Restaurant Week
is May 12-16
Savor Methuen, the city’s Restaurant Week, is set for May 12-16.
With an array of specials offered across the city, this is a great chance to stop into your favorite spots or try something new! Info: SavorMethuen.com.
Can you help replace
flags on vets’ graves?
Volunteers are needed for the city’s annual Flag Replacement event, set for May 17 from 8:30am-noon at Elmwood Cemetery. This is a student-led event overseen by the Methuen Department of Veterans Services. Each year around Memorial Day, they replace small American flags on the graves of all veterans interred in Methuen. Breakfast will be available at 8:30am, and this event is rain or shine. Sign up to help at Methuen.gov/flags or call the Veterans Office at (978) 983-8585.
Taste of Methuen
is May 21st
This is Year 20 for the Methuen Exchange Club’s Original Taste of Methuen fund-raiser! You won’t find a more delicious night out for a good cause. Again, the massive buffet – featuring a variety of foods from a roomful of local restaurants and food businesses – will be held May 21, 6-9pm at the Lawrence Elks Lodge. Beer, wine and other beverages can be purchased. Tickets are $40; $20 for those ages 6-16; 5 and under admitted free. You must buy tickets in advance. Call Jack MacLeod at (978) 314-5081 or Linda Buell at (978) 618-1828.
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 May 2, June 6, 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.
Trahan here
to listen May 7
Are you having problems with Social Security, the IRS, the VA or other government agencies? Congresswoman Lori Trahan will hold office hours May 7, 10am-2pm at the Methuen Senior Center, 77 Lowell St. Staff members will log any issues and work to resolve them.
Blood drive at
YMCA on May 20
Give the gift of life! A blood drive will be held May 20, 2-7pm at the Methuen YMCA, 129 Haverhill St. Visit RedCrossBlood.org to sign up,
Time to sign up
for kindergarten!
For Methuen Public Schools, kindergarten registration for the 2025-2026 school year opens April 7. 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.
Craft & Hobby
Fair is May 31
First Church Congregational is welcoming summer with its Craft and Hobby Fair on May 31 in the parish hall. Visitors will find an array of vendors, raffles, a bake sale and more. Free admission. The church is located at 26 Pleasant St.
1st Cruise Night
is May 12
The weather is warming up and Cruise Nights are back! For a full listing of Cruise Nights and car shows, pick up the May issue of our sister paper, Whip’s Wheels. Copies are available (though they go FAST!) as Mann Orchards, Howe Street Superette and Heav’nly Donuts (Merrimack Street location). Mann’s first Cruise Night is May 12.
Veterans Dept.
has full lineup
Methuen’s Veterans Services Department encourages the public to save the date for these upcoming events:
May 17: Flag Replacement, Elmwood Cemetery, 8:30am.
May 26: Memorial Day Parade, American Legion start, 10am.
June 22: Veteran Pig Roast. Forest Lake, 11am. (Veterans only.)
Any questions? Call Methuen’s Veterans Services Office at (978) 983-8585.
Rail Trail
hosts walks
The Methuen Rail Trail Association has planned the following walks. Remember to dress for the weather, and follow the Methuen Rail Trail on Facebook for additional info.
May 4, 7:30pm. Meet behind IHOP.
May 24, 8:30am. Meet at Railroad Depot.
Have a question about activities and events? Contact Kelly Fox at kelly.mrta@gmail.com.
Rotary to celebrate
service & hard work
The Methuen Rotary Club’s 15th annual Celebration of Achievement is set for May 14, 6pm at the Irish Cottage. This year’s Service Above Self honoree is Haus of Athletes owner Brendan Medugno. There will be 7 scholarships awarded, plus Teacher of the Year and Student of the Year awards. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased by visiting MethuenRotaryClub.org.
Hey, kids: It’s
audition time!
The Methuen Young People’s Theatre is holding auditions for Gilbert and Sullivan’s hilarious ghost story “Ruddigore” on June 5 and 6 at 6pm at Methuen Memorial Music Hall, 192 Broadway. No audition required to participate in the chorus. Open to students who will be in grades four to 12 in September. Per-person cost is $150 ($225 for two or more participants from the same immediate family). Rehearsals are on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings. Performances are the weekend after Labor Day, Sept. 5-7.
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.
Class of 1975
50th reunion!
Tenney High School’s Class of 1975 is gearing up to celebrate their 50th class reunion! The event is set for June 28, 6-10pm at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Andover. Tickets are $84 and include DJ, hors d’oeuvres and Ice Cream Sundae Bar. There will be a cash bar. For info, follow the Facebook page “Tenney High School Class of 1975” or e-mail LeeMarchman@yahoo.com.
Volunteers
welcome!
The Methuen Memorial Music Hall needs volunteers – ages 14 and up – to help throughout the year with its growing concert schedule. This new program is open to anyone who lives or works in the Merrimack Valley or southern New Hampshire. If you’re interested in attending a training for the 2025 season, contact MMMH Executive Director Ashley Haseltine at Ashley.hastltine@mmmh.org.
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.”
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