Exchange hosting 2 awards nights
It’s celebration time for one city-based service club.
The Methuen Exchange Club will be hosting an awards night on Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 6pm at the Irish Cottage. The Veteran Service Award will be presented to Ken Ackroyd. The Proudly We Hail Award recognizes those who fly the U.S. flag. The resident honor will go to The Bonanno Family on Bonanno Court, while the business recognition will go to Methuen Sons of Italy Lodge 902 on Merrimack Street.
The Methuen Exchange Club Board of Directors has chosen the nonprofit Debbie’s Treasure Chest, which helps local at-risk families, as the recipient of the 2024 Book of Golden Deeds. That event will be held Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 6pm at the Irish Cottage.
Tickets to each event are $35 per person. For tickets, call Jack MacLeod at (978) 314-5081 or Linda Buell at (978) 618-1828.
All welcome to ham & bean dinner
First Church Congregational invites you to pull up a chair and enjoy their ham and bean dinner Oct. 19 from 4:30-6:30pm. The buffet-style menu features ham and baked beans, hot dogs, mac and cheese, salads, coleslaw, beverages and dessert. There’s also a vegan option with vegan dogs.
Adult tickets are $15 in advance, $18 at the door; children 6-12, $8; under 6 admitted free. Tickets available during the week at the church office, (978) 687-1240, and Sundays after 10am worship.
Important election dates
The state/presidential general election is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Polling hours are 7am-8pm. The early voting schedule runs Saturday, Oct. 19 to Friday, Nov. 1. The last day to register to vote is Saturday, Oct. 26. The last day to request mail-in ballots is Tuesday, Oct. 29. Have questions?
Please call the City Clerk’s Office at (978) 983-8515.
Light Up Methuen seeks tree sponsors
Time to get those creative Christmas-decorating juices flowing!
The Methuen Rotary Club’s Light Up Methuen event returns this year, where sponsors can decorate a tree on behalf of their business, school, home, etc., for this citywide holiday contest. Tree photos will be published on the Rotary’s Facebook page and voted on by the public. Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 trees. Wreath sponsorships are also available.
Visit methuenrotary.org for more info or call Erica at (978) 361-6199. Deadline to sponsor is Nov. 12.
Craft fair is Oct. 26
The Fall Craft Fair at St. Lucy Church, 254 Merrimack St., is Saturday, Oct. 26, 9am-3pm featuring more than 30 vendors, a bakery cafe, food, raffles, music, photo booth and free drawings. Bring a canned food item for the Methuen Senior Center food pantry and receive a free door prize ticket.
Music Hall show lineup
A new season of sensational music – in a historic venue – is in full swing!
Here’s what’s coming up:
Oct. 5: Open house and Open Console Day, 10am-2pm. Visiting organists will be playing the Great Organ in 15-minute slots.
Free and open to the public.
Oct. 6: “Tony! Tony! Tony!” Songs from Broadway’s Tony Award Winning Best Musicals, presented by the Merrimack Valley Vocalists. 3pm.
Oct. 15: Storytime with author Mo Willems with organ accompaniment, 10am. An English and Spanish story time for families. Held in conjunction with Nevins Library. Free.
Oct. 25: Bach in Space – A Showcase Series Concert combines the photography of astronauts aboard the International Space Station with live performances of J.S. Bach’s organ works. The performance is produced by Dan Barstow, retired NASA Senior Education Manager for the ISS, and organist Brian Hoffman. Barstow will take the audience on a virtual launch to the International Space Station, where they will get a quick tour of the ISS, as well as some stunning looks back at our home planet (on a large 4K screen). 8pm show. $20 and $30 at mmmh.org.
Oct. 27: Folk Music with Kemp Harris and Woodshed, 3pm. Acoustic Americana and folk music. Doors open at 2:30pm.
Nov. 8: Veterans Den Band, 8pm. Patriotic, classic and original songs to honor veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. Free for veterans.
Unless otherwise noted, doors open at 7pm; shows start at 7:30pm. Adults, $15; students (6 & up) $10; children 5 and under, free. Tickets can be purchased online: mmmh.org.
Methuen Memorial Music Hall is located at 192 Broadway.
Safely dispose of unused meds
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s 27th National Take Back Initiative will take place Saturday, Oct. 26 from 10am-2pm at the Methuen Police Department. Residents who have unwanted or unused medication are encouraged to bring them to the police station on that date during those times for destruction.
Santa Parade is Nov. 23
Save the date! That beloved holiday stroll through the city, known as the Methuen Santa Parade, is set for Saturday, Nov. 23 at 1pm. Interested in having your group march or be involved? Contact the Methuen Rec Department at (978) 983-8590.
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.
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.”
Love creating art? Join GSAA
Calling all artists!
The Greater Salem Artist Association is welcoming new members. They are an all-volunteer, nonprofit group dedicated to the advancement of the arts in Greater Salem.
They meet the second Thursday of each month, September to May. The next meeting will be Oct. 10 at 6pm in the lower meeting room of the Kelley Library. Meetings feature guest artist demonstrations. They also hold two art shows per year, host social events and take part in plein-air painting outings.
Find an application form at gsaa-nh.com. Follow them on Facebook at Greater Salem Artist Association for additional information.
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.”
Brush pickup is now on recycling day
On April 22, the Department of Public Works announced an adjustment to brush/branch pickup. Those items will now be picked up on your recycling day.
“Brush/branches must be TIED IN BUNDLES of no more than 4 feet in length and 4 inches in diameter,” per a flyer. Pickup is weather permitting, and will run through Nov. 30. Residents can also drop off leaves, yard waste and brush at the Transfer Station, 50 Huntington Ave. Visit the DPW page on the City of Methuen website for hours.
Did you know that Methuen senior citizens are allowed FREE disposal of up to four bulk items per calendar year (curbside pickup or drop off at the Transfer Station)? Seniors must provide proper ID and proof of residency.
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.”
Mobile Markets open to all
The Methuen YMCA, 129 Haverhill St., hosts a monthly Mobile Market where fresh groceries are distributed to community members. Held in partnership with the Greater Boston Food Bank, the next market is Sept. 28 from 10-11:30am. Please bring bags or boxes to carry food.
The AgeSpan Mobile Market offers fresh food and nonperishable grocery items the third Tuesday of each month from 10am-noon at the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence, 136 Water St. This is free to Merrimack Valley residents of all ages. First come, first served. Info: AgeSpan.org.
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.
Y invites you to My Kids Closet
My Kids Closet at the Methuen YWCA is a great place to donate unwanted, good-condition clothing. It’s a free clothing exchange for families, with items ranging in size from 2T to 14. Register for a 15-minute time slot to shop or to drop off items by calling (978) 683-5266.
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.
Hope for loved ones of addicts
The Circle of Hope, a support group for family members dealing with a loved one suffering from addiction, meets Mondays at Sanborn Hall (same building at the Methuen Police Station) at 6:30pm. For more information or resources, please call Phil Lahey at (978) 886-2949. Not ready for a group meeting? Call Phil to talk privately.
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.
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.
