February 28, 2008 06:00 am North Andover, get to know your candidates On Thursday, Feb. 28 ay 7 p.m., the Andover/North Andover League of Women Voters will sponsor the North Andover Candidates' Forum in the selectmen's meeting room in the North Andover Town Hall. The event will showcase candidates for the positions of selectman and school committee in the March town elections. The public is invited to attend. Written questions will be taken from the audience during the forum. The event will be broadcast live on North Andover cable Channel 8 and rebroadcast later. For more information, contact Martha Larson at 978-686-1557 or larsonml@aol.com. ><p>
Open house Family Cooperative Preschool, Inc., 565 Osgood St., North Andover, will hold an open house on March 2 from 1 to 2 p.m. Participants can meet the director and teachers, tour the school house, and enjoy the rural setting with unique opportunities for nature exploration. For more information, call 978-682-4012 or visit www.familycoop.org.
Forum on living with allergies and asthma North Andover pediatrician Dr. Kenneth Chan, and three school nurses will answer questions and offer tips about living with allergies and asthma at an open forum meeting on March 5 at 7 p.m. at the Merrimack Valley Asthma and Allergy Educational Support Group at the Atkinson School, 111 Phillips Brooks Road, North Andover. The meeting will include free handouts and DVDs, and there will be time for informal discussion and resource sharing. This program is free and open to the public. It is sponsored by the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America/New England Chapter. For more information, call 781-444-7778 or visit www.asthmaandallergies.org.
Children's birding program The Friend's of the Boxford Town Libraries present a children's birding program with Lisa Hutchings, teacher naturalist at Joppa Flats Education Center of Newburyport, on March 8 at 10 a.m. at the Boxford Town Library, 10 Elm St., Boxford. This 90-minute program will include learning about winter birds and hands-on activities on backyard birds, eagles and owls. This program is designed for ages 6 and up. Registration is required.
Introduction to Meditation workshop Buddhist teacher Laura Howell will offer an Introduction to Meditation workshop on March 19 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Old Center Hall, 3 Great Pond Road, North Andover. Learn the basics of meditation to help you achieve a peaceful mind and joyful life. All are welcome. No experience is necessary. This workshop is free of charge. For more information, call 978-474-0823 or email malloyps@yahoo.com.
Local church hosts series on atonement The Second Congregational Church in West Boxford is hosting a six-week series on atonement through March 19. Meetings are Wednesdays at the church, 7 to 8:30 p.m., 175 Washington St., West Boxford. The Rev. Beth Horne will lead the program; each session will start with a half-hour of meditation and worship. A conversation will follow, on the work of Christ and how God's love is manifested in His work, examining various theories. There is no ecumenically accepted theory on the work of Christ and we will not be trying to find "the" correct theory, say organizers. For more information, visit the church's Web site at www.2ndchurchboxford-ucc.org or call 978-352-2127.
Fundraiser: Neighbors in Need is celebrating 25 years of feeding the hungry with their first fundraising event entitled "Soup's On" on March 29 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, North Andover. There will be food, entertainment, live and silent auctions. Local restaurants and caterers will provide soup samplings. Guests will receive a hand made bowl crafted by a local potter. For more information, e-mail NeighborsinNeed@verizon.net.
Barbara Perley Scholarship Fund The Barbara Perley Scholarship Fund is now accepting applications for college scholarships from Boxford residents. Qualifications for the scholarship include need, ability and the demonstration of being deserving. Barbara Perley scholarships are renewable for four years as long as continuing need and satisfactory educational progress are demonstrated. Applications will be sent to the homes of all Masconomet seniors and North Shore Vocational Technical School seniors who live in Boxford. Students attending other schools may obtain applications at the Boxford libraries or by calling Kimberly Holliday at 978-887-8312. Application deadline is March 14.
New storytimes at the Boxford library New six-week storytime sessions for kids ages 3 to 5 begin Feb. 26. Come for great books, puppets, and crafts. You may sign up for Tuesdays at 11 a.m. at East Boxford Library, Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. at East, or Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. at West Boxford Library. Tiny Bookworms for kids under age 3 will happen on Fridays at 11 a.m. at West Library. Call 978-887-7323 to register. Explore-A-Story, a book and activity program for kids in grade kindergarten through second-grade, will happen Mondays at 3:30 p.m. at East Boxford Library, March 10 through April 7. Call 887-7323 to register. Visit the library's Web site at www.boxfordtownlib.org.
