Fireworks at Loop
on July 11
Save the date for this popular celebration of independence: July 11 at The Loop. There will be food trucks, live music, games, face-painting and … FIREWORKS!
Learn Searles’ story
during free lecture
The final lecture in this debut series by The Friends of the Searles Estate is set for June 3, 5:30pm in the estate’s Marble Museum. Searles historians will share the fascinating life of millionaire Edward F. Searles, discuss some of the amazing art from the 19-acre grounds, and present their mission and vision for the Lawrence Street property.
Registration is required and seats are limited. Visit searlesestate.org to sign up. For more info, follow The Friends of the Searles Estate on Facebook.
Free summer
concert at park
Get your summer groove on during a free summer concert at Riverside Park on June 12 from 6-9pm! There will be music by The Gemstones, food trucks, kids activities and games. This event is sponsored by the city of Methuen and the Methuen Cultural Council.
The park is located at 971 Riverside Drive.
Free Shred Day for
MCU’s 70th year!
Methuen Credit Union is 70 years old! To celebrate, they’re hosting a free Shred Day and Community Open House on Saturday, June 13 from 9am-noon at 248 Broadway.
The event is open to the public. Bring your family and friends, and join them for a special day of celebration, appreciation and service as they mark seven decades of proudly serving our community!
In addition to offering free secure-document shredding, there will be refreshments and giveaways. Meet the team, explore what they offer and join them in marking this impressive milestone!
Free Bike Rodeo
is June 13 at Loop
On Saturday, June 13 from 11am-2pm, the community is invited to the 5th annual Methuen Kiwanis Bike Rodeo at The Loop. The Methuen Police Department will have their drone and comfort dog on hand, and the Fire Department will bring their Touch a Truck for all ages to enjoy.
Free bike helmets (while supplies last) will be given to children who attend with their own bicycles. Those kids can test their bike-handling skills on the bike-safety course.
Children who attend can participate in a raffle to win 3 new bikes to take home at the end of each hour. There will be raffles, games, activities and Paw Patrol characters. Many businesses at the Loop will participate too. Kiwanis Club of Salem, NH is the major event sponsor.
Juneteenth event
is open to all
First Baptist Church, in partnership with the City of Methuen, will celebrate Juneteenth with word, song, food and fun June 20, 1-3pm at the 30 Park St., church. This is a free event for all to enjoy.
Juneteenth commemorates the official end of slavery in the United States in 1865; the day is a way for all Americans to celebrate freedom and civil rights.
For event info, call (978) 685-1844.
Community Yard
Sale benefits students
The Methuen Scholarship Foundation is hosting a Community Yard Sale on Saturday, June 13 from 8am-1pm in the Methuen School Administration Building parking lot on Branch Street.
Cost to reserve a space to sell your wares is $25 for one parking-lot spot and $40 for two. Your spot purchase supports scholarships for Methuen students, and all the money you make from sales is yours to keep. Note that vendors must bring their own table, chairs and yard-sale items. At the end of the event, leftover items can be to donated to an on-site textile and home goods drive truck, which will raise even more money for students.
Reserve your spot or find out more info at methuenscholarship.org/upcoming-events. The Methuen Scholarship Foundation Facebook page also has information.
Rain date is June 14.
Library group
needs volunteers
The Friends of the Nevins Library are looking new members! Do you love the library? Can you volunteer time?
It’s easy to become a Friends member! Just fill out a membership form at Nevinslibrary.org and return it with payment ($20 for Basic, $30 for Family or $50 for Sponsor). You can sign up to volunteer … or not. Friends members get free admission to Preview Night at the oh-so-popular spring and fall book sales.
The Friends meet the first Monday of the month (except January and July). And who among us can say we don’t need more friends?
Call (978) 686-4080 for more info.
Household Hazardous
Waste Day is July 18
Dispose of oil-based paints, paint strippers, automotive products like motor oil and anti-freeze, car batteries, kerosene and more at the city’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day on July 18 at the Methuen Transfer Station on Huntington Avenue. For more info, visit Methuen.gov, click on Public Works, then click on Household Hazardous Waste Day.
Leaf pickup is
on recycling day
As you clear up your property of winter’s remnants, be sure to put your leaves and bundled branches in paper bags. Those bags will be picked up by the city on your recycling day. You can also put Mother Nature’s leftovers in barrels marked “Yard Waste” and they’ll be emptied. Leaf/Yard Waste/Brush Collection continues through Nov. 28.
Residents can also drop off those items at the Transfer Station, 50 Huntington Ave. Hours vary, so visit Methuen.gov and click on the Public Works page for details.
Grieving?
Help is here!
