Community Spotlight

Emmaus Cycle for Shelter Readies for 38th Annual Ride

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Emmaus is getting ready for September’s 38th Annual Cycle for Shelter, a tradition where cyclists raised more than $2.4 million to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Cycle for Shelter, one of the region’s longest-running charity cycling events, traces its roots back to Emmaus founding Executive Director Tom Bentley, His original 1,200-mile bicycle journey from Georgia to Massachusetts inspired it after visiting more than 100 organizations serving people experiencing homelessness. Participants can choose from several ride options, including 100-mile, 62-mile, 35-mile and 15-mile routes; virtual ride; and the new 5K Emmaus Family Ride, adding a more accessible option for riders of all ages. The ride begins and ends at Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill, where participants and volunteers will gather afterward for a complimentary barbecue, live music, lawn games, wellness activities and a craft beer garden for guests 21 and older. “Each scenic route showcases the beauty of northeastern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire, with fully stocked rest stops, route support and mechanical assistance provided throughout the day to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience,” organizers said.

Community Spotlight

Haverhill Church Seeks Sneaker Donations Ahead of Block Party

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Haverhill’s Calvary Baptist Church is collecting new sneakers for its Second Annual Back-to-School Community Block Party and Sneaker Drive. Last year, the church gave out 125 pairs of sneakers to young people entering kindergarten through grade 12. This year’s party is Saturday, Aug. 15, at the church, 15 Ashland St., Haverhill. In addition to providing sneakers, there will be food and beverages, resource tables from several community organization, a safety demonstration Smoke House from the Haverhill Fire Department, a clinic by Merrimack Health and mobile book cart from the Haverhill Public Library.

Community Spotlight

Registration Open for August Hike Haverhill Jaunt

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Merrimack River Watershed Council Deputy Director Matthew Cranney and John Macone, a river educator, are leading August’s Let’s Hike Haverhill walk along the Merrimack River. Required registration is open and spaces typically fill quickly spaces for the walk Tuesday, Aug, 18, from 5:30-7 p.m. The Let’s Hike Haverhill summer walk series is a joint project of Team Haverhill and Essex County Greenbelt Association. The pair will begin their guided walk on the Bradford side of the Sgt. Joseph C. Comeau Bridge, in front of the new First Nations Park, at the corner of South Elm Street and Railroad Avenue. Cranney and Macone will talk about the past, present and future of the river.

Community Spotlight

Haverhill Shoreline Cleanup Seeks Volunteers; Ends with Sunday Cookout

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The Haverhill Conservation Commission, working with Crescent Yacht Club, plans a shoreline cleanup along the Merrimack River Sunday. Volunteers in their own boats will remove floating litter between Crescent Yacht Club and Marianne’s Marina. Those on foot will work from the shoreline and on the nearby rail trail. The Commission will provide trash bags and grabbers. Boaters must be equipped with lifejackets for anyone in the boat.

Community Spotlight

Haverhill Pride Collective Plans Volunteer Info. Meeting

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The Haverhill Pride Collective is looking to share its mission and attract volunteers. The nonprofit, which organized Haverhill’s Pride parade and other activities, is hosting a no-commitment meeting that will help those interested in learning more about Haverhill Pride, its mission and goals for the next year. Chairs of the group’s subcommittees will be on hand to share information about volunteer opportunities and the time commitment expected. The prospective member meeting is Monday, July 27, 6 p.m. at Pinnacle at Harbor Place, 2 Merrimack St., Haverhill. Pizza, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be served.

Community Spotlight

‘Nunsence’ Performance This Weekend in Haverhill

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Methuen-based Black Dog Theatre presents the comedy “Nunsense” this weekend in Haverhill. Todd Coolidge is directing with John Eldridge serving as music director. Haley Unger and Dusty Behner are the choreographers and Alex Surro is stage manager. In keeping with its mission, the group is collecting food and supply donations for the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Those who make a donation will receive a ticket to enter into a raffle basket drawing.

Community Spotlight

Free ‘Sustainability Day’ Helps Haverhill Recycle, Preserve Resources, More July 25

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A free “Sustainability Day” greets Greater Haverhill residents this coming Saturday with electronics recycling as well as information about general recycling, water reduction, open space and land conservation and Haverhill’s trail stewards. The day, part of Haverhill Farmers Market, gives residents a chance to recycle their old technology and electronics with EverTech Recycling to help, in organizer’s words, “make Haverhill a greener place.” There is free recycling for laptops, desktops, controllers, gaming equipment, cellphones, telephones, monitors, servers, switches, lithium-ion batteries, hard drives, tablets, iPods, cords, chargers, audio equipment and power supplies. There is a $30 fee for televisions—no older cathode ray tube types—and a $5 fee for device hard drive shredding. Those with questions about electronics recycling may call EverTech at 617-302-6306 or visit evertech.com. Haverhill city departments, including water, trash and recycling Department and Conservation will be on hand to answer questions and provide information.

Community Spotlight

Whittier Birthplace Barn Restoration Topic of Talk and Tour

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Restoration of the Whittier Birthplace barn is the topic of an upcoming free informal tour and talk. The barn at 305 Whittier Road, off Route 110, in Haverhill, is across the street from the childhood home of famed poet and abolitionist John Greenleaf Whittier. Repairs now underway involve replacing clapboards, windows, doors, roof, lighting, stairs and railings, as well as complete exterior painting. Much of the estimated more than $50,000 project cost is being covered by the generosity of members of the Cogswell Club, a group of local philanthropists. The original barn, built in 1821, was destroyed by fire in 1970.