Buddhist meditation group
HAVERHILL — The Buddhist meditation group at the Unitarian Universalist Church meets every Sunday from 5 to 6 p.m.
John Lalumiere, an ordained priest with BuddaHeart USA, facilitates. Participants should wear comfortable clothing and bring a pillow or cushion to sit on.
The Universalist Unitarian Church is at 15 Kenoza Ave. For more information, call 978-372-5173.
Grant database now available locally
Nonprofit organizations in the Merrimack Valley, struggling more than ever because of the downturn in the economy, are now able to access premier grant research databases as well as attend professional grant research and grant writing workshops at a newly created Grants Resource Network in the library on the Lawrence campus of Northern Essex Community College on Franklin Street. All access is free.
The Grant Resource Network is a partnership between the Associated Grant Makers of Massachusetts, an association of grant makers, for philanthropic organizations in Massachusetts and New Hampshire; Jericho Road Lawrence Inc., a Lawrence organization that matches the business and technical needs of Lawrence nonprofits with professionals willing to donate their skills; and Northern Essex Community College.
Nonprofits will no longer have to travel to Boston to access the AGM Grant Makers directory and the national directory, Foundation Directory Online.
AGM has provided training to Jericho Road volunteers and NECC library staff, who will in turn teach nonprofit staff how to use the databases and write applications for grants. There will be a series of trainings this fall and in the spring.
Individuals interested in using the network's computers are required to register with NECC librarian Mike Hearn. He can be reached at mhearn@necc.mass.edu. For questions about the network, the resources available, or the training, contact Martha Moore at mmoore@agmconnect.org.
To register for the grant research and writing classes, use the link http://agmconnect.org/grn/grn-Lawrence.aspx
Pink rubber duckies to take float
NORTH ANDOVER — A brigade of pink rubber ducks will be floated in the reflecting pool on the Merrimack College campus next week as part of the second annual Honor Your Cancer Hero program.
Ducks are on sale for $1 through Oct. 14. Ducks may be personalized with the name of a breast cancer hero and a message of hope and support. Proceeds will benefit the Monica Cooper Children of Breast Cancer Fund scholarship for those who have lost a parents to breast cancer.
Cooper, who died of breast cancer, was a family friend of Merrimack College student Nichole Baldwin, Class of 2009, one of this year's event organizers.
Ducks are sold daily in the Sakowich Campus Center, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. Some 750 ducks are expected to be released at a ceremony Oct. 15 at 4:30 p.m., and they will float in Mendel Pond for a week in honor of the heroes.
Throughout the month, the Moseley Bridge above the pond will be aglow with pink lights in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Two kitten adoptions this week
Animal Rescue Merrimack Valley is continuing its fee reduction of $75 for cats and kittens over 6 months old and $125 for kittens under 6 months.
"The very young kittens will only be readily available over the next couple weeks," said Cathy Ahern, president of the group. "Families considering adopting a kitten should do so now."
To help get the kittens into homes, ARMV is offering two "kit-teens" (over 4 months) for $100 fully vetted.
The cats and kittens are available for adoption today, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Petco off Route 28 in Salem, N.H., and every Thursday, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Petco on Route 125 in Plaistow, N.H.
To view the cats or for more information on adopting go to www.armv.org or call 978-374-SAFE.
Concert benefits Exchange Club
METHUEN — Singer Tom Rush will perform Oct. 16 at Methuen Memorial Music Hall on Broadway (Route 28).
Rush will sing new and old songs. There will also be humor and a silent auction, all starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15, $40 and $25 per person.
The Lawrence Exchange Club is sponsoring the concert, and proceeds will be used for scholarships, youth awards and child abuse prevention programs supported by the club.
