NORTH ANDOVER — The first Ride for Jessica raised more than $5,000 toward drivers' safety education, and donations are still coming in.
The motorcycle ride was organized to memorialize Jessica Lyn Finney, 18, a Salem State College nursing student from North Andover, who died in a car crash more than a year ago on High Street.
The two-hour motorcycle ride on Sept. 21 began at the Billerica Elks Lodge and traveled through several communities, including a stop at the accident site.
Co-organizer Karen Rumore said the event was so successful that they have already set the date for the second annual Ride for Jessica for Sept. 22, 2009.
Principal speaks on extending the school day
ANDOVER — Wood Hill Middle School will host an Expanded Learning Time breakfast forum tomorrow at 7 a.m. in the school's media center.
Wood Hill is the only school in town to submit a preliminary application for an ELT grant, which would add 300 hours to the school year.
This fall, school officials will meet with parents and staff to decide whether to move forward with a definite application on Dec. 1. Approval from the teachers union and School Committee would be needed to do so.
According to the preliminary application, the school day would likely run from 7:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., if ELT is implemented.
Wood Hill Middle School is at 11 Cross St.
Exhibit celebrates Italian heritage
LAWRENCE — The history of St. Alfio Society, the sponsor of the Feast of Three Saints for 85 years, is on display now through Oct. 31 at Lawrence Heritage State Park, 1 Jackson St.
The exhibit is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with an opening reception Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
The exhibit coincides with Italian Heritage Month.
St. Alfio Society has been raising money to build new headquarters. So far, people have pledged $315,000 of the $385,000 needed for the project. Donations may be sent to St. Alfio Society New Building Campaign, P.O. Box 807, Lawrence, MA 01842.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month to begin
LAWRENCE — Dr. Lauren Smith, medical director at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and Mayor Michael Sullivan will speak at a "Bridging Gaps in Breast Health" breakfast Friday.
It will be the first in a series of events taking place in the city in October, designated as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The breakfast will be at Lawrence General Hospital, 1 General St., from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Representatives from various area health care and advocacy groups will have tables featuring information about cancer education, prevention, screening, treatment and post-treatment services and smoking cessation. Breast cancer survivors, their families and friends are invited to attend the free event. Register by calling Maxy Nunez at 978-620-3526.
Additionally, information will be on display at Caritas Holy Family Hospital in Methuen, Lawrence Public Library, Lawrence City Hall and Northern Essex Community College in Lawrence.
