Community Spotlight

West Church Plans Showing of ‘Meet John Doe’ Oct. 9

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West Congregational Church’s WestArts is presenting the movie, “Meet John Doe,” during its Friday Free Movie Night. Organizers say, “Meet John Doe” is a 1941 Oscar-nominated film directed by Frank Capra, featuring themes of social responsibility and the impact of media on public perception artfully woven into a crackling comedy-drama that feels relevant today. “A penniless drifter is recruited by an ambitious columnist to pretend to be John Doe, a fictitious citizen venting his frustration about society’s woes in her newspaper column. The prank launches a grassroots community movement that sweeps the nation, until the newspaper’s owner tries to usurp the movement for his political gain.”

They add, “Even if you don’t like black and white movies, this one will win you over!”

“Meet John Doe” will be presented Friday, Oct. 9, 7-9 p.m., at West Congregational Church, 767 Broadway, Haverhill.

Community Spotlight

Driscoll Again Sponsors First Responder, City Worker Appreciation Cookout

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Haverhill’s Driscoll Funeral Home is again treating first responders and city workers to a cookout Friday. Owner Pat Driscoll said the sixth annual First Responders and City Workers Appreciation Cookout takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the funeral home parking area, 309 S. Main St., Bradford. It features meal raffles provided by local restaurants and businesses

“If you are a current or former City of Haverhill worker, you are invited,” Driscoll said. Last year, more 250 city workers and first responders, including members of the Haverhill Police and Fire Departments and Pridestar Trinity EMS, were served lunch.

Community Spotlight

‘Wildlife Out Your Window’ Explores Backyard Visitors Oct. 10

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Bradd Timm, nature author and wildlife ecologist, tells the stories of everyone’s backyard visitors when he discusses “Wildlife Out Your Window” during the Haverhill Public Library’s Climate & Community Series. Timm tells the stories and uses photographs and videos from his book, “Wildlife Out Your Window,” to bring common backyard species to life with stories described as fun, memorable, and often surprising. He’ll also provide simple, practical ways people can help wildlife where they live, in the backyard, on the balcony or just through the window view. The free program takes place Saturday, Oct. 10, from 2-3:30 p.m., at Haverhill Public Library, Milhendler Room, 99 Main St., Haverhill.

Community Spotlight

Historic Printing Talk, Demo with Odd Mark Twain Link Comes to Haverhill Oct. 10

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Author, journalist and media scholar Jeff Jarvis is coming to Haverhill for a celebration of his new book, “Hot Type: The Magnificent Machine That Gave Birth to Mass Media and Drove Mark Twain Mad.”

In Hot Type, Jarvis tells the story of the Linotype, the groundbreaking typesetting machine that upended more than 400 years of setting type by hand. He also explores the people behind the technology—including Mark Twain, whose fascination with a competing typesetting machine led to one of the most disastrous investments of his life. Historic New England Center and the Museum of Printing plan a day of exploration Saturday, Oct. 10, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. It begins at Historic New England Center, 143 Essex St., Haverhill, with coffee and conversation with Jarvis, followed at 10:30 by a Hot Type lecture, question and answer time and book signing. Books will be available for purchase.

Community Spotlight

Haverhill Fire Department to Hold ‘Run for Tommy’ 5K Race

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The Haverhill Fire Department is holding a “Run for Tommy,” a 5-kilometer race to help pay for a fellow firefighter’s expenses while being treated for a serious medical condition. Three weeks after getting married, Haverhill firefighter Tommy Quinlan was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Despite Quinlan being at the department for only a few years, organizers said, “he’s part of our Haverhill Fire family, and we want to do everything we can to support him, his wife Tasha and their son Callum through treatment and the road ahead.”

To support the Quinlan family, Haverhill firefighters are holding a 5-kilometer race Saturday, Nov. 14, beginning at 9 a.m., at Northern Essex Community College, 100 Elliot St., Haverhill. All proceeds will go to the family.

Community Spotlight

Haverhill Hound, Rod and Gun Club Holds Open House Oct. 4

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The Haverhill Hound, Rod and Gun Club is planning its annual, drop-in open house. The Club invites the public to see its property that offers rifle, archery and indoor ranges, along with monthly safety classes, kayak access for fishing in Chadwick Pond and other activities. There will be hot dogs and other refreshments. The free open house takes place Sunday, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 10 Larch Road, Haverhill.

Community Spotlight

Buttonwoods Museum Offers Haverhill in the Revolutionary War

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As part of Essex National Heritage Area’s Trails & Sails, Buttonwoods Museum is holding a reprise talk on Haverhill during the battles of Lexington and Concord. The talk explores how Haverhill’s citizens responded to the first shots of the American Revolutionary War and discusses who the citizens were, how they mobilized and the journey they made toward the fighting in Lexington and Concord. The talk takes place Thursday, Sept. 24, from 7- 8:30 p.m., at the Buttonwoods Museum, 240 Water St., Haverhill.

Community Spotlight

Greater Haverhill Pentucket Youth Hockey Plans Music Bingo Fundraiser

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Greater Haverhill Pentucket Youth Hockey is holding an October music bingo fundraiser, to support programs during the upcoming season. The night, open only to people age 21 and up, includes bingo, music, prizes, food and raffles. Money raised will be used to support players and the overall Thunder hockey program. It takes place Friday, Oct. 16, at Merrimack Valley Golf Club, 210 Howe St., Methuen.