The nonprofit Grieving Youth and Families of the Merrimack Valley recently relocated to Methuen, at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. Meetings are held Mondays and Fridays, 5-7pm. All are welcome. Enter through the lower-level doors at the back of the 90 Broadway church. Follow them on Facebook or reach out to (978) 983-1022 for info.
Special Friends
Dances at YMCA
Adults age 22 and up with disabilities are welcome to dance the night away at the Methuen YMCA’s Special Friends Dances! Dances are held the first Friday of every month (June 5) from 6-8 pm. Dessert and drinks will be provided. Participants who require assistance must be accompanied by a caregiver or family member who can attend free of charge. Info: (978) 683 5266 ext. 102.
Textile pickup earns
money for our city
The next curbside collection of textiles for Methuen residents is coming up. Bag up your gently used clothes and shoes, and schedule free pickup at planetaid.com.
Methuen started curbside textile collection service back in March with the non-profit PlanetAid. The program is no cost to residents and the city receives 9 cents per pound of material collected.
New life for
old eyeglasses
The Methuen Lions Club has partnered with Nevins Library to help those in need of eyeglasses.
A drop-off center for used prescription and reading glasses has been set up at the library, in the room to the left of the main desk. For nearly 100 years, Lions members have worked on projects designed to prevent blindness, restore eyesight and improve eye health and eye care for hundreds of millions of people worldwide.
To join the Lions, call Dave at (978) 398-5313.
Mental-health
services available
The PATH Methuen Community Response Team is excited to start holding office hours at the Methuen Senior Activity Center on Tuesdays from noon-4pm and Wednesdays from noon-3pm.
This is a collaborative effort between the City of Methuen and Front Line Community Services.
PATH provides access to mental-health services ranging from crisis intervention, alongside the Methuen Police Department, to access to short-term therapy.
The Community Response Team will be hosting office hours at the center for anyone who has questions in regards to mental health, is seeking access to resources or just wants to chat. This is a free resource!
For info: (978) 983-8825.
Addiction
help is here
*Merrimack Valley Prevention and Substance Abuse Project (MVPASAP) seeks to promote awareness, education, prevention and treatment of substance abuse in our communities. From guest speakers and resource information to podcasts and a cable TV show, the organization is spreading the word on the dangers of drugs and alcohol, and offering help to get and stay clean. Find out more at MVPASAP.com.
*“The Empty Chair: Addicts Who Didn’t Know Recovery is Possible” is a podcast and TV series, available via MVPASAP’s website and Facebook page and Methuen Community Television, as well as YouTube, Spotify and iTunes.
*Circle of Hope support group meets at the Methuen Police Station on Mondays, 6:30-8pm.
First Monday of the month, Cole Welch of MPD’s CARES program hosts Narcan training at the police station from 6-6:30pm. Individuals and families can also come in at that time to learn about resources.
To learn more or volunteer, contact Cole Welch at (978) 983 8611, (978) 701-7709 or cwelch@ci.methuen.ma.us.
Old meds, needles
can go to station
You can dispose of your prescription medication and needles at the Methuen Police Department anytime of the day or night. There are two drop boxes located in the police station lobby that the public can access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The MedReturn Drug Collection Unit allows citizens to drop off expired or unwanted prescription medications (no loose pills, please). The Sharps Container Disposal Unit lets you dispose of used needles in a safe manner. Simply bring your sharps in a safe container for disposal or there are containers located next to the box.
Methuen Public
Schools is hiring
Looking for a job where you are on the same schedule as your school-age child? Methuen Public Schools may be the place for you! Wanted are program assistants, crossing guards, food service staff, cafeteria monitors as well as teachers and other staff. For a full slate of job opportunities in the district, visit Methuen.k12.ma.us and click on “Employment Opportunities.”
Disabilities group
seeks volunteers
If you are a current resident of Methuen who is interested in advocating to make this a great place to live for people with disabilities by ensuring our city is accessible and in compliance with ADA standards, consider joining the Methuen Disability Commission.
To apply, go to the website cityofmethuen.net and search for “Talent Bank application.”
Backpack program
re-stocking shelves
Can you help the Methuen Schools Backpack Program re-stock their shelves?
Food-filled backpacks are given out each Friday to needy students referred to the program, helping to sustain them over the weekend.
The program is in need of cereal; microwavable soup, mac and cheese and Chef Boyardee; snack bars (granola bars, cereal bars, etc.); fruit cups; and peanut butter and jelly (plastic jars please).
Donations can be purchased and dropped off at any of the Methuen Public Schools, Central Office (located at Branch Street) or use the program’s convenient Amazon Wish List (search MPS Food Backpack Program) have food delivered directly to their food pantry. Gift cards are also greatly appreciated.
