Community Spotlight

Organizers Gearing Up for This Year’s Haverhill Woofstock in September

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Haverhill’s Woofstock, bringing together all things tail wagging, returns in September for its third year. The event, the brainchild of Cyndie Morgan and inspired by her dog Nigel, again features dog- focused demonstrations, apple picking and farm stand, live music, pet costume contest, food vendors and artisans and more. It also serves as a platform that supports local rescues, highlights small businesses and celebrates the importance of local agriculture. “Haverhill’s Woofstock is excited to be in its third year. This event is so much more than just a dog gathering—it’s a celebration of our community supporting local rescues, supporting the farm and taking in the beauty of our city with our best friends right alongside us,” said Morgan.

Community Spotlight

Officials, Disability Advocates to Talk State Budget, Program Concerns at April 2 Reception

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Present and past officials are scheduled to address a legislative reception Thursday aimed at informing legislators of “critical issues facing the community of people with disabilities especially around the proposed budget challenges.”

Speakers at, what is being billed as, “Building a Stronger Community Together” are state Department of Development Services Commissioner Sarah Peterson, former state Rep. and Sen. Barbara L’Italien, Rep. Tram Nguyen and Nora Bent, director of government affairs and strategic partnerships from The Arc of Massachusetts. “This year’s legislative reception will feature a frank discussion of the budget and program changes in this election year that threaten the lives of the most vulnerable among us—while spotlighting the opportunities and hope we need to find common ground,” according to a press release from sponsors Arc of Greater Haverhill-Newburyport and the Merrimack Valley Citizens Advisory Board to the Merrimack Valley Department of Development Services. “Unprecedented challenges face our disabled citizens today, yet the Merrimack Valley has exceptional people whose stories show that we can surmount any difficulty when we work together,” said Mary Kae Marinac, co-chairperson of the Citizen Advisory Board. Legislators who have confirmed attendance are Reps. Adrienne Ramos, Estela Reyes and Ryan M. Hamilton.

Community Spotlight

Haverhill’s First Full Earth Month Commences Next Wednesday, April 1, with Array of Activities

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The city is collaborating with organizations, artists and businesses for its inaugural “Earth Month” lineup. Activities begin next Wednesday, April, 1 and include three Team Haverhill Clean & Green cleanups, a week of Quick Eco Crafts for April school vacation, educational workshops at the library, trail building and “Earth Music” Youth Band Concert, all culminating in the city’s annual Earth Day cleanup Saturday, April 25. Downtown Events Coordinator Hailey Pearson has pulled together the disparate events into a unified Earth Month calendar. The Haverhill Public Library, for example, will be hosting events comprising of educational lectures and youth creative activities. In addition, there will be free drop-in “Quick Eco Crafts” sessions at Creative Haverhill, upcycling art with Historic New England, recycled paper making with Mindy Paper and bead and book making throughout the month.

Community Spotlight

Greenbelt Leads Haverhill Vernal Pools Hikes April 4

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Naturalists from Essex County Greenbelt will lead two walks through vernal pools in Crystal Gorge in Haverhill. The two sessions take place Saturday, April 4, at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and are designed for children ages 3 to 10 and their families. Hikers will likely find beetles, leeches, larvae, frog and salamander eggs and fairy shrimp. Those interested are asked to meet at the parking lot at the Crystal Gorge Conservation Area, 500 Crystal St., Haverhill. The free hikes are co-sponsored by Wildflower Montessori School, North Shore Nature Programs and the City of Haverhill.

Community Spotlight

Historic Reenactor at Buttonwoods Museum to Discuss Colonial Dressmaking

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Historical interpreter Sarah Walsh talks about the life of first lady Abigail Adams and colonial dressmaking in a talk at Haverhill’s Buttonwoods Museum. Walsh’s talk, “Abigail Adams and 18th Century Clothing,” is Wednesday, April 1, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., at the museum, 240 Water St., Haverhill. Walsh will describe the first lady’s ordinary childhood and extraordinary lifelong partnership with John Adams, who was elected as the second president of the United States in 1796 after serving two terms as vice president under George Washington. Walsh will talk about Adams’ childhood in Weymouth, her marriage to Adams in 1764, her management of their farm in Braintree which was within earshot of British cannons and traveling to Europe as a diplomat’s wife. A gown from the period in the Buttonwood collection will be on display.

Citizens Center
Community Spotlight

Social Security Benefits Subject of AARP Talk Thursday in Haverhill

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A representative of AARP will offer a free workshop on Social Security benefits in a Thursday talk presented by the Haverhill Council on Aging. “Social Security: We Earned It” discusses how Social Security is funded, its current and future financial health and options to secure its future. The workshop takes place Thursday, March 26, at 11 a.m. at the Haverhill Citizens Center, 10 Welcome St., Haverhill. Those interested are asked to reserve ahead by calling the Council on Aging office at 978-374-2390, ext. 3916.

Community Spotlight

Pentucket Kiwanis Club, YMCA Plan Easter Bunny Breakfast with Photos

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The Easter Bunny is coming for breakfast Saturday thanks to a partnership between the Pentucket Kiwanis Club of Haverhill and Haverhill YMCA. In addition to breakfast, kids have an opportunity to have their picture taken with the Easter Bunny. Holiday related crafts will be offered along with YMCA camp information. Breakfast is Saturday, March 28, from 8-11 a.m., at Maria’s Galleria Banquet Room, 85 Essex St., Haverhill.

Community Spotlight

NFI Plans Pizza and Comedy Night March 25

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NFI Massachusetts plans a “Night of Comedy” Wednesday. The “Night of Comedy” features 90 minutes of laughs, raffles, a 50/50 drawing and more. The fundraiser will help the Haverhill nonprofit purchase a Southpaw support structure and occupational therapy swing for installation at the Northeast Diversion Specialty Treatment Residence on Liberty Street in Haverhill. It takes place Wednesday, March 25, at 5:30 p.m., at Giggles Comedy Club, 517 Broadway, Saugus. Tickets are $35 and include pizza and may be purchased online here.