GIRL TALK, a forum for mothers and daughters The Tri-Town Council on Youth and Family Services is hosting a program designed to educate mothers (or other significant female role models) and daughters on how to nurture and maintain positive communication, particularly during the vulnerable pre-teen years. Workshop facilitator Doreen Harris, who holds a master's degree in public health, has developed the "Girl Talk" curriculum and regularly works extensively with families and young women. Harris has also implemented the health education program for fourth- through sixth-grades at the Howe Manning Elementary School in Middleton. "Girl Talk" is designed for mothers (or other significant female role models) and daughters between the ages of 10 and 12 in the fifth- and sixth-grades. Because each session builds on the last one, the forum requires a commitment of four two-hour session (the first session is for adults only). DATES: March 3 (adults only); March 10, March 17, and March 24 TIME: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. COST: $60 (includes materials) PLACE: Emerson Center, Topsfield To reserve a spot in the forum, please contact the TTC office at 978-887-6512 by Feb. 26. Space is limited, so call early. Registration forms are available at www.tritowncouncil.org. Checks should be made payable to Doreen Harris, P.O. Box 293, Topsfield, MA 01983. For more information on the forum, please call Lisa Teichner at 978-887-0785 or Doreen Harris at 978-750-4275.
Gotta sing? Gotta dance? North Regional Theater Workshop invites all adult singers and dancers, especially all who have performed with us in the past, to join us in celebrating our 30th anniversary year. Rehearsals for our 30th anniversary celebration presentation, "A Sondheim Celebration" have begun. Show dates are scheduled April 25 through 27 in the Great Hall of Methuen's Nevins Memorial Library. North Regional Theatre Workshop is a nonprofit community organization dedicated to presenting quality music and theatrical productions to the communities in and around Merrimack Valley. It is always looking for singers and calling upon the talents and contributions of all those who love to perform, on either side of the curtain. If you would like more information, call 978-397-1481 or visit www.nrtwinc.com.
Women's club dinner dance Looking for an enjoyable night out? The North Andover Womens Club will host a dinner dance on March 14, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus, 505 Sutton St., North Andover. Tickets are $25. Besides the meal and dancing, there will also be a 50/50 raffle and silent auctions. All proceeds from the night will go to the club's scholarship, awarded to a North Andover High School graduate each spring. To reserve tickets or for more information, call Paula at 978-682-9625. ><p>
Program on long term care insurance Interfaith Caregivers of Greater Lawrence, a coalition of faith communities, social service agencies, and health organizations working together to serve elders and caregivers, will sponsor a long term care planning workshop by Anne Allar, CLTC (certified in long term care). .The program will be held at Saint Michael Church Parish Hall, 196 Main St., North Andover on Tuesday, March 18, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. .Join Anne Allar and learn why long term care insurance is such a hot topic today, how policies and laws impacting long term care have changed, what the consequences are for your family and your retirement portfolio if you live a long life, how to choose a long term care insurance company or agent and if long term care insurance is appropriate for you. For more information, call Jean Guyer at 978-686-4050.
Vicariate III Merrimack Region Celebration of Archdiocesan Bicentennial Representatives from the 11 parishes of Vicariate III of the Merrimack Region have joined together in planning a local celebration of the Bicentennial of the Archdiocese of Boston. With a theme of "Journey Together in Christ," everyone is invited to a Mass and family gathering on Sunday, Sept. 7 at Saint Michael Parish in North Andover. Merrimack Regional Bishop Emilio Allue will preside at a noon Mass to be concelebrated by priests of the vicariate. A family picnic celebration will immediately follow with activities for all ages. ><p>
Volunteers needed Community Giving Tree is seeking volunteers every Tuesday and Thursday between 9:30 a.m. and noon at its headquarters in West Boxford. Volunteers would sort donated items such as baby clothing, winter coats, toiletries, and toys to make them available for social service workers to distribute to families in need. For more information, visit www.communitygivingtree.org.
ESOL classes Registrations are now being taken for ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), citizenship preparation, parenting and preschool classes at the Asian Center, 1 Ballard Way, Lawrence. Anyone interested in signing up for either morning or evening classes should call the Asian Center at 978-683-7316. Check out the Asian Center's Web site at www.asiancentermv.org for directions and more details.
