Community Spotlight

Haverhill Creative Peer Group to Follow ‘The Artist’s Way’ in 12-Week Program

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A new Artist’s Way Workbook Club, a 12-week peer-based program designed to support local artists, writers and creative individuals, plans to launch in February. Creative Haverhill, along with Nate Robertson, plans a Jan. 7 information session to explain the benefits of building consistent creative practices while fostering meaningful community by working through Julia Cameron’s “The Artist’s Way” in a supportive, low-pressure environment. The Artist’s Way Workbook Club brings together a small group of six to 12 participants to in-person weekly sessions. It is intentionally structured to place psychological safety, encouragement and accessibility on top.

Citizens Center
Community Spotlight

Health of Social Security is Haverhill AARP Lecture Topic Dec. 18

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How AARP is advocating for the long-term financial health of the Social Security system is the topic of an upcoming talk by the Haverhill Council on Aging. A representative of AARP shares thoughts on solutions to bolster the safety net in a lecture entitled “Social Security: We Earned it!” Thursday, Dec. 18, at 11 a.m., at the Haverhill Citizens Center, 10 Welcome St., Haverhill. Topics include how Social Security is funded, an evaluation of its current financial health and options for ensuring the system’s long-term stability. The event is free.

Community Spotlight

Mayor’s HOPE Task Force Plans Holiday Party, Hears Program Overviews

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Holiday treats are on the agenda for the next meeting of the Haverhill Overdose Prevention and Education, HOPE, Mayor’s Task Force. The meeting is Wednesday, Dec. 17, at 4:30 p.m., at Ray of Light Café, 222 Washington St., Haverhill. Stacie Bloxham also gives an overview of the STAR Program, operated by the Essex County Sheriff’s Department. Diane Teel gives an update on the Ray of Light Café program.

Community Spotlight

411 Cares’ Sixth Annual Winter Gear Drive Accepting Coats, Hats and More

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411 Cares is conducting its sixth annual Winter Gear Drive, seeking donations of coats, hats and gloves, mittens and scarves for neighbors in need. The Haverhill-based charity says it is in desperate need of boys’ and girls’ coats, sizes 5-18; men’s sizes small and medium coats; and gloves of all sizes. Items may be dropped off in Haverhill at AmVets, 576 Primrose St.; Haverhill Police Station lobby, 40 Bailey Blvd.; Choice Fitness at Central Plaza; Dependable Kid Care, 1035 Western Ave.; Haverhill Public Library, 99 Main St.; Full Harvest Moonz, 95 Plaistow Road; Stem Haverhill, 124 Washington St.; and Haverhill YMCA, on the Portland Street side. Donations are also accepted at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 478 Boston St., Topsfield. Donations may also be made via Venmo to @Cares411.

Community Spotlight

Haverhill Council on Aging Looks to Fulfill Giving Tree Wishes

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The Haverhill Council on Aging is looking for a few good-hearted Christmas elves to help Santa this year. The Council’s Giving Tree is up at the Haverhill Citizens Center, 10 Welcome St., and decorated with tags for seniors in local nursing homes who do not have families to remember them this holiday season. The public is invited to take a tag, purchase the gift and return it wrapped by Tuesday, Dec. 16. Among the popular requests are puzzles, towels, blankets, toiletries and word search books.

Community Spotlight

Nevins Library Presents ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’ Dec. 16

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Nevins Memorial Library plans to present the movie, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.”

Based on the book by Barbara Robinson, the library says, it’s about The Herdmans, who are the worst kids in the history of the world. They lie, steal and swear. So, no one is prepared when this outlaw family invades church one Sunday and takes over the annual Christmas pageant. The free holiday matinee movie, complete with popcorn, is presented Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 11 a.m., Nevins Memorial Library, 305 Broadway, Methuen.

Community Spotlight

Methuen Invites Veterans to Army-Navy Football Watch Party

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Veterans of all branches are invited to an Army-Navy Football Game Watch Party hosted by the Methuen Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8349. The party, which features widescreen televisions, 50/50 raffle and a drawing, is organized by the Methuen Veterans Office and takes place Saturday, Dec. 13, at 1 p.m., at the post, 26 River St. Tickets are $10 and available at the door. The Texas Roadhouse restaurant is catering the event.

Community Spotlight

Raffle Prize of ‘A Year of Flowers by Steve’ to Benefit Cogswell ArtSpace

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Cogswell ArtSpace is offering “A Year of Flowers by Steve” for a lucky raffle winner in support of efforts to raise matching funds to install an elevator. Stephen Janavicus of Flowers by Steve, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Ward Hill shop, is donating a floral arrangement each month during 2026—a value of $2,500, in support of Cogswell ArtSpace’s LIFT Campaign. Limited to 100 chances, Creative Haverhill is offering tickets at $100 each. Proceeds will be used to raise matching funds required for the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s Cultural Facilities Fund grant. Tickets may be purchased online here.