday. The event features up to 40 crafters, food trucks, a petting zoo and raffle items donated by crafters and vendors. Attendees may shop and enjoy entertainment
It takes place Saturday, Sept. 14, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., on the library grounds at 85 Main St., Plaistow, N.H.
Haverhill’s Common Ground is offering a free admission and dinner, but inviting sponsors and donations, during its upcoming annual fundraiser. Common Ground Ministries serves meals, offers access to showers five days a week and provides a safe environment and companionship on a daily basis from its 194 Winter St. building. It also takes part in monthly food distribution. During the year ahead, the organization says it seeks to extend existing services and expand them to include educational resources, job resources and care for those in need of emotional support.
Those confused about Medicare or considering enrollment might find help from SHINE—“Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone,” during an informational session offered by the Haverhill Public Library. An informational session takes place Wednesday, Sept. 4, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., at the Haverhill Public Library, 99 Main St., Haverhill. The presentation explains the structure of Medicare, when to enroll, cost-savings programs and helpful tips to choose suitable plan, lifestyle and Medicare insurance needs.
The Haverhill Kiwanis Club is having a free Family Bowling afternoon. Two free strings of bowling per person, up to 30 minutes, is allowed; each group must have an adult with them; and bowling shoes are required, but free rentals are available, if needed. Food and soft drinks are included
Donations are accepted to benefit Haverhill Kiwanis charities and business sponsorships are also available. Family Bowling takes place Sunday, Sept. 15, from 4 -6 p.m., at Academy Lanes, 725 S. Main St., Haverhill.
Merrimac author Jean MacDougall-Tattan has released her second novel, “Because of Biz,” and plans a September celebration at a North Andover bookstore. The novel is the sequel to “Biz’s Journey Home,” which she released last year. Both novels, which take place in rural northeastern Massachusetts, are about love, loss, grief, spirituality, resiliency and how the strong bond between humans and horses can heal. “It takes love, kindness, the building blocks of trust, to foster the partnership that leads to the true magic of horse ownership,” said MacDougall-Tattan, an Andover native. “I use the term ‘horse ownership’ loosely because I don’t believe we ever really own another living thing—but they are in our care and how we care for them is what makes all the difference.”
MacDougall-Tattan celebrates the release Saturday, Sept.
A Pet Supply Drive to benefit animals sheltered by Haverhill Animal Control is taking place through the first week of September. Items requested include unopened bags of food, wet and dry, for all kinds of animals; new and used clean beds; new and used clean towels, sheets, blankets, pillows and pillow cases; training pads; cat litter and litter boxes; and cat and dog toys. They may be dropped off Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at James Page Insurance, Bank of America building, 191 Merrimack St., suite 306, Haverhill. There will be a box outside the office for those making earlier drops. James Page Insurance will match donations up to $250.
The second year of the art exhibition, “Más Fuertes Unidos,” which means Stronger United, takes place as a pop-up show during the Haverhill Art Walk in September. “Más Fuertes Unidos” is the brainchild of Melanie Palacios, a recent Haverhill High School graduate and now a freshman at the University of Miami. For this year’s exhibition, Palacios is inviting submissions from artists, ranging from high school students to adults, with Latinx cultural backgrounds and art mediums encouraged. Submissions will be accepted until Thursday, Sept. 12 at 11:59 p.m.
Organizers say this year’s exhibition aims to further enrich the community’s appreciation of cultural diversity through the power of art.
The Haverhill Council on Aging is inviting crafters to participate in its annual Holiday Craft Fair. This festive event celebrates community creativity and provides a platform for artisans to showcase their handmade goods. The Holiday Craft Fair will be held on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 9 a.m.-noon, at the Haverhill Citizen Center, 10 Welcome St. Craftspeople interested in showcasing their work are encouraged to sign up.
All eyes will be on Gretchen Arntz, recently retired from Haverhill’s Emmaus, when the Rotary Club of Haverhill conducts its Third Annual Roast & Toast Fundraiser. Roast & Toast, benefitting local Rotary charities, offers a night of entertainment, including cheers and playful jabs at Arntz and a comedy video by HC Media. Organizers say the event “offers a unique opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate Gretchen’s contributions while supporting a great cause.”
It takes place on Thursday, Sept. 26, beginning at 5:30 p.m., at the Bradford Country Club, 201 Chadwick Road, Haverhill. Tickets are $100 each or $800 for a full table of eight and may be purchased online at givebutter.com/rotaryroast2024.