Donations needed The Merrimack Valley YMCA is in need of raffle and auction items from local merchants for the annual "Reach Out for Youth" Auction on March 8 at the Wyndham Andover Hotel. Such gifts can include: skis and bindings, golf equipment, condominium weekends, concert tickets, signed sports memorabilia and restaurant gift certificates. The event includes a silent auction, live auction and ongoing raffles. Proceeds from the event benefit the YMCA's "Reach Out for Youth" campaign, which supports YMCA community programs. For more information, call Melissa O'Brien at 978-725-6681.
Recycling cartridges, phones The Boxford Village Garden Club provides four locations in town where residents can recycle ink jet cartridges and/or cell phones at no cost. The East Boxford Village library and post office, as well as the West Boxford library and West Boxford Provisions all display boxes where you simply drop in either item. The Garden Club will mail the box when it is full. A small stipend is returned to the garden club for each item recycled but of more importance is the fact that the cartridges and phone batteries are not being deposited in landfills. ><p>
Volunteers needed Windrush Farm in Boxford, which provides therapeutic horseback-riding for disabled children and adults, is looking for volunteers. Volunteers will help groom and tack, lead or sidewalk horses. No horse experience necessary, will train. A willingness to commit for 11/2 hours a week, for whole season. Must be 14 years or older, and able to walk/jog for an hour. Immediate needs are Tuesday afternoon at 1, 3:45 and 4:45 p.m. and Friday at noon, 2:15 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. For more information call Gina at 978-682-7855 or e-mail gina@windrushfarm.org.
Boxford Library news All Boxford children, age preschool through grade 2 are welcome to join in the Boxford Celebrates Reading program. Read, mark your monthly calendar, and win prizes. Preschoolers and homeschool children can pick up their reading calendars in the library. Kindergarten through grade 2 should watch back pack mail from school for their calendars. A new calendar is available each month. Boxford Celebrates Reading is a program sponsored by the Friends of the Boxford Town Libraries.
Boxford baseball registration opens — players, coaches wanted r Players, it's time to sign up for the 2008 season. Go to the Boxford Athletic Association website (www.baasports.com) for a link to online baseball registration. Boxford Players ages 5 to 15 are eligible to participate in the instructional, farm, minors, majors or Babe Ruth programs. The spring baseball program runs from late April until late June. Optional summer baseball is available in July and August. r Instructional Softball is a noncompetitive offering for girls currently in kindergarten through second grade. The emphasis is on fun while building basic playing skills such as throwing, fielding, running, and hitting. For information/registration contact Doug Balek email dbalek@comcast.net. r Adults interested in volunteering as a coach or assistant coach, please let us know of your interest by going to www.baasports.com and registering. Click on the coach registration button. Once you have registered online, you will be contacted about your interest in coaching opportunities by one of our league directors. ><p>
Coats available for the needy Anton's Cleaners' 13th annual Coats for Kids drive has a large assortment of warm, gently-worn kids and adult-sized coats ready to be picked up by those in need. These coats have all been cleaned at no charge by Anton's Cleaners. The coats are available for immediate pickup at a large network of social service agencies throughout eastern Massachusetts, including Community Teamwork, 167 Dutton St., Lowell, and Greater Lawrence Community Action Council, 305 Essex St., Lawrence. For more information, call 800-659-0069 or visit www.antons.com.
Andover/North Andover YMCA events and programs Parents' Night Out is a program, which runs once a month on Saturday nights from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., where kids enjoy a spaghetti dinner and participate in such activities as arts and crafts, sports, games and watch movies. While the kids are having fun, parents can enjoy a night out. This program is for children ages 4 and older. Cost is $5 for members, $9 nonmembers. Upcoming date: Feb. 9. Friday Family Nights are a great way to meet other families and have fun at the YMCA. Each month features a different theme and offers a wide variety of unique activities and snacks. Activities run from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m., followed by free swim from 8 to 8:45 p.m. There is no cost for members, $5 per family for nonmembers. Upcoming nights: Dinosaur Rumble on Feb. 15. Ballroom dancing class on Fridays from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Class will cover the waltz, foxtrot, meringue, rhumba and swing, and are taught by instructor Tom Webster from Dance New England School of Dance in Chelmsford. Classes will take place in the studio. Cost is $65 per person for members, $115 nonmembers. Interested parties can sign up at the front desk. Child Watch Center, which provides a great environment for children ages 6 weeks to 2.6 years of age while parents work out, now has expanded hours. The Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to noon. There is no fee for members, $2.50 per hour nonmembers. The cost for a second child in the same family is $1.25 per hour. The Andover/ North Andover YMCA is located at 165 Haverhill St. For more information on any event or program above, call 978-685-3541.
