August children's programs at the Nevins Library

Aug. 4—METHUEN — The Nevins Library has plenty of fun in store this month, including new programs such as Going on a Bear Hunt for youngsters; Galaxy Jars and Capture the Flag for older kids; Drop-In Art Studio for ages 5-11 and Candy Bar Bingo for all ages.

Sign up for Infant Massage classes, where parents can learn how to massage, relax, and soothe their infants. If you have a child entering kindergarten in September, you won't want to miss the Kick-Off to Kindergarten open house, which helps prepare children and their families for starting off in the Methuen Public Schools. Meet the superintendent, listen to a story, climb on a school bus and more.

Ongoing programs include Family Storytime, LEGO Block Party, Books & Bubbles, and On the Move! to entertain kids of all ages. The final Little Bookworms at the Nevins Farm MSPCA is Aug. 5 — when kids up to age 5 listen to stories and meet friendly farm animals.

Snazzy beads and badges are offered to school-age and preschool kids when they participate in Children's Department summer programs and contests.

Visit the Children's Department calendar and Facebook page to learn the latest about upcoming programs and special events.

Chamber to hold networking breakfast featuring celebrity chef

NORTH ANDOVER — The Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce will hold a networking breakfast featuring celebrity chef Kevin Des Chenes Thursday, Aug. 11, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Doyon's Appliance, 10 Bayfield Drive.

Breakfast will be prepared by Des Chenes, a Food Network multiple episode winner, including beating Bobby flay. Cost is $10 for members and $20 for future members.

To register, visit merrimackvalleychamber.com or call 978-686-0900.

Plaistow Public Library offers drive-in movie night

PLAISTOW — The Plaistow Public Library at 85 Main St, will present a drive-in movie Friday, Aug. 19, starting at 8:15 p.m. Space is limited to 50 vehicles. Larger/taller vehicles must park in the back.

This family-friendly event will be the library's last outdoor movie of the summer. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks.

Those looking to attend are required to reserve a spot either at plaistowlibrary.evanced.info/signup or by calling 603-382-6011.

Dinner with Gov. Charlie Baker

HAVERHILL — The Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual dinner with Gov. Charlie Baker Wednesday, Oct. 12, at 5:30 p.m. at Michael's Function Hall, 12 Alpha St. Tickets are $125 per person or $1,200 per table.

The event will include presentations of the Ralph B. Wilkinson Good Citizenship Award, Emerging Leader Award, Community Spirit Award and Nonprofit Award.

Sponsorship opportunities are available.

For more information, visit www.merrimackvalleychamber.com or call 978-686-0900.

Sheriff's Department receives highest marks ever

MIDDLETON — The Essex County Sheriff's Department received its highest score ever from the American Correctional Association during a recent re-accreditation audit, Sheriff Kevin F. Coppinger announced.

The Middleton correctional facility received a score of 100% for its mandatory standards, and 98.9% for its non-mandatory standards. These ratings are the highest scores ever achieved by the Department since becoming accredited in January, 2000, Coppinger said.

According to the ACA, "accreditation is intended to improve facility operations through adherence to clear standards relevant to all areas/operations of the facility, including safety, security, order, inmate care, programs, justice and administration."

The ACA is a private, nonprofit, non-governmental trade association and accreditation body for the corrections industry and is the oldest and largest such organization in the world. Their Accreditation Team examined each Middleton housing unit, as well its medical facilities, intake unit, warehouse, and its security protocols and policies. The team also reviewed the Department's medical and mental health services, as well as its educational, religious, and recreational programming.

Central Catholic awarded grants

LAWRENCE — Central Catholic High School announced it was awarded several grants to support its summer 2022 programming.

The Catholic Schools Foundation of Boston awarded the school a $10,000 grant to support student scholarships, faculty professional development and instructional materials for the Innovative Learning Academy for Middle School Students.

The Greater Lawrence Summer Fund of the Essex County Community Foundation awarded a $5,000 grant to provide instructional materials and equipment to enhance STEM classes offered to middle school students as part of Summer Innovative Learning Academy.

Now in its fourth year, the Innovative Learning Academy, led by CCHS faculty, is a blend of in-person and online instruction in a wide variety of academic enrichment programs in the arts and sciences open to the region's middle school students in grades 5-8. Options for study include Aeronautics, Build & Code Robots, Archeology, Digital Photography, Creative Writing, Problem Solving through Coding and Urban Ecology.

The assistance from these grants provides scholarships and study materials for deserving middle school students, school officials said. The Innovative Learning Academy at Central Catholic ran from July 11 to Aug. 2. Visit online at www.centralcatholic.net/innovative-learning-academy.

Newburyport Bank Donates $1,500 to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Haverhill

HAVERHILL — Newburyport Bank recently donated $1,500 to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Haverhill as a Lunch Sponsor of their Golf Tournament fundraiser. This golfing event was held on Aug. 1 at the Haverhill Country Club.

For over 120 years, the Club has been an integral part of the Haverhill community delivering on its mission to inspire and enable all young people, especially those in most need, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.

"It's always a pleasure to support our local Boys and Girls Club," said Lloyd L. Hamm, president and CEO of the Newburyport Bank. "The famous proverb 'that it takes a village to raise a child' is absolutely true. And our Boys & Girls Clubs play such an integral part in that. The Golf Tournament is a great way to bring people together in a beautiful setting to raise funds for a worthy organization."

Visit the club online at www.haverhillbgc.org.

AgeSpan to launch Mobile Market food distribution

LAWRENCE — This summer, people of all ages across the Merrimack Valley are invited to choose from a variety of produce and other foods at the new AgeSpan Mobile Market. AgeSpan, formerly known as Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley, partnered with the Greater Boston Food Bank to launch its first mobile market to be held every month starting Aug. 16 at the Boys & Girls Club, 136 Water St.

"We are so grateful to the Boys & Girls Club for partnering with us to bring this new initiative to Lawrence," said AgeSpan CEO Joan Hatem-Roy. "This is a great way for individuals and families to have regular access to high quality, nutritious food from the Greater Boston Food Bank."

People can choose from a diverse selection of fresh produce, non-perishable items, and other foods at no cost. The market will be outside during the summer and indoors during the winter. The AgeSpan Mobile Market is open to Merrimack Valley residents of all ages. Participants should bring their own bag, and items are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Volunteers are needed for about three hours each month to set up, help with distribution, and clean up.

If you are at least 18 and want to volunteer, please contact Ruth Ortiz at rortiz@agespan.org or call 978-946-1279.

End of Summer Bash is Aug. 20

HAVERHILL — Leaving the Streets Ministry will host a free "End of Summer Bash" Aug. 20 from noon to 4 p.m. at Cashman Field on Hilldale Avenue.

A grant awarded to the ministry by the city is intended to help city youth suffering from mental health issues. The event, titled "Love Those Struggling Mentally" includes a basketball tournament.

Twelve youths selected by the ministry attended a four week basketball skills and drills training camp and will compete against each other in a tournament. The event includes prizes, trophies, food, games, skateboarding competitions and live performances. This event is intended to send positive messages to the community. All are invited.

rtet — MARK209 — listened and has scheduled an afternoon performance for those who prefer not to drive after dark. Among their numerous venues throughout New England this month, this unique concert is being hosted by Good Shepherd U.M.C. in Haverhill, MA Wednesday, August 24 at 5 p.m. The church is located at 471 Main Street and tickets are $ 5. Concert goers will hear gospel selections from the quartet's Grassroots CD collection and in addition, they will take hymn requests for sing-along enjoyment. Good Shepherd is air conditioned to assure audience comfort. For information and tickets call (603) 329-6047.