Pollard’s clothing & food drive is Sept. 7
Pollard Funeral Home’s annual Food and Clothing Drive to benefit Lazarus House is set for Sept. 7 from 9-11am at 233 Lawrence St. They will be accepting bottled water, canned goods and boxes of cereal and pasta. Acceptable clothing and household items include bedding, clothes and shoes, bikes, household goods, suitcases, seasonal decorations, pots and pans and (new) toys.
Just pull up to the funeral home, at 233 Lawrence St., and volunteers will remove donations from your vehicle.
Craft fair, spaghetti & more at churches
Methuen churches are gearing up for a variety of community events! All are welcome.
*Rummage sale at Forest Street Union Church, 15 Forest St., is Sept. 21, 8am-noon.
*Spaghetti supper at St. Theresa Church of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, 22 Plymouth St., is Sept. 28 at 5pm in Duperry Hall. Contact the church about tickets: (978) 686-3984.
*Fall Craft Fair at St. Lucy Church, 254 Merrimack St., is Oct. 23, 9am-3pm featuring more than 30 vendors, a bakery cafe, food, raffles, music, photo booth and free drawings.
*Ham and Bean Dinner at First Church Congregational on Oct. 19, 4:30-6:30pm. 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 on Pleasant Street.
Important election dates
The state primary will be held Tuesday, Sept. 3. Polling hours are 7am-8pm. Unsure of which precinct you are in or where you should cast your ballot? Call the City Clerk’s Office at (978) 983-8515.
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. Please call the City Clerk’s Office with any questions.
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.”
Tenney Class of ’74 reunion in the works!
A 50th reunion for Tenney High’s Class of 1974 is set for Sept. 28 at the Hilton Double Tree Inn on River Road Andover. The starts at 6pm and includes a DJ, raffles and trivia. Tickets cost $60 per person and payment is due by Sept. 13. For tickets and info, call Rhoda LaTorre at (508) 560-3413 or Gloria at (978) 808-4225. Discount room rates are available for a limited time.
YMCA Gala Auction is Sept. 20
The Merrimack Valley annual Auction Gala to benefit local kids is set for Sept. 20 at Andover Country Club. From 6-11pm, there will be cocktails, dinner, silent and live auctions, and much more. Emcee is former NBC10 Boston meteorologist Matt Noyes. Tickets are $175 and available at mvymca.org.
Methuen Day set for Oct. 5
Save the date! Methuen Day is set for Saturday, Oct. 5 from 10am-3pm in downtown Methuen. Expect music, dancing, food and much more – celebrating all that’s GOOD in our city. To become a vendor, visit cityofmethuen.net/methuenday.
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.
In search of talented seniors
Are you a senior who is also a singer, comedian, dancer, poet or plays an instrument? If you answered YES, the Methuen Senior Center is looking for you!
The center is looking to host a talent show Wednesday, Oct. 23 from 1-3pm. If you’d like to take part, please contact the Methuen Senior Activity Center at (978) 983-8825.
Choices for littlest learners
Check out the following educational programs for the littlest learners:
Chapel School: For children 2.9-5 years old, there is a 2-, 3- and 5-day preschool program with customizable days. There are also half-day classes and extended-day classes. Chapel has been in Methuen for 60-plus years. Info: (978) 689-8414. Chapelschoolmethuen.com.
Growing Years Learning Center: For more than 45 years, this Howe Street school has embraced the “old-school” approach to learning. They welcome toddlers, preschoolers, pre-kindergartners and kindergartners. Find out more at growingyears.net or call (978) 685-0975.
St. Monica School Early Childhood Program: Currently accepting applications for their PreK 3 and PreK 4 programs for fall 2024. The Catholic grammar school is located at 212 Lawrence St., Methuen. For a tour, call (978) 686-1801.
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.
