Community Spotlight

Ipswich River Community Chorus Invites New Members

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The regional Ipswich River Community Chorus is recruiting singers, especially tenors and basses, to sing in its spring concert. The non-audition, 80-member chorus under the direction of Katherine Foley of North Reading, rehearses Mondays, from 7:30-9:30 p.m., at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 235 Park St., North Reading. It draws singers from 29 cities and towns across the North Shore and is open to anyone 14 or older. Dues are $75 per semester. The spring concert is “One Nation, Many Voices: America at 250” and highlights patriotic songs including “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “I Hear America Singing” as well as the lesser-known “North Wind” and “It’s a Republic.” The performance is Sunday, May 17, at Wilmington High School.

Community Spotlight

Brain Health is Haverhill Council on Aging Talk Jan. 22

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A representative of the Alzheimer’s Association will discuss brain health at a talk sponsored by the Haverhill Council on Aging. “New Year, New Mindset: Resolutions For Brain Health” is the topic of the lecture taking place Thursday, Jan. 22, at noon, in room 45 of the Haverhill Citizens Center, 10 Welcome St. The event is free. Seats may be reserved by calling Paola Hussein, activities director, at 978-374-2390, ext.

Community Spotlight

Galentine’s Art Bash to Take Place Feb. 8 in Downtown Haverhill

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Creative Haverhill is planning a Galentine’s Art Bash early next month, featuring a trio of 15-minute mini workshops led by local artists. Called “Will You Be Our Galentine?” guests will take part in hands-on artmaking with time to sip, shop and socialize in advance of Valentine’s Day. Workshops include “Watercolor with Pixie Yates,” where participants will paint a mini flower heart and rose scalloped-edge garland; “Papermaking with Mindy Paper,” highlighting the basics of hand papermaking while transforming paper pulp into a folded heart-shaped card, finished with a wax seal; and “Fairy Crafts with Farm to Fable” with Katie from Farm to Fable Illustrations guiding guests in creating a Fairy Home Plant Pal using wine corks, acorn caps and crafting moss. Activities are aimed toward those ages 15 and up. Good & Golden Books will also debut The Bookshelf, a new, curated and rotating book display starting with romance favorites and Blind Date with a Book offerings available for purchase.

Community Spotlight

Haverhill Fire and Sweet Paws Rescue Calendar Available While Supplies Last

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A few copies of the third annual Haverhill Fire Department and Sweet Paws Rescue calendar are still available, with proceeds going to support a “forever home” for the charity that rescues cats and dogs. Haverhill firefighters appear with rescue dogs within the glossy, color calendar produced by Jarvi Productions photographer Michael Jarvis of Haverhill. Sweet Paws Rescue recently purchased the 20-acre Spring Tide Farm in Boxford to carry on its animal sanctuary. It is in the midst of a two-phase fundraising effort to ensure “A Forever Home for Sweet Paws Rescue,” expected to cost more than $3 million. Haverhill Fire Department and Sweet Paws Rescue calendar are for sale for $20 each at Haverhill Fire Credit Union, 75 Kenoza Ave., Haverhill.

Community Spotlight

Haverhill Native Goudsward Releases Latest Book, Exploring H.P. Lovecraft in Florida

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Haverhill native author and historian David Goudsward’s latest book, “Adventurous Liberation,” was recently released from Bold Venture Press. “Adventurous Liberation” is a look at horror author H. P. Lovecraft’s visits to Florida and its influence in his writings. Because Lovecraft’s visits revolve around his correspondents in amateur journalism, Goudsward makes note how this also refers back to his contact in Haverhill, Charles W. “Tryout Smith.” Suggested in such stories as “The Shadow out of Time,” these Florida and Haverhill visits combine as Haverhill protagonist Nathaniel Peaslee finds him cast back to a primordial world of swamps and reptiles. “Adventurous Liberation” is available in paperback and hardcover from Amazon or from Bold Venture Press.

Community Spotlight

‘Where Color Meets Quiet’ Haverhill Artists’ Exhibition on Through Feb. 6

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Creative Haverhill is offering “Where Color Meets Quiet,” a winter exhibition celebrating the work of three local women. The free exhibition by Denise Chesky, Pixie Yates and Tina Rawson features painting, ceramics and mixed media is on display through Friday, Feb. 6, at Creative Haverhill, 43 Washington St., Haverhill. “Winter can feel long and heavy, and this show is an invitation to pause, breathe and be reminded of how much color matters,” says Creative Haverhill Director Erin Padilla. “These three artists bring warmth, vibrancy and joy into the space at exactly the moment we need it most.”

Yates, a New York City and Massachusetts-based artist, designer, illustrator and educator, is known for her watercolor work inspired by urban life, everyday objects and the natural world.

Community Spotlight

Shyavitz to Give Haverhill Council on Aging Estate Planning Seminar

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Haverhill attorney Gerald L. Shyavitz discusses the importance of end-of-life estate planning at a talk sponsored by the Haverhill Council on Aging. Shyavitz’s free lecture is Friday, Jan. 16, at 10 a.m., in room 45 of the Haverhill Citizens Center, 10 Welcome St., Haverhill. Among items he will review is how to pick a health care proxy. He said he will use himself as an example as his proxy status became important when his wife of 57 years, Pearl, was hospitalized shortly before she died in 2024.