Reading Food Labels—Haverhill Council on Aging Explains What it All Means

Those who read food labels and wonder what words like organic, grass-fed and non-GMO really mean have a chance to learn during a talk sponsored by the Haverhill Council on Aging. AgeSpan’s Leigh Hartwell and Mariely Almonte provide an interactive lecture on deciphering food labels. They’ll discuss how to identify certified food labels, what to watch out for and why it is important to know where food comes from. The presentation takes place Tuesday, March 12, at 11 a.m., at the Haverhill Citizens Center, 10 Welcome St., Haverhill. Those interested may reserve a seat by calling Paula at 978-374-2390, ext.

MakeIT Haverhill Offers Free Computer Classes in April and May; Free Chromebooks for Grads

MakeIT Haverhill is registering those interested in taking free basic and intermediate computer classes during April and May. Classes take place over eight weeks, starting in April and ending in May, and include Computer Basics, taught in English or Spanish, and Intermediate, taught in English. Classes are open to anyone ages 16 years or older regardless of city or town where they live. Graduating students receive a new Chromebook to keep thanks to our partnership with Tech Goes Home. Registration takes place Monday, March 4, from 4-6 p.m., at MakeIT Haverhill, 301 Washington St., Haverhill.

Haverhill Schools’ Pediatrician Maddox to Provide Drug Misuse Stats to HOPE Task Force

Dr. John L. Maddox, Haverhill Public Schools’ pediatrician, is scheduled to provide an update on efforts to secure a Drug Free Community Grant during tomorrow’s meeting of the mayor’s Haverhill Overdose Prevention and Education—HOPE—Task Force. Maddox will report on the four core measures—alcohol, marijuana, tobacco and prescription drug misuse—that grant award recipients must collect and the data being collected by Haverhill schools. The HOPE Task Force meets Wednesday, Feb. 28, 4 p.m., at the Haverhill Citizens Center, 10 Welcome St., second floor. Besides the report, said HOPE Program Director Charlie Manzi, Pridestar Trinity EMS will provide an overdose report for January.

Boys and Girls Club of Greater Haverhill Elects Tsagaris as President; 4 Directors Join Board

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Thea P. Tsagaris was elected last month as board president of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Haverhill and four new directors joined the board. Tsagaris, of Bank of New England, succeeded Patrick J. Driscoll, of Driscoll Funeral Home, who concluded his four-year tenure as board president following the Jan. 25 annual meeting. New board members are Alex Fantini, general manager of Fantini Bakery; Michelle Lavigne, co-owner of Servpro of Haverhill; Dr. Margaret Marotta, Haverhill superintendent of schools; and Matthew Russo, vice president at TD Bank. The full board of directors now consists of Tsagaris; Scott Pare, vice president; Daniel A. Jacobs, treasurer; Kerrianne G. Petalidas, secretary; Driscoll, immediate past president; Bryan Chase; William DeLuca IV; Richard Early Jr.; Leanne Eastman; Fantini; David R. Hart; James Henebry; Lavigne; Stephen McKeon; Timothy MacLean; Marotta; Josue Mendez; Meaghan Pare; Russo; and Steven Stewart.

Eammon’s Heart, Haverhill Police, Pridestar Trinity EMS Join Forces to Avert Opioid Deaths

Eammon’s Heart Foundation for Recovery and Prevention, working with Haverhill Police and Pridestar Trinity EMS, is launching the PEACE Project, aimed at combating the opioid crisis through Narcan distribution. Narcan is described as a critical tool in reversing opioid overdoses, and its availability and accessibility can mean the difference between life and death. Through the Leave Behind Narcan program, emergency responders from Pridestar Trinity EMS will carry Narcan kits on calls, leaving them with individuals at risk of overdose or their caregivers, ensuring that this lifesaving medication is within reach when most needed. “Our mission is clear—to drive opioid-related deaths to zero in Haverhill and beyond. By equipping individuals and families with Narcan, we are taking a significant step towards realizing this vision,” said Eammon’s Heart Founder Helen Sheehan.

March 1 is New Deadline for ‘LGBTQ+ Elders in an Ever-Changing World’ Workshop Proposals

Note: Deadline extended to Friday, March 1, at 11:59 p.m.

Friday, March 1, is the deadline for submitting workshop proposals for 13th Annual Virtual Conference, “LGBTQ+ Elders in an Ever-Changing World,” taking place in June. All workshop proposals are welcomed, particularly those that focus on this year’s theme, “Bridges to Belonging: Fostering Inclusivity and Identity in LGBTQ+ Aging.” The conference is a joint effort of the LGBTQIA+ Aging Project/Fenway Health, AgeSpan and LGBTQ+ Senior Social Connection, Salem State University School of Social Work and Good Shepherd Community Care. The conference addresses the aging issues of older persons and caregivers of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning communities and their allies. It is intended for consumers, social services, educators, researchers and public policy makers, as well as service and healthcare professionals who support and work with LGBTQ+ older adults and caregivers. The submission deadline is Friday, March 1, at 11:59 p.m. The form may be downloaded from here.

Whittier Birthplace’s Virtual Lecture Series Looks at Whittier Covered Bridge Thursday

Kim Varney Chandler, author of “Covered Bridges of New Hampshire,” shares the history of the Whittier Covered Bridge in Ossipee, N.H., during an online talk Thursday sponsored by Haverhill’s Whittier Birthplace. The bridge, built around 1870 and presumably by Jacob Berry, is one of 22 Paddleford truss bridges remaining in the world. The 133-foot covered bridge, which appears on the National Register of Historic Places, was saved from demolition more than once and remains an integral part of the Ossipee community. The talk, part of Whittier Birthplace’s Virtual Lecture Series, takes place Thursday, Feb. 22, from 7-8 p.m., via Zoom.

Atkinson Garden Club Plans ‘Petals and Palettes’ March 22-23

Atkinson Garden Club is having its “Petals and Palettes” flower and art exhibit in March. Flower arrangements will be presented by award-winning designers who will interpret the works of local artists. The show takes place Friday, March 22, from 1-7 p.m., and Saturday, March 23, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., at Atkinson Resort and Country Club, 85 Country Club Drive, Atkinson. Tickets are $10 for those ages 16 and up and are available at the door. Proceeds will help fund the club’s educational programs and scholarship.