HAVERHILL — Just $100 will buy "Dancing with the Stars" fans a one in 400 chance to win the Northern Essex Community College Foundation raffle, which includes two round-trip AirTran Airways coach class tickets to Los Angeles, two VIP tickets to a live broadcast of a results show during season 11 only, and $500 cash.
The raffle, which is sponsored by the NECC Foundation, will benefit Northern Essex Community College's Annual Fund Campaign.
The raffle was donated by Haverhill native and Dancing with the Stars co-host Tom Bergeron, who attended NECC, BBC Productions and AirTran Airways. Hotel accommodations are the responsibility of the winner.
Tickets for the raffle are now available. The winner will be drawn Friday, Oct. 1, at NECC's Haverhill campus.
For more information visit atnecc.mass.edu/dwts for instructions and a printable order form. To purchase tickets call 978-556-3870.
Training set for sexual abuse counselors
LAWRENCE — The YWCA of Greater Lawrence is offering a 44-hour training for sexual assault, rape crisis and domestic violence counselors Sept. 25 to Nov. 3 at FINA House, 203 Haverhill St.
The program is for English speaking or bilingual men and women who work in the mental health profession, as social workers, advocates, nurses and police officers. Participants are urged to volunteer upon completion of the training.
The certification program cover topics related to sexual and domestic violence, including the history of violence towards women, myths, facts and definitions of sexual assault and domestic violence, legal and medical advocacy, classism, racism, homophobia, ageism, sexism, effects of trauma on children, crisis intervention and counseling techniques.
Presentations include lectures, audio/visual, interactive activities, case presentations, group discussions and role-play for instructional purposes.
The program is approved by the Department of Public Health to certify rape crisis/domestic violence counselors. Cost is $25. For details, call Jeannette Ortega at 978-687-0331, ext. 1053.
Trials and Sails is back
Experience Inspiration as you hike, bike, paddle, stroll or sail this September when Essex Heritage present its premier partnership event Trails and Sails, two weekends of walks and water.
Now in its ninth year, Trails and Sails 2010 will be Sept. 17-19 and 24-26. Partnering with heritage non-profit and for-profit organizations throughout Essex County, Trails and Sails offers over 100 free events in a unique variety of historic, cultural and natural sites, all hosted by distinctive organizations and recreation-based businesses.
All events are free, fun and give residents and visitors a taste of the region's extraordinary history, breathtaking landscapes and hidden gems. New this year is a mobile website to allow smart phone users up to the minute access to events while on the go. Pick up a free printed guide at Heritage Area Regional Visitor Centers or visit: trailsandsails.org, where participants can view an online guide and design a personalized itinerary online.
