Got a finger-licking good spaghetti sauce you'd like to put up against other contenders for the best sauce around? Then enter the Spaghetti Sauce Challenge taking place during Haverhill's downtown Christmas Stroll on Friday, Dec. 4 from 5 to 8 p.m. on Washington, Merrimack and Wingate streets.

The Spaghetti Sauce Challenge was postponed from the Italian Festival that was cancelled in October due to inclement weather.

Meat and meatless sauces are welcome; however there is a limit of 20 meatless and 20 sauces containing meat. Early entries are encouraged. Entry fee is $20.

The challenge is from 5 to 6:45 p.m. at the Garibaldi Club. The public votes on their favorite sauces which are displayed and served anonymously. The stroll is presented by The Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce Community Support Committee in partnership with Trinity EMS. To enter the challenge, call the Chamber at 978-373-5663 or Leanne@haverhillchamber.com.

HHS class of 1994 plans reunion

Haverhill High School Class of 1994 reunion is on Nov. 28 from 7 to 11 p.m. at The Garibaldi Club, 86 Washington St. Cost is $25 per person. Please send checks payable to Katherine (Bresnahan) Dingles (class of 1994), PO Box 422, Atkinson, N.H. 03811. Details:978-697-0474.

Dempsey honored for green efforts

The Conservation Services Group honored State Rep. Brian Dempsey, D- Haverhill, at its 25th anniversary celebration Oct. 13 in Boston. Dempsey was chosen by the Westborough-based organization for his work co-authoring the 2008 comprehensive energy reform Green Communities Act, which placed a renewed focus on cost saving energy efficiency and renewable energy throughout the Commonwealth. Dempsey, a native and lifelong resident of Haverhill, is currently the House Chairman of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies.

ICE your phone

Haverhill's Council on Aging recommends that people ICE their cell phones by entering emergency contact information so that paramedics or police can contact the designated relative or contact in an emergency. To do this, simply type "ICE" — the acronym for In Case of Emergency — into your cell phone, followed by a name, then save the phone number. And apply an ICE sticker to your phone. ICE stickers are available through Joel Berg, Wednesdays or Fridays, from noon to 2:30 p.m., at the Citizens Center, 10 Welcome St. For more information, please call Berg at 978-374-2390.

Tag Days planned

The Korean War Veterans Association Chapter 288-294 will hold Tag Days to benefit the Haverhill Gazette Santa Fund on Friday, Nov. 27 and Saturday, Nov. 28. Veterans will be stationed at various locations in Haverhill, including Central Plaza, Westgate Plaza, Riversedge Plaza, near Bradford Common, Monument Square, Washington Square and at the intersection of Water and Mill streets.

For more information, or to volunteer, call Commander Richard Bilodeau at 978-397-5758.

Senior lunch

Merrimack Valley Hospital will host a senior lunch Tuesday, Dec. 15 at 1 p.m. in the hospital auditorium, 140 Lincoln Ave. Guest speaker Bridget Seymour, M.D., will speak on "The Aging Bowel." Cost is $5 per person. To preregister, call Kathy at 978-521-8140.

New Year's Eve Day party planned

Haverhill's Council on Aging and Gateway Travel are planning a New Year's Eve Day Party at DiBurro's in Ward Hill on Dec. 31 at 11:30 a.m. Tickets, $48 each, include lunch, ballroom dancing, a musical show, line dancing, hats and noisemakers. Vocalists Sigy Moller and Ronnie Howe will entertain with a variety of classic ballads.

For reservations, contact Kathy Bresnahan or Rita LaBella at 978-374-2390 or e-mail kbresnahan@cityofhaverhill.com.

NECC provides speakers for groups

Non-profit organizations, such as schools, community service clubs, and libraries, are invited to visit the Northern Essex Community College Speakers Bureau website where they can book speakers free of charge on more than 70 different topics, ranging from "Why Vampires are Sexy" to "Did You Sleep Well Last Night." The speakers are available through NECC's Marketing Communications department. Presentations vary in length, but most are approximately 30 minutes long followed by a brief question and answer period. Visit www.necc.mass.edu/speakersbureau. E-mail speakersbureau@necc.mass.edu or call 978-556-3862.

Decluttering can 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 Thursday, 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 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. More information is available by calling Michelle Soll at 978-688-0466.