Free Kindermusik programs at library May 15
Kindermusik, an interactive music program helping children develop skills needed for learning, will present two free programs at the Amesbury Public Library on Thursday, May 15 — 10:30 a.m., "Creatures of the Ocean," for ages 18 months to 31/2 years; 11:15 a.m., "Confetti Days," for ages 31/2 to 5 years, all about clowns, bicycles and other fun. Space is limited; registration required. Call 978-388-8148, ext. 2. To learn more about Kindermusik, visit rockinghorse.kindermusik.net.
Maggie Sundae Night May 20
Amesbury High School Class of 2009 is hosting a Maggie Sundae Night fundraiser Tuesday, May 20, from 6 to 8 p.m., at Maggie Sundae. Maggie the dog will be present and part of the proceeds and sales will help the Class of 2009 with graduation activities.
Library Open House Reception May 22
The Amesbury Public Library board of trustees and the Friends of the Amesbury Public Library are welcoming new library director, Katie McDonough, with an open house reception on Thursday, May 22, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Senior Center, 9 School St., Amesbury.
Auto body builders book for sale
Local resident K. Doubleday has written a book about the automobile body builders of Amesbury, providing detailed information on the carriage and automobile industry. The book is available at the Amesbury Public Library for $20. For more information, call 978-388-8148.
Poetry Reading and party May 16
The Amesbury Library is hosting poetry readings by the sixth annual Poetry Contest contestants. Light refreshments will be included with the readings, and all are welcome. Prizes will be awarded to winners at the Poetry Party on Friday, May 16, at 6:30 p.m. The event will take place at the Amesbury Cultural Center. For more information, contat the Amesbury Public Library children's room at 978-388-8148 or visit www.amesburylibrary.org
Mothers of Preschoolers
MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), a support and activity group for mothers with preschool-age or younger children, meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at Market Street Baptist Church, 37 Market St., from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Child care provided. For more information, call Lorna Morgan at 978-834-0902.
Summer soccer registration
The Amesbury Soccer Association is now open for summer registration. Forms are available at www.amesburyyouthsoccer.org, Amesbury Skate & Sport and in Amesbury school polys. Ages 4 to 15 (as of Aug. 31, 2008) accepted. Players from all towns are welcome. May registration costs $60. Discounts available for families with multiple players and referrals of new players. Financial assistance available for qualified familes. For more information, call Bob Hazelwood, summer director, at 978-388-4719 or visit www.amesburyyouthsoccer.org.
Trips open to seniors, others
The Friends of the Amesbury Council on Aging and Newburyport Golden Agers are sponsoring the following trips, open to anyone. You don't have to be a senior to go. For more information, visit the Amesbury Senior Center, 9 School St., call 978-388-8138, ext. 547, or 978-857-9013. Trips fill fast.
May 16 — Shades of Ireland, 10-day tour. Cost: $2,649 per person.
May 19 — Mass Mutual Center in Springfield. International Tattoo, direct from Montreal. Royal Highland Regiment of Canada, with 60 pipers, drummers, Highland dancers. Includes lunch. Cost: $79 per person.
May 21 — Foxwood Trip, Bus leaves at 7 a.m. Includes buffet and casino package. Cost: $30 per person.
June 8, 9 — Beacon Resort. Lobster festival, bingo, indoor pool, cocktail party before dinner, and entertainment in the evening. $129 per person.
Cultural Council seeks new members
The Amesbury Cultural Council seeks new members to fill available terms beginning in June. The council's efforts are focused on distribution of grant funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the successful production of the Open Studio Tour in November. Members meet about 10 times per year and work one weekend during the tour. About 20 hours per year are required; terms are for three years. While preference is to serve the full term, there are no requirements that you must. Openings include chairperson of the council (grants manager); chairperson of Open Studio Tour; promotions coordinator; secretary; treasurer. Volunteers needed for the tour. Contact Amy Sherwood at 603-380-1676 or e-mail amy@sherwoodstreet.com.
