Merrimack Valley

Merrimack Valley in a minute


Published: October 1, 2008

NORTH ANDOVER — A forum titled "Do We Have a Voice in the Massachusetts Economy?" will be tonight in North Andover High School's auditorium.

The event is sponsored by the Andover/North Andover League of Women Voters and citizens advocacy group North Andover United Inc., as a way to jump-start discussions on effective ways suburban communities can communicate their needs during tough financial times.

Guest speakers include Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, and Sen. Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester.

The high school is at 430 Osgood St.

Registration starts at 6:30 p.m., with speakers and an open mike forum beginning at 7 p.m.

Wheelchair needed

ANDOVER — A student at West Elementary School is in need of a wheelchair for transportation to and from school.

School officials are looking for anyone who has a wheelchair not in use anymore. If you can donate, call the school at 978-623-8800.

Evening for animals

METHUEN — "Bid high, bid early, and bid often" is the motto for the MSPCA at Nevins Farm live and silent auctions Thursday.

The auction will be at DiBurro's Function Hall in Haverhill from 6:30 to 10 p.m.

This is the third year for this fundraiser, which will benefit the animals and programs of the MSPCA.

Auction items offered by local businesses include in-home wine tastings, one-of-a-kind artwork, sports memorabilia, overnight getaways, a stay for two at a local vineyard, dinner in a lighthouse, a children's puppet theater made by local artists, and more.

Tickets for the event must be pre-purchased at $45 per ticket or $80 for two tickets. For more information or to buy tickets for the Evening

For Animals, contact the MSPCA at Nevins Farm at 978-687-7453, ext. 6118 or visit the MSPCA's Web site at www.mspca.org/nevins. The facility is at 400 Broadway.

One of seven MSPCA animal care and adoption centers statewide, the MSPCA at Nevins Farm cared for more than 8,500 animals last year. The MSPCA does not receive state or federal funding and continues its work based solely on the generosity of its supporters.

Youth invited to LifeTeen events

METHUEN — Don't worry if you missed Sunday night's big teen concert featuring hip-hop artist Lukus Simari.

LifeTeen, sponsored by St. Monica Catholic Parish, holds year-round meetings and events. The programs are to help teens grow closer to Christ.

Pizza and prayer meetings are on Monday nights. On Friday nights, drop-in sessions are held for middle-schoolers.

For more information, call Steve Bertoni, parish youth minister, at 978-683-1193, ext. 107, or e-mail him at MethuenLifeTeen@gmail.com.

More than 300 kids attended Sunday's concert. Chinese food, donated by Kowloon in Saugus, was served.