Pet adoptions Pet adoptions will be held every Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Petco in North Andover on Route 114 with the Animal Rescue Merrimack Valley. The cats and kittens are pre-neutered, tested, microchipped and have shots up-to-date. A one-month pet health insurance is also included. The adoption fee is $175 for kittens and $125 for cats 6 months and older. Special needs cats are $75. For more information on adopting and registering for the Animal Rescue Merrimack Valley adopt-a-thon, visit www.ARMV.org or call 978-374-SAFE.
Hospice support group Merrimack Valley Hospice offers a monthly drop-in support group for those caring for a loved one with a dementia or illness on the fourth Tuesday of each month at Ashland Farm, 700 Chickering Road. For information or to register, call Lois Marra 978-552-4537 or Nancy Thornton 978-552-4528.
Baby equipment donations Community Giving Tree is seeking donations of gently used baby equipment to help families throughout the North Shore. Consider donating cribs, strollers, swings, highchairs, baby gates, monitors, port-a-cribs, bassinets and toddler beds. All donations are tax deductible and will be given directly to families in desperate need. Call or email to schedule a convenient pick-up time, or for directions to a drop-off location. You may contact the Community Giving Tree at communitygivingtree@comcast.net or at 978-500-5527. Community Giving Tree is a non-profit organization sponsored by the Tri-Town Council on Youth and Family Services.
Playgroup for preschoolers Playful People Playgroup is a nonprofit drop-in play group for children preschool age and under. It provides interaction for children and caregivers. Children play with toys, make crafts to take home, eat snacks and participate in music time with sing-alongs and occasionally some parachute play. The group is run by volunteers and meets Wednesdays from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the Trinitarian Congregational Church, Elm Street, North Andover. Cost is $1.50 per person. Age 9 months and younger and snack and craft-time volunteers are admitted free. The group follows the North Andover public school calendar for holidays and snow-day announcements. Call Donna Phaneuf at 978-688-4613.
Down syndrome playgroup Morning Travelers, a playgroup for children with Down syndrome and their families, meets the third Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. to noon at First Calvary Baptist Church, 586 Massachusetts Ave. For information, call Sharon at 978-974-0191.
Bottoms up! Merrimack Toastmasters meetings are on the second and fourth Thursday of the month from 7 to 9 p.m. at Stevens Memorial Library, 345 Main St. Guests are welcome. Call 617-753-3473 for more information.
New storytime sessions at Boxford Library The 2008 storytime sessions for kids ages 3 to 5 will run through Feb. 14. Come for great books, puppets, and crafts. You may sign up for Tuesdays at 11 a.m. at East Boxford Library, Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. at East, or Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. at West Boxford Library. Call 887-7323 to register. Tiny Bookworms, a book and movement program for kids under age 3, will happen on Friday mornings at 11 a.m. at West Boxford Library, Jan. 11 through Feb. 15. Call 887-7323 to register.
YMCA winter hours Andover/North Andover Branch of the Merrimack Valley YMCA winter hours are Monday through Friday, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The YMCA is located at 165 Haverhill St., Andover. For more information about any programs offered, call 978-685-3541 or visit www.mvymca.org.
North Andover Thrift Shop open The North Andover Thrift Shop, 172 Sutton St., at the corner of Main Street in the historic Scholfield Mill building, has been a North Andover fixture since 1955. Volunteer run and nonprofit, all profits are donated to scholarships and community programs. Articles of clothing in very good condition, as well as small household items, jewelry, books, are accepted on a space-available basis during shop hours (no toys, puzzles, or electronics please). Please call the shop, 978-689-9520 to check on space availability. Hours are: Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Closed Sundays and Mondays.
ALA accepting vehicle donations The American Lung Association is accepting used cars, trucks, motorcycles and boats in every condition to help support Massachusetts residents living with chronic lung disease. ALA will pick up the vehicle free of charge. For more information, call 800-577-5864 or visit www.lungne.org.
Elders Need Volunteer Drivers Have you ever thought about how difficult life would be if you were confined to your home without transportation? Interfaith Caregivers of Greater Lawrence, a coalition of faith communities, social service agencies, and health organizations, is looking for volunteers to drive elders to medical and "quality of life" appointments. Volunteers serve through the Friends in Deed program at Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley. Elder Services provides training and additional liability insurance for its drivers. Volunteers decide when they drive. To help, please call Elder Services at 1-800-892-0890. Ask for Eileen at ext. 463 or Jerry at ext. 445 (and mention Interfaith Caregivers).
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