ANDOVER — Participation in one of the area's biggest Thanksgiving Day events, the Feaster Five Road Race, just got easier.
Runners and walkers can now register online at www.feasterfive.com.
The popular road race, in its 22st year, will be Nov. 26. The Kids K starts at 7:45 a.m. The 5K and 5-mile race follows at 8:30 a.m. on Main Street, from the corner of Routes 133 and 28 to the finish line at Brickstone Square, where post-race refreshments and free Table Talk apple pies, a signature element of the race, will be given out.
"It is the place to be on Thanksgiving morning and a healthy way to start the holiday season," said Tom Licciardello, race organizer from Merrimack Valley Striders.
Entry fee is $28 before Nov. 22, and $30 therafter, until race day. All registrants will receive a pie and a long-sleeved T-shirt.
Proceeds from the race benefit Merrimack Valley Hospice and the Merrimack Valley YMCA.
The Feaster Five is hosted by the Merrimack Valley Striders and managed by Dave McGillivray Sports Enterprises. Eagle-Tribune Publishing is the title sponsor and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care is the presenting sponsor.
Support is also provided by the following businesses: Bagle Boy Bagels, Brickstone Square, Burton's Grill, Cape Cod Chips, Coldwell-Banker, Comcast, Costa Fruits, Dick's Sporting Goods, Fuddricker's, Holy Family Hospital, IZZE Sparkling Juice, Mary Immaculate Health Care, Merrimack Valley Hospital, Mix 104.1, New England Eye Specialists, Pentucket Medical, Smolak Farms, Table Talk Pies, TD Bank, Trinity EMS, Whirlaway Sports Center and Woodworth Motors.
Time to declutter and help others
ANDOVER — If you are looking to simplify your life and help others in need, the Merrimack Valley Jewish Federation is offering assistance.
On Nov. 12, the Women's Philanthropy Program is sponsoring "Clear the Clutter That's Dragging You Down," at Temple Emanuel, 7 Haggetts Pond Road, at 7 p.m.
Decluttering expert Lisa Wessan will share basic Feng Shui principles and creative ideas for recycling, giving away unused items or turning your unused things into cash. Attendees are encouraged to bring donations of extra kitchen goods, linens and bedding for distribution to community members in need by Project Home Again.
Tickets are now on sale. The cost is $18 for general admission, and $54 for event sponsorship.
To register for the event, which includes dessert, and buy tickets, visit www.mvjf.org. Details, call Michelle Soll at 978-688-0466.
Hampstead seniors invited to holiday dinner
HAMPSTEAD — The Recreation Department is sponsoring the annual Senior Citizens Holiday Dinner Saturday, Dec. 6, at 1 p.m. at the Granite Rose, 22 Garland Drive. Doors open at 12:30 p.m.
To obtain a ticket, go to the Town Clerk's Office with proof of residency. Bring the ticket to the dinner.
Deadline for tickets is Nov. 24.
Details, e-mail Angie Ingraham, recreation director, at hampstead-rec@aol.com or call her at 603-329-4100, ext. 112.
Head to Newton for roast pork
NEWTON — The Ladies Aid of the Newton First Baptist Church is hosting a Roast Pork Supper on Saturday, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the church, 2 N. Main St.
The menu includes roast pork, rice pilaf, vegetables and dessert.
Cost is $7 for adults, and $3 for children under 12. Details, call Christa at 603-382-5757.
Talking about chocolate
HAVERHILL — Author Anthony Sammarco will discuss his new book, "The Baker's Chocolate Company," on Thursday at 7 p.m. at Buttonwoods Museum, 240 Water St.
Sammarco will also speak on the history of chocolate. Samples from several local vendors and his book will be available for purchase.
The event is being presented by the Georgetown Historical Society, Winnekenni Castle and the Haverhill Historical Society/Buttonwoods Museum.
Tickets are $10 in advance, and $12 at the door. Details, call 978-374-4626.
Haverhill Bank helping the community
HAVERHILL — The Board of Directors at Haverhill Bank recently voted to donate $25,000 to the Merrimack Valley Hospice House.
Hospice House will receive $5,000 per year for the next five years. Merrimack Valley Hospice House is the only hospice in Massachusetts licensed to care for pediatric patients. It is also the first licensed in-patient hospice residence serving the Merrimack Valley and Southern New Hampshire. For information, visit www.merrimackvalleyhospice.org.
Ladies' Auxiliary Post #147 to meet
HAVERHILL — Amvets Ladies' Auxiliary Post #147 will hold their next regular meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m. at Post Quarters, 576 Primrose St. For more information, call 978-374-6294.N
New radio show to focus on Methuen politics METHUEN — There's a new radio show in town for political junkies. Jamie Atkinson and George Scione, hosts of the show "Politically Active" on Methuen Community Television, will co-host the new "Politically Active" radio show with J.J. Huggins, a reporter who covers Methuen for The Eagle-Tribune. The trio will analyze and discuss Methuen politics, interview people in the know and take calls from listeners. You can hear the show live at WCCM AM 1110 or online at 1110wccmam.com from 10 to 11 a.m. every Tuesday, starting tomorrow. Mayor William Manzi, who just won his third term, will be the first guest. Call 978-687-8005 or 978-687-8006 to join the discussion.
