Community Spotlight

Free Screening of ‘The Socialists of Shoe City’ March 11 at Haverhill Public Library

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Haverhill was the first American city to elect a socialist mayor. The story of John Calvin Chase, who won election as mayor of Haverhill in 1898 as the Social Democratic Party of America’s nominee, and other city socialists is told during a free screening next Tuesday. “The Socialists of Shoe City: The Socialist Movement in Haverhill, Massachusetts” is a new documentary film by E. Philip Brown. He will screen the film and sign books that will be available for sale Tuesday, March 11, from 6-7:30 p.m., in the Johnson Auditorium at Haverhill Public Library, 99 Main St.

Community Spotlight

L’Arche Boston North, Buyer of Haverhill’s A-1 Deli, Plans to Keep ‘Prized Recipes,’ Breakfast, Lunch

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(Additional photograph below.)

The A-1 Diner in Haverhill’s downtown will become a training café later this spring, staffed by adults with intellectual disabilities, and offering familiar dishes. L’Arche Boston North, a local nonprofit social services agency, expects to close on the purchase of the popular eatery and its building by the end of March and immediately begin renovations, according to Jennifer Matthews, L’Arche’s executive director. She said she expects the overhaul to update the space will take at least two months. Merrimack Street diner legends Bobby, Tony and Paula Meidanis are retiring after 45 years serving thousands of breakfasts, lunches and dinners to hungry Haverhill patrons. “We are thrilled to honor the incredible legacy of the Meidanis family with their gifts of hospitality, welcome and amazing generosity,” Matthews said, noting a few popular A-1 items will appear on the yet to be named café’s menu.

Community Spotlight

Haverhill Public Library Plans Special Collections Open House March 6

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Haverhill Public Library’s Special Collections department is having an open house in March to answer questions and help the public conduct research. Those who are curious about Special Collections or seek to learn about resources available to research topics for school or work will benefit from the first of what will be quarterly open houses. Each open house includes a skill-building activity to help get the most out of time spent in Special Collections. This time, there is a cursive puzzle to help patrons practice reading handwritten documents. The session takes place this Thursday, March 6, from 5-7 p.m., on the third floor of the library, 99 Main St.

Community Spotlight

‘Ashes to Go’ Drive-Up Wednesday Start of Lent at Atkinson Congregational Church

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Atkinson Congregational Church is having its “Ashes to Go” this Ash Wednesday, March 5. The offering, now in its eighth year, enables drivers to honor the start of Lent without leaving their car. They are able to drive into the church’s streetside parking lot to receive the imposition of ashes and a blessing from Pastor Jim Thomas. Drivers can also drop off grocery items at the same time, which will be turned over to local food pantries. “Ashes to Go is very easy and convenient,” said Pastor Jim Thomas.

Community Spotlight

Pianist Scalise Performs March 18 at Irish-Themed Meeting of Women’s City Club of Haverhill

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Musician Rick Scalise will perform during an upcoming Irish-themed meeting of the Women’s City Club of Haverhill. Scalise, a pianist who has been performing in public since age 10, has worked with Donna McKechnie, Shirley Jones, Lee Meriwether and Dane Cook’s late mentor Frank Roberts. He has also performed onstage with Patti Page, the Mills Brothers and Connie Francis. The Haverhill Women’s City Club meets Tuesday, March 18, beginning at noon for a light lunch, at Advent Christian Church, 160 Carleton St., Haverhill. The program begins at 1.

Community Spotlight

Possible Dreams March 10 Invites Input on Parade, Fair, Community Farms, Arts, Food and More

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Possible Dreams, Team Haverhill’s annual community visioning event, asks the public to take place in group conversations aimed at shaping the future of the community and incubating new ideas. This year’s topics include Let’s Paddle Haverhill!, Repair Café, Haverhill Trail Stewards, Haverhill Pride Parade, Hello & Welcome Wagon, Christmas Stroll 2.0, Art in the Park, Food Not Bombs, True Community Farm, Beyond Walls 3.0, Performing Arts Center, Holistic Soul & Spirit Fair, Resilient Haverhill Initiative, Food Forward Community Kitchen and Textile Recycling in Haverhill. Attendees will look for ways they may be able to contribute, including offering thoughts, suggestions, connections or resources or time helping to plan or volunteer for a project they find interesting. As WHAV previously reported, Possible Dreams takes place Monday, March 10, from 7 to 9 p.m., at Northern Essex Community College, Hartleb Technology Center, 100 Elliott St., Haverhill. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for refreshments and seating, and there is no charge to participate.