The Salvation Army in Haverhill will celebrate the opening of its 12th annual Community Christmas Castle at noon on Sunday, one hour before the start of the 45th annual VFW Santa Parade.
The castle, in the Pentucket Bank community room at 35 Merrimack St., is where the dreams of the city's needy children come true. Donations of new toys and clothing, including mittens and hats, may be brought dropped off at the Christmas Castle following the parade or during the week.
As in the past, local dignitaries who attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony will be provided free transportation in the Salvation Army van and disaster vehicle to the start of the parade route in Bradford. For more information, call the Salvation Army at 978-374-7571.
Coffee talk with the mayor
Mayor James Fiorentini is hosting a coffee tomorrow at 10 a.m. at Brothers Pizza, 755 Main St.
The mayor will discuss his plans for the coming term. The public is invited.
Leaf pickup tomorrow
Curbside leaf collection takes place citywide tomorrow.
Leaves must be placed on the curb before 7 a.m. tomorrow, but no earlier than 4 p.m. today.
Leaves must be in biodegradable paper bags or open containers. Those packed into plastic bags will not be collected. Residents may also bring their leaves to the recycling center at 500 Primrose St., weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Breakfast with Santa
The Haverhill Lions Club will hold "Breakfast with Santa" on Dec. 12, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., at Maria's Family Restaurant, 81-83 Essex St.
A suggested donation of $5 will be accepted at the door. Santa will pose for pictures, so bring a camera along with you.
Proceeds will benefit Lions Club charities.
For information, or advance tickets, call 978-372-4675 or 978-374-9533.
Extra photo IDs for seniors
Haverhill's Council on Aging, TRIAD and the Essex Country Sheriff's Department will offer seniors free photo IDs on Dec. 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Citizens Center, 10 Welcome St.
There is no charge, but donations will be accepted to help pay for supplies. For details, call 978-374-2390, ext. 38, on Wednesday or Friday, noon to 2:30 p.m.
Pre-holiday feast for seniors
The Council on Aging will host a holiday social and luncheon Dec. 22 at 1 p.m. at the Citizens Center, 10 Welcome St.
Music of the season will be provided by Ruth Harcovitz, who is well-known as "Boston's Julie Andrews."
Lunch will be provided by the Chicken Connection. The event is funded, in part, by a grant from the Haverhill Cultural Council.
Tickets are $3 each. For more information, contact Kathy Bresnahan or Rita LaBella at 978-374-2390, ext. 11 or 16.
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