METHUEN — The Pirates and Princess Party at the Sons of Italy raised $340 for the Merrimack Valley Dream Factory, which grants the wishes of chronically-ill children.
Fifty-six children, girls dressed in gowns and tiaras and boys wearing bandanas and eye patches, attended.
On May 6 to 12, the Dream Factory will send a 6-year-old boy, who has juvenile diabetes, and a 14-year-old boy, who has cerebral palsy and Down syndrome, along with their families to Disney World, all-expenses paid.
Based in Methuen, the group has 14 other children waiting for their dream to be fulfilled.
The Dream Factory is hosting "Buzz the Red White and Blue" on June 28 at the Sons of Italy. Local police and firefighters will have their heads shaved to raise money for the cause.
For information on the Merrimack Valley Dream Factory, contact coordinator Anne Winn, 46 Salem St., Methuen, MA 01844 or send an email to merrimamackvalley@dreamfactoryinc.com
Methuen takes part in National Library Week
METHUEN — If you don't already have a library card, next week will be a good time to register for one.
April 12 -18 is National Library Week, and Mayor William Manzi and the City Council encourage citizens to sign up for a free library card, according to a City Council proclamation.
Nevins Memorial Library, 305 Broadway, and the Methuen public school libraries are joining libraries across America in celebrating National Library Week with The Campaign for America's Libraries.
The council's proclamation praises librarians for being "trained professionals, helping people of all ages and backgrounds find and interpret the information they need to live, learn and work in a challenging economy." The proclamation also urges people to thank library workers.
Evening session to discuss veterans' issues
METHUEN — A Veterans Night will be April 15 at the Methuen Senior Activity, 77 Lowell St., from 7 to 9 p.m.
Hosted by Methuen Veterans Director Tom Hargreaves, guest speakers will be: Keith Jones, DVS Boston; Stan Vassallo, Social Security; Eric Nelson, Valley Works; Employment & Training; Felisha Bennett, Statewide Head Injury Program; and John Cena, Property Tax Exemptions.
A question-and-answer period will follow.
All veterans are invited.
Bradford Christian Academy has open house
HAVERHILL — Bradford Christian Academy will have an open house April 16, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the school, 97 Oxford Ave.
The college preparatory middle/high school is accepting applications for the 2009-2010 school year. The academy offers students a faith-based program.
The open house will provide parents and prospective students the opportunity to meet teachers and other members of the Bradford Christian Academy community. More information is available at www.bradfordchristianacademy.org.
