Textile pickup earns
money for our city
The next curbside collection of textiles for Methuen residents will be Saturdays Aug. 2 and 16. 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. From March through July, the Methuen program has collected 9,780 pounds (or 4.89 tons) of clothing, footwear and other textiles materials for recycling and reuse. The program is no cost to residents and the city receives 9 cents per pound of material collected.
Methuen Day signup
for vendors is open
Registration is now open for vendors who’d like to participate in Methuen Day. The annual event celebrating all that’s positive in our city is set for Saturday, Oct. 4 from 10am-3pm in downtown Methuen. Spots fill up quickly, so vendors are encouraged to visit Methuen.gov/MethuenDay. Deadline to register is Sept. 1. More info is available at MethuenRec.com.
Drop in to Rec’s free
Playground Program
School’s out! If your child is looking for a fun outdoor program to keep them busy through mid-August, check out the Rec Department’s free Playground Program. Kids can drop into playgrounds at Comprehensive Grammar School, the Marsh School, Gill Avenue Park or the Tenney Street Park where youth leaders will run a variety of activities. Most programs run Monday-Friday, 9am-1pm for ages 5 and up, while Tenney Street Park is open 8am-2pm for kids age 7 and up. Program will not run in cases of inclement weather.
Cool off at Forest
Lake & Splash Pad
Beat the summer heat daily at Forest Lake and the Gill Avenue Splash Pad! The lake (open to Methuen residents only) remains open through the end of August. Daily hours are 10am-7pm. Bring proof of residency to pay at the gate.
The splash pad is open daily, 10am-8pm. Free.
Visit the Methuen Parks and Recreation page at Methuen.gov for details.
Library needs
volunteers
Nevins Library’s Teen Services Department is looking for teen volunteers to help with the End of Summer Carnival on Friday, Aug. 15, from 10am-noon. If you are interested in helping, e-mail nevinsteens@nevinslibrary.org.
The Friends of the Nevins Library are looking for volunteers to help with the September Book Sale. There is so much to do in order to prepare for this huge and very popular event! If you have any questions or are interested in helping out, please e-mail Sarah Sullivan at ssullivan@nevinslibrary.org, and she will get your inquiry directly to the Friends group!
Amazing music in a
jaw-dropping venue!
Summer Organ Concerts and performances continue at our historic Methuen Memorial Music Hall!
Here’s the lineup:
Aug. 6: Savannah Curro at 7:30pm.
Aug. 13: Jonathan Moyer at 7:30pm.
Aug. 20: Mark Dwyer at 7:30pm.
Aug. 27: Hentus van Rooyen at 7:30pm.
Sept. 5 at 7pm, Sept. 6 at 2 and 7pm and Sept. 7 at 3pm: Methuen Young People’s Theatre presents “Ruddigore.” Doors open a half-hour before showtime. Tickets at door $15; children 12 and under are $5.
Sept. 13: Methuen Young People’s Theatre’s 40th Anniversary Concert. Alumni from the program are coming together to perform selections from Gilbert & Sullivan’s operettas. Tickets: $20, adults; $15, seniors; $10, students; children 5 and under, free. Doors open at 7pm. Tickets go on sale in August.
For the Summer Organ Series, doors open at 7 and tickets are sold at the door or at mmmh.org. Adults, $15; students, $10; children 5 and under, free.
Watching Methuen
cable TV in HD
This summer, Comcast began showing Methuen Community TV programs on high definition (HD) channel 1072. The current Comcast channel 22 will no longer be available after August. Verizon FIOS 33 and HD channel 2133 will continue as is.
“We are excited that programs like our newsmagazine ‘Methuen Now’ and the Methuen High School graduation will be available in HD,” said Executive Director Karen Hayden. “During the first part of the process, Comcast replaced aging transmission equipment for all the local channels, so viewers are seeing an improvement in the quality. This means Comcast 8, which shows city meetings and other programs is looking better, as well as Comcast 6 which has programming from Methuen High School.”
At the same time programs are on TV, they are online on methuentv.org. Select WATCH next to “Community TV.”
Rail Trail group invites
you to join them!
Here’s the Methuen Rail Trail Alliance’s calendar. They’re always looking for members and volunteers. Follow them on Facebook at Methuen Rail Trail for more info.
Aug 10: Moon Walk, 7:30pm. Meet at IHOP in Salem, NH. Plan is to walk north to Jay Gees.
Aug. 12: Monthly meeting. Nevins Library, 7pm.
Aug. 23: Saturday morning trail walk, 8:30am, meeting at the rail depot parking area on Railroad Street.
Sept. 7: Moon Walk, 7:30pm, meeting at the IHOP end of the trail.
Sept. 9: Monthly meeting, 7pm, Nevins Library.
Sept. 27: Saturday morning trail walk, 8:30am, meeting at the depot parking area.
‘Transformations’ is
next up for Black Dog
The new Black Dog Theatre (featured in the May MethuenLife) brings its latest show, “Circle Mirror Transformations” to Nevins Library on Aug. 8 at 7:30pm and Aug. 9 at 2 and 7:30pm.
This is a quietly powerful, deeply human play about connection, vulnerability and the small moments that shape who we are. Gentle, funny and profoundly moving, this intimate piece invites you to witness the extraordinary inside the ordinary.
“Circle Mirror Transformation” is rated PG-13 for adult language and situations. Viewer discretion is advised.
Tickets for the play are $20 general admission, $15 for children under 12 and adults over 65. They can be purchased at blackdogtheatre.wixsite.com/bdt24/shows or https://blackdogtheatre.ludus.com/index.php.
All welcome to Y’s
free Family Night
Before the kids head back to school, you’re invited to the Methuen YMCA for Family Night on Wednesday, Aug. 20 from 5-7pm. This event is free and open to the public!
They’ll have an inflatable obstacle course, foam invasion, lawn games and face painting, and lots more fun for the whole family.
The first 100 kids (entering grades K-8) to pre-register and attend the event will also receive a backpack with school supplies. Register at mvymca.org and make sure you include the names and grades of each child that will be attending.
The Methuen Y is located at 129 Haverhill St.
Time to sign up
for kindergarten!
For Methuen Public Schools, kindergarten registration for the 2025-2026 school year is now open. The full-day program is free and classes are held at 9 Branch St. For info, visit Methuen.k12.ma.us or call MPS’ Family Resource Center at (978) 722-6027.
Methuen parents also have the option of private kindergarten programs such as Growing Years and St. Monica’s School, both located in Methuen. Contact each location for specifics on their programs and registration process.
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! We wrote about these fabulous, fun events in our April issue. Dances are held the first Friday of every month from 6-8 pm. Upcoming dates are Oct. 3, Nov. 7 and Dec. 5. 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.
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, led by Fran Lahey.
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.
Needed: Canes,
walkers, wheelchairs
The Methuen Senior Activity Center has resumed its durable-equipment loan program on a limited basis. Methuen seniors can borrow equipment temporarily as a cost-saving measure. Do you have a good-condition walker, wheelchair, cane, tub seat or other items that a senior in need could use? To make a donation, call (978) 983-8825.
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.
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.
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.
Widows Walk group
offers friendship, support
Widows Walk is a new group being started by Val Pierce of Salem, N.H. It is open to widows and widowers of surrounding towns and will be focusing 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.”
