Merrimack Valley

Breaking bad habits is just a trance away


Published: January 5, 2009

METHUEN — Ever wonder what it feels like to be hypnotized?

You can find out for free tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. at Nevins Memorial Library. Jerry Valley and Tommy Vee of Valley Hypnosis, in celebration of the fifth annual World Hypnotism Day, are offering a free group hypnosis session on the third floor of the library at 305 Broadway.

The hypnotists will be there to answer questions and show people how they can lose weight, stop smoking, pass exams and give up bad habits. The event is open to the public.

Methuenites run marathon to help kids

METHUEN — Kaitlin Gallo and her fiance, Christopher Cagliuso, both of Methuen, will run in the Walt Disney Half Marathon this month to benefit Children's Hospital in Boston.

And with only a month until the fund-raising deadline, the Methuen natives are hoping that the people of the Merrimack Valley might help them reach their goal.

Gallo and Cagliuso are members of Children's Miles for Miracles Team and the money they raise goes to Children's Hospital, the nation's leading pediatric medical center.

The couple has been raising money for the hospital and training for the half-marathon together for months. They met at Methuen High and plan to marry in the summer.

To support the couple, send a check, payable to Children's Hospital Boston, to Kaitlin Gallo, 2671 Harvard Yard Mail Center, Cambridge, MA 02138.

For information or to donate online, visit www.childrenshospital.org/disneyhalf09 and type in the runner's name, or call Stacy Devine at Children's Hospital Trust, 617-355-2896.

Donations must be received by Feb. 7.

Public invited to potluck party

NORTH ANDOVER — Merrimack Valley People for Peace will meet Friday, Jan. 9, at First United Methodist Church, 55 Peters St, for a beginning of the year potluck meal.

More information and directions to the meeting can be found at www.merrimackvalleypeopleforpeace.org. Everyone is welcome.

Methuen cyclists helped boost Jimmy Fund

METHUEN — Registration for the 30th annual Pan-Massachusetts Challenge, which is set for Aug. 1-2, opens online Jan. 12 for alumni and Jan. 20 for newcomers.

The PMC is one of the largest contributors to the Jimmy Fund, and last year's cycling event raised a record-breaking $35 million for cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Seven cyclists from Methuen helped the PMC by raising $24,251.59 of the $35 million, which was $2 million more than the organization raised in 2007.

Since its 1980 inception, the PMC has raised nearly $240 million for the Jimmy Fund. And, for a second straight year, the PMC was able to contribute 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar to the cause. Presenting sponsors, Boston Red Sox Foundation and Overstock.com, along with 200 other corporate sponsors, underwrite the cost of producing the event and provide in-kind contributions of goods and services. In addition, 2,800 volunteers work throughout the year and during PMC weekend, fulfilling many roles that are typically paid positions.

For more information about this year's Pan-Massachusetts Challenge, visit www.pmc.org.

Senior helpers honored

METHUEN — The Council on Aging chose Maureen Donovan as Volunteer of the Year for 2008.

Donovan, a former four-term town councilor, has been serving as a meal site coordinator at the Senior Activity Center since 1978.

The Senior Activity Center held its annual holiday volunteer appreciation party on Dec. 5. The day is set aside each year to honor and thank the volunteers who gave at least 50 hours of time during the past year.

In addition to Donovan, seven other volunteers were recognized. They are Bob Morel, Helen Lucchesi, Marilyn Freeman, Linda Ostrowski, Edgar Xiloj, Carl Much and George Hargreaves.