Adult ed offers
language, GED help
Do you want to take ESOL classes to improve your English language skills or Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes to prepare to pass the HiSET or GED to obtain high school equivalency?
Registration at the Dr. Shirley Forrest Callan Methuen Adult Learning Center, 10 Ditson Place, Methuen, is ongoing and by appointment so call (978) 722-6067.
Classes include: Beginning ABE, Intermediate ABE, Fast Track Math, Beginning ESOL, Intermediate ESOL and ESOL.
All classes are free and funded by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Methuen Public Schools and the City of Methuen.
AgeSpan offers
caregiver support
Taking care of loved ones can be challenging! AgeSpan, previously known as Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley, offers a variety of family caregiver support groups, both virtually and in person.
*Caregivers Caring for Those with Memory Loss: Virtual and in-person options. Contact Cindy Hession Richard at chession@agespan.org for info.
*Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Third Thursday of the month), 11am-noon. Contact Cindy Hession Richard at chession@agespan.org for info.
*General Caregiver Support: Virtual program offered the third Thursdays of the month, 1-2pm. Contact Lyn Brennan at lbrennan@agespan.org.
Order birth,
death certs online
You can now order copies of birth, death and marriage certificates online, through the City Clerk’s Office. In general, cost is $10 per certificate, plus mailing. There are also options for the public to pick up the certificates for free, and to pay by credit card, debit card, check or money order.
Go to cityofmethuen.net, hover over “How Do I,” then click “Birth, Marriage, Death Certificate.”
Unsure whether the certificate you need is on file in Methuen? Call the office before ordering! (978) 983-8515.
Meals on Wheels
drivers needed
It’s called one of the best volunteer “jobs” you can have!
AgeSpan, formerly known as Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley and North Shore, is seeking drivers and on-call volunteers to support their home-delivered meals program. This is a way to help older adults who are isolated at home and continue to be hard hit by the lingering effects of COVID.
Volunteer drivers deliver a daily nutritious meal as well as a friendly face and smile. The role requires a three-hour commitment, a valid driver’s license, and background check.
AgeSpan provides a stipend and free training for adults aged 18 and over. This is a fantastic opportunity for retirees, couples, friends, and family members to help out adults age 60-plus and those with disabilities.
Learn how you can make a difference by calling Joyce Dastou at (978) 651-3021 or e-mail jdastou@agespan.org.
State offers 24/7
mental-health help
Are you or someone you care about struggling with mental health or substance use? In crisis, or working hard to prevent one? It can be difficult to know where to turn for help.
The new Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line connects you directly to clinical help, when and where you need it. It’s free, it’s available 24/7, and real-time interpretation is available in over 200 languages. The helpline can help individuals and families navigate the behavioral health system and access treatment, including mobile crisis services.
Visit www.masshelpline.com or call or text (833) 773-2445 for support.
VFW invites you to
play pool, bingo, etc.
The Arnold Greenwood VFW Post 8349 invites the public to socialize and have fun at their 26 River St., hall. They are open Tuesday to Sunday from noon until the bartender’s discretion.
Tuesday is Dart Night, Wednesday they play the card game 45s, Thursday is for free pool tables and Friday is 3-card bingo with Joe and Linda. On Saturday at 2pm, the Auxiliary raffles off gift cards from Methuen merchants and restaurants. Sunday is Chill Day, where the public can come down watch sports on TV with friends.
The VFW supports veterans and other local residents.
The post’s hall is available for rent. VFW members get a discount.
To find out more, stop in or call (978) 687-9465.
Volunteer drivers
needed
Be a spot of brightness for a senior, and volunteer to drive!
The Northern Essex Elder Transport Program (NEET) provides rides for seniors from their homes to medical appointments. Can you volunteer to drive 6 to 8 hours a month? Mileage reimbursement and supplemental insurance provided. Call (978) 388-7474 to learn more about this flexible volunteer opportunity. Info: driveforneet.org.
Neighbors in Need
needs volunteers
This Lawrence-based nonprofits provides support across Greater Lawrence. They need help organizing in their warehouse, helping families at the pantry, and delivering food and diapers to neighbors. Sign up to volunteer at needfood.org/get involved or call (978) 685-8321.
Widows Walk group
offers friendship, support
Widows Walk, started by Val Pierce of Salem, N.H., is open to widows and widowers of surrounding towns and focuses on friendship and support for those who have lost a beloved partner, whether recently or in the past.
Informal get-togethers, informational speakers, peer support and more will be offered to anyone who is ready to share their time and experience with others facing the challenges of a new life moving forward. You don’t have to go it alone!
If you would like more information or the meeting location, call Val at (603) 458-8320.
Remember: “You don’t have to take all the steps … just the first one.”
