Veterans Department
announces event lineup
Veterans Services Director Paul Jensen has a busy schedule planned for Methuen veterans. To get involved, or if you have questions, call Jensen at (978) 983-8585.
*Sunset Salute: Oct. 9, 4-6pm at Merrimack Golf Course. Bring a loved one and join “Under the flags.” Light fare, cocktails and music, all generously provided by the Kattar family. Reservation required. Note that golf carts will be available to shuttle guests from the parking lot to the event, if needed.
*Veterans Breakfast: Oct. 16, 9-11am at Methuen Senior Center.
*Veterans Expo: Nov. 5, 2-5pm at Methuen Senior Center (tentative location).
*Veterans Den Band: Nov. 9, 2:30-4pm at Methuen Senior Center.
*Veterans Day Parade: Nov. 11, 10am.
*Veterans Department Office Hours: Nov. 20, 10am-noon at Methuen Senior Center.
*Flag Retirement Ceremony: Dec. 5, 11am at Elmwood Cemetery. Old and worm flags can be dropped off prior to the event at City Hall or at Mann Orchards.
*Veterans Breakfast: Dec. 10, 9-11am at Methuen Senior Center.
*Army/Navy Game Watch: Dec. 13, 2-7pm at VFW (tentative location).
*Holiday Party: Dec. 17, 6-8pm at the Irish Cottage. Holiday cheer, hors d’oeuvres and live music by The Groove Cats.
Italians’ role in 1912 textile strike to be discussed
The Methuen Sons of Italy Lodge is sponsoring a presentation by Rich Padova, history professor and summer historical tour interpreter at Lawrence Heritage State Park, on Sunday, Oct. 19 at 11am. Free and open to the public, the topic will be, “Italians and the Great Textile Strike of 1912 in Lawrence,” also known as the Bread and Roses Strike.
The presentation is in conjunction with Italian Heritage Month. Artifacts related to the strike from Professor Padova’s collection will be on display, and he may be contacted at (978) 475-0518 with any questions.
The lodge is located at 459 Merrimack St.
RELIGION BRIEFS
Blessing of
the Animals
At First Church, Congregational, the Rev. Ann Rogers Brigham will lead a Blessing of the Animals and their owners Oct. 4 at 10am in the church parking lot, 26 Pleasant St. Guests can also bring photos of their pets, or even attend without a pet and just enjoy a blessing. There will be treats for the pets and their friends. Open to the public.
Installation
for Fr. Marcos
Father Marcos Peña Portillo will be installed as pastor of St. Lucy and St. Monica parishes on the weekend of Oct. 11 and 12. He has been serving as the temporary administrator of Methuen Catholic (St. Lucy’s and St. Monica’s) since August 2024.
The first service is Oct 11 during the 4pm Mass at St. Monica Church, Lawrence and Park streets. On Oct. 12, Bishop Robert Hennessey leads the 10:30am installation service at St. Lucy Church, 254 Merrimack St.
Rummage sale at
Forest St. Church
On Oct. 18, Forest Street Union Church is hosting a rummage sale from 8am-noon. You never know what kinds of treasures are waiting to be discovered!
St. Lucy hosts
Fall Craft Fair
St. Lucy’s Fall Crafts Fair is Oct. 25, 9am-3pm, featuring 50 vendors and many raffles. This year’s fair will include a Used Book Sale Family-friendly paperbacks and hard covers can be dropped off at the Schoolhouse following Mass between Oct. 4 to 18. To become a vendor, call Debbie McCall at (978) 884-8317. The church is located at 254 Merrimack St.
