Community Spotlight

Haverhill Yoga Studio Hosts Makers Market Saturday with Gifts for Mom

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Wellness Hot Yoga will host a fundraiser for Emmaus House in which shoppers can find handmade items to give as Mothers Day gifts. The yoga studio incorporates charitable giving in its regular business model, hosting fundraisers like the one for Emmaus House, which provides services to the city’s homeless, as well as weekly community hot yoga sessions where the only fee is a donation to a nonprofit or organization that provides a service. More than 10 vendors, each of whom creates a unique set of items, will showcase their talents and offer items for sale. A raffle of items donated by the artisans is also planned. Children are welcome, and will have the opportunity to try their hand at arts and crafts at a special table set up for them.

Community Spotlight

‘Battle of the Badges:’ First Responders Compete for Most Blood Donors

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The Battle of the Badges 2024, Haverhill edition, renews a friendly rivalry among the city’s first responders to see which group can recruit the largest number of eligible donors for an American Red Cross blood drive. Those who wish to help swell the ranks of Team Police or Team Fire can call 1-800-REDCROSS or RedCrossBlood.org, enter “Haverhill” and register with one of the groups to schedule an appointment. This procedure allows prospective donors to complete paperwork before the day of the collections. The actual Battle of the Badges takes place this Saturday, May 4, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Citizens Center, 10 Welcome St., Haverhill. Battle of the Badges is an annual, nationwide event that employs local public servants in a quest to replenish blood and platelet stocks used in lifesaving efforts across the U.S.

Community Spotlight

Haverhill & Plaistow Community YMCA Auction Live Online Through May 12

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The Haverhill & Plaistow Community YMCA Legacy Gala online auction is live

Bidding takes place online through Sunday, May 12, at noon, with items and experiences up for grabs, including tickets to popular local summer events Ciderfeast and Tattersall Farm-to-Table; tickets to the Celtics, Red Sox and Bruins; scratch tickets and overnight stays in the heart of Boston and historic Salem, Mass. The YMCA Legacy Gala takes place Saturday, May 11, beginning at 5 p.m., at Bradford Country Club, 201 Chadwick Road, Haverhill. The sold out event features two signature cocktails and a photo booth for guests to take home memories. All proceeds support the YMCA’s work in fighting food insecurity, sending children to summer camp and educational programming for individuals and families in need of financial assistance.

Community Spotlight

River Bards Spotlight Teen Poets Tonight in Downtown Haverhill

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Haverhill High School Poetry and Spoken Word Club students will share their talents at a special open mic event hosted by the River Bards poetry group. The teens, who write poetry and prose, are the featured performers at the May meeting of the River Bards, a group of local poets who delight in shining a light on literary arts. Twice a year, the Bards gather at HC Media, which records the night’s performances for broadcast. On Wednesday, May 1, the Poetry Club students will open the meeting with readings. Those who are interested in sharing during the open mic portion of the event can sign up on a sheet that will be provided, then wait for their names to be called.

Community Spotlight

Red Cross, Haverhill Fire Department Partner to Install Free Smoke Alarms

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Haverhill is one of only five communities statewide where Red Cross volunteers and members of the Fire Department will work together to “Sound the Alarm and Save” a Life by helping families develop escape plans, install smoke alarms or both in local homes. To participate, either by volunteering or by registering to receive up to three residential smoke alarms and/or training on how to respond if a smoke alarm sounds, visit SoundTheAlarm.org/ma or call 800-564-1234. Deliveries and home visits to devise escape and safety plans will take place Saturday, May 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Community Spotlight

Local Artist Sarkhel Performs Tuesday at Citizens Center

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Surya Sarkhel, a longtime Haverhill resident known for local performances of poetry, dance and song, will share her talents in a free performance at the Haverhill Citizens Center. Sarkhel is a songwriter and published in her native Indian language and in English. She also performs traditional, classic Indian dance. For decades, she has traveled the U.S. to entertain in her unique style, and has made her mark locally at various open mic night venues and at the Haverhill Multicultural Festival

Her latest Haverhill performance will be Tuesday, April 30, from noon to 1 p.m. at the Citizens Center, 10 Welcome St., Haverhill.

Community Spotlight

Haverhill YMCA Hosts Community Resource Fair May 1

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The Haverhill YMCA is helping area residents find and connect with community-based services in Greater Haverhill relating to physical and mental health, education, employment, financial benefits and more. In addition to help in sourcing assistance, those who attend can attain more immediate benefits, such as snacks, give-aways, and raffle prizes. At least two dozen organizations will have representatives and literature available on Wednesday, May 1, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Haverhill YMCA, 81 Winter St. They include organizations that focus on adult and children’s emotional and mental health, preventive medicine such as stop-smoking resources, as well as the Haverhill School Department, Social Security Administration, and Northern Essex Community College.

Community Spotlight

Santa’s Spring 5K and Fun Run Takes Place Saturday; Event Supports 60th VFW Santa Parade

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Santa’s Spring 5K and Fun Run to benefit the Lorraine Post 29’s 60th Annual VFW Santa Parade takes place tomorrow. Runners may register and pick up their bibs, Saturday, April 27, beginning at 9 a.m., at the Northern Essex Community College track, 671 Kenoza St., Haverhill. Entry fee is $35 and online registration is optionally available here. For those who aren’t up to running the 3.1 miles may participate in a fun run, walk around the track or lawn games.  There will also be food, a disc jockey, crafts for kids and a touch a tractor event. Activities run from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.