Children's Book Week May 12 to 18
Celebrate Children's Book Week at the Amesbury Public Library the week of May 12 to 18. The library will offer special bookmarks ready for coloring all week. On May 14, at 3:30 p.m. all ages are welcome to come and create a bookmark. On Thursday, May 15, at 3:30 p.m., all second- through fourth-grade students are invited to an Altered Books program, where each child may turn an old book into a work of art. For registration, contact 978-388-8148. All programs are free. For more information visit, www.amesburylibrary.org
Amesbury Caregiver Support Group
Are you caring for someone with memory loss? You are invited to join this group to share common experiences and explore solutions for daily problems and long-range decisions. People of all ages who reside in Amesbury and the surrounding communities are welcome. Support group members offer friendship and encouragement to one another. Facilitated by Tricia Lavoie, MSW, the group meets the third Wednesday of every month from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Amesbury Health Center, 24 Morrill Place.
Grieving, coping group
The Samaritans of Merrimack Valley, in conjunction with the Amesbury Council on Aging, are opening a Safe Place, a suicide support group, for anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide. The group meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at the Amesbury Council on Aging, 9 School St., from 7 to 8:30 p.m. You are not alone. For more information, call 978-688-0030.
Class of 1978 reunion June 7
Amesbury High School's Class of 1978 will hold its 30-year reunion Saturday, June 7, from 7 to 11 p.m., at the Breakfast Hill Golf Club, Breakfast Hill Road, Greenland, N.H. For more information, visit www.amesburyclassof78.com or call Mark Wojcicki at 978-815-6868.
Lions planning summer trip to Sox-Orioles game
Join the Amesbury Lions Club on a motorcoach trip to Baltimore, Md., Aug. 18 to 20 for two Boston Red Sox versus Baltimore Orioles games at Camden Yards. Two-night deluxe accommodations in the heart of Chesapeake Bay; $399 per person double, $389 per person triple, $529 single, $299 child (ages 5-17) sharing room with adults at twin rate). For information flier, call Joan Baptiste at 978-388-0327.
Summer Bazaar 2008 seeks vendors, crafters
The Amesbury Downtown Business Association seeks vendors and crafters to participate in its Summer Bazaar 2008 on Saturday, June 21, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., in downtown Amesbury. Rain date: June 22. Call Deb at 978-388-9600 for more information and an application. Jewelry spots have been filled.
Amesbury High School alumni change meetings
The Amesbury High School Alumni will now meet at the high school at 3 p.m. on the second Monday of every month. All alumni are welcome to join.
Interfaith Service May 18
The Chaplaincy Institute of Maine will host a interfaith service "In the Company of Trees, Holy Listening" on Sunday, May 18, 3 p.m., at the Friends Meeting House, 120 Friend St., Amesbury. The service will be led by Susan Goodspeed, Lillian Reilly, Shari Rose and Joanna Rowley. There will be music, meditation and dance.
Bean Supper Fundraiser May 17
The Holy Family Parish Activity Committee is hosting a Bean Supper Fundraiser Saturday, May 17, 5 to 6:30 p.m., at the Main Hall, Sparhawk St., Amesbury. Tickets are available at the door and cost $7 and $6 for senior citizens. The dinner will include beans, ham, hot dogs, potato salad, cole slaw, relish, bread and dessert. All proceeds will benefit the Holy Family Parish.
Archery Course May 17
Camp Kent is hosting a introduction to archery class Saturday, May 17, 10 a.m. to noon. During the program, participants will learn archery safety, equipment and shooting basics. The program is family oriented and intended for children ages 8 and up. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Admission is free, and preregistration is required. To register, contact Rebecca Schwer at 978-834-0359.
Lesley University Information Meeting May 31
Lesley University is hosting an information meeting on Saturday, May 31, 11 a.m., at the Amesbury Middle School. The program will educate about two new teacher licensing programs and classes being held in Amesbury. Park in the side lot and enter the school through the side door, take two lefts and a right. Meet in the teachers dinning room.
Upcoming Amesbury Improvement Association Events
Saturday, May 17— Annual Plant Sale. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Alliance Park. There will be a plant raffle. If anyone is interested in donating plants, bulbs, seedlings or perennials, contact Ron Gagnon at 978-388-9001.
Thursday, May 22— Annual May Supper. 6 p.m. at Amesbury Sports Park. Bill Patton will guest speak on Tall Ships in New England. Tickets are $12 and available from any officer of AIA. There will be a door prize and raffle. For more information, contact Ron Gagnon at 978-388-9001.
