Community Spotlight

Haverhill River Bards Invite Submissions for Decennial Anthology

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In celebration of its milestone 10th anniversary, Haverhill River Bards invite Merrimack Valley poets of all levels to submit their best unpublished poetry for consideration in the upcoming Decennial Anthology. For the past decade, the River Bards have brought together poets, writers and spoken-word artists through its long-running poetry series. Held twice a year, these monthly events featured readings by 40 featured poets followed by an open mic with scores of readers, enabling writers of all backgrounds to share their voices. Submissions are due Jan. 15 with writers notified of their acceptances in late March and publishing of the anthology in April.

Community Spotlight

Mrs. Claus Reads to Children, Gives Books Away Saturday Morning at the Y

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Mrs. Claus is visiting the Haverhill YMCA and she’s bringing children’s books to give away. The Y’s Third Annual Breakfast and Stories with Mrs. Claus takes place Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Haverhill YMCA, 81 Winter St., Haverhill. She will read stories to children and refreshments will be available. Every child who attends will go home with a book.

Community Spotlight

Archbishop Henning at All Saints Parish Saturday Celebrating Our Lady of Guadalupe

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Haverhill’s All Saints Parish is hosting Archbishop Richard G. Henning who will celebrate Holy Mass this Saturday, followed by the Third Day of the Novena. Under the theme of Celebrating Our Lady of Guadalupe, there will be mariachis and a dinner for Saturday, Dec. 6, beginning at 4 p.m., at the parish, 120 Bellevue Ave. The church says the public, whether Catholic or not and whether churchgoing or not, is invited. The nine-day novena tour leads up to mass for the feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas, Friday, Dec 12, beginning at 6 p.m.

Community Spotlight

Haverhill Plans Lifeguard Classes This Month in Advance of Next Summer Season

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The forecast may be for snow and cold temperatures, but the Haverhill Recreation Department is thinking ahead to summer. A three-day class for those who interested in qualifying for American Red Cross lifeguard certification begins Friday, Dec. 12, from 4:30-9 p.m., at Haverhill High School’s Charles C. White Pool, 137 Monument St. The class continues Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Dec., 14, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The last day to register is Thursday, Dec. 11.

Community Spotlight

Memorylaners Performs at Friends of the Groveland Council on Aging Dec. 6

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Saugus-based Memorylaners Band will offer its combination of popular music from the 50s, 60s and 70s along with holiday favorites at a fundraiser sponsored by the Friends of the Groveland Council on Aging. The performance is Saturday, Dec. 6, at 6 p.m., at Dr. Elmer S. Bagnall School, 253 Main St., Groveland. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children. The Bagnall Elementary School Chorus will open the evening.

Community Spotlight

Haverhill’s Final Seasonal Leaf Pickup Saturday

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The city’s final leaf and pumpkin curbside pickup is this Saturday, Dec. 6. Compostables should be bagged in paper leaf bags or placed in open barrels and left at curbside by 6 a.m. Residents may include mums, grass clippings, corn stalks and hay bales. Containers should weigh no more than 40 pounds. The city’s compost and brush pile is also open for drop offs through Saturday, Dec.

Community Spotlight

Now Dec. 1: 26th Annual Gale Park Tree Lighting Ceremony Features Santa Claus, Caroling, Hot Cocoa

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Note: Because of expected rain, the tree lighting and all festivities will now take place Monday, Dec. 1, at 6 p.m.

Gale Park Neighbors Association invites the public to its 26th annual tree lighting ceremony, featuring Santa Claus, hot cocoa, carol singing and more, at the end of the month. Besides the visit from Santa Claus and hot cocoa, there will be, what organizers call, “an amazing display of colorful lights” and members of the Universalist Unitarian Church choir will lead the caroling. The tree lighting ceremony takes place Monday, Dec. 1, at 6 p.m. at Gale Park, at Kenoza Avenue and Mill Street.

Community Spotlight

Whittier Birthplace Extends Outdoor Printing Exhibit of Abolitionist Grimké’s Words

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An outdoor exhibit of printed canvas panels featuring the inspirational words of a famous 19th Century abolitionist will stay up through the winter at Whittier Birthplace in Haverhill. Created by artist Mitchel Ahern, the 240-foot-long horizontal unbleached cotton fabric scroll features quotes from prominent educator and abolitionist Charlotte Forten Grimké. Entitled “Charlotte Forten, Journals 1855-1864,” it is installed in front of the tree line in a hayfield behind the homestead and birthplace of poet and abolitionist John Greenleaf Whittier, 305 Whittier Road. The public may see the artwork during daylight hours at no charge. Born in 1837 to free Black parents, Forten Grimké was a poet and a member of Philadelphia’s well-established African-American community.