METHUEN — Methuen will once again host the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.
The all-night Methuen/Greater Lawrence Relay for Life is scheduled for June 5 at Methuen High School.
Methuen High students, including Jenna Fabrizio, Rachel Sterner, Lauren Loffredo and Shelley Fabrizio, have stepped up to run a second version of what was perhaps Methuen's largest community event last year.
Last year's Relay for Life — the city's first — was organized by Scott Yim, who is now enrolled at Harvard, and Madison Aleksa, who is enrolled at Boston College. The relay raised $182,000 for the American Cancer Society.
This year's group hopes to go bigger than last year, according to Fabrizio, the spokeswoman for the teens.
There will be a kickoff meeting Thursday, Feb. 4 in the high school cafeteria at 7 p.m. Refreshments will be served at 6:30 p.m.
Valentine's events for seniors
METHUEN — Valentine's Day is two weeks away, but preparations for the day are already getting started at the Methuen Activity Center, 77 Lowell St.
Today, seniors will create Victorian Valentines of their own with Rita Parisi of Waterfall Productions who will also speak on the tradition of St. Valentine's Day. Materials for the program, sponsored by the Methuen Arts Lottery Council, will be provided.
On Feb. 10, a Valentine's Day Dance will be held with girls from Presentation of Mary Academy in Methuen. The dance will be from 2 to 4 p.m., and all seniors are welcome.
For information on these and other upcoming activities, contact the center at 978-983-8825.
Telethon raises money for youth programs
ANDOVER — After a five-year hiatus, the Andover Youth Services Telethon is back.
AYS staff members and a bunch of entertainers will take over the town's cable access television Thursday and Friday night with the goal of raising money for youth programs and building a town youth center.
In 2005, the "Raising the Roof" telethon raised more than $120,000.
Just like during the last telethon, AYS Director Bill Fahey plans to shave his head if enough money is raised.
He and many of his fellow staff members have also grown beards they plan to shave in exchange for donations.
The telethon is scheduled for tomorrow, from 6 to 9 p.m., and Friday, 6 to 10 p.m.
It will air on Comcast channel 8 and Verizon channel 47.
Entertainment will include singers, bands, comedy acts, a buffalo wing-eating competition and more.
For information, call Andover Youth Services at 978-623-8241.
Snowshoe hike in Andover Saturday
ANDOVER — The Andover Conservation Commission is sponsoring a family snowshoe hike on the Bald Hill-Wood Hill reservation Feb 6, from 2 to 4 p.m.
Snowshoers will meet at the end of Holmes Road and proceed down the Wood Hill trail at 2 p.m. sharp.
The hike will be about 2.25 miles on an easy to moderate trail. If there is not enough snow then snow shoes will not be necessary.
Hot chocolate and snacks will be served at the 1.75 mile mark on the trail.
For directions or information, email Bob at campconservation@live.com.
School variety show Thursday
NORTH ANDOVER — Franklin School students will put on a variety show tomorrow night at North Andover Middle School.
Here, kindergarteners through fifth-graders will dance, sing, jump-rope, juggle, tell jokes and more on stage during the two-hour annual show, from 7 to 9 p.m.
In keeping with tradition, the school staff will perform a show-stopping number, too.
