WHAV (https://whav.net/category/communityspotlight/)
The Haverhill Lions Club is hosting Breakfast with Santa! The fun takes place Saturday, Dec. 9, from 8:30 to 11: 30 a.m., at Maria’s Galleria Banquet Room, 81-83 Essex St., Haverhill. Tickets are $5 per person, include breakfast and available at the door. The annual event offers opportunities to take photographs with the jolly old man from the North Pole.
The state Department of Conservation and Recreation is suggesting families “Go Green on Black Friday” with free, guided hikes at four Massachusetts parks including Harold Parker State Forest in North Andover
Conservation and Recreation staff are leading family-friendly hikes over trails that range between two and three miles as well as self-guided hikes at several state parks. “Go Green on Black Friday hikes are a great way to encourage stewardship, enjoy our outdoor spaces and take in nature with friends and family,” said Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “We encourage communities across the state to take advantage of this special program and to get outside and spend time in their state parks this holiday weekend.”
A two-mile hike on moderate trails at Harold Parker State Forest takes place Friday, Nov. 24, from 10 a.m. to noon. Officials say the hike his is appropriate for children ages 8 and up.
Haverhill High School Marine Jr. ROTC, Boy Scout Troop 24, local veterans’ groups and various officials are expected to be on hand next month for the placement of 474 veterans’ wreaths on the headstones of fallen service members laid to rest at Haverhill’s Hilldale Cemetery. The wreath-laying ceremony is among more than 3,700 others across the country taking place as part of National Wreaths Across America Day. It is coordinated and led by local volunteers, sponsorship groups have raised money throughout the year for the wreaths at Hilldale and the adjacent City Cemetery. Organizers are still seeking donations from individuals, civic groups and businesses to ensure each veteran is honored with a wreath. Donations may be made at hilldalewreaths.com.
A bit of holiday magic will be blossoming at the annual Atkinson Garden Club’s Greens and Gifts Sale. Items designed to help residents deck their halls include tabletop holly trees, kissing balls and centerpieces with candles. Those wishing White Christmas specialty gifts are advised to preorder at atkinsongardenclub.com. The sale takes place Friday and Saturday, Dec. 1 and 2, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Atkinson Community Center, 4 Main St., Atkinson, N.H.
The Greater Haverhill Arts Association holds its Holiday Art Show and sale of fine art by local artists Friday and through the weekend. Framed and unframed original art, cards and calendars for holiday gifting are available Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 17-19, from noon-4 p.m., at Veasey Park, 201 Washington St., Groveland. There will be a public reception Saturday, Nov. 18, from noon-4 p.m.
The 59th Annual VFW Santa Parade, themed “Candyland Christmas,” takes place this Sunday. Before Santa makes his appearance, parade onlookers will be greeted by Grand Marshal Erin Erler of Cakes by Erin and view a variety of marching bands and other entertainment. VFW Santa Parade Committee Chairman Daniel P. Plourde Sr. told WHAV there are almost twice as many floats in the parade this year. “We have considerably more floats than normal this year and there seem to be a lot of businesses entering their floats which is probably because businesses are just doing better and things are changing, or have changed since COVID, so it’s great publicity for them. They also make a donation to our cause which is lovely for us,” he explained.
Members of the Haverhill High School class of 2012 plan to share fond memories and meet with old friends and classmates during their reunion this Saturday night. Class President Joe Sherlock says graduates of the class are welcome to join in at Saturday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m., at the Garibaldi Club, 86 Washington St., Haverhill. There will be a cash bar and light catering. There is no entry fee.
The spirit of the season is coming to Gale Park with the annual lighting of the holiday trees there. The Gale Park Neighbors will serve hot cocoa and fresh baked goods will be on sale on Sunday, Nov. 26, beginning at 6 p.m., at the park located between Kenoza Avenue and Mill Street in Haverhill. Santa will stop by and the public is invited to attend. All proceeds will pay for maintenance of the park’s new granite fountain.
Bill Cashman and Rickey B. Silverman present “Jedi Mind Tricks to Fight Anxiety” this Thursday to help people overcome performance anxiety and the fear of “choking” when addressing the public. Silverman, a licensed psychologist, and Cashman, a toastmaster and educator who overcame his own anxiety, present free tips to help others. They will discuss what performance anxiety is and different tools people can use to combat it. Meditation, rituals, relaxation techniques and ways to reframe thinking are some of the strategies that will be shared during the presentation. The two will speak Thursday, Nov.
