Chamber to hold program on group health insurance

HAVERHILL — The Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce will hold a healthcare program titled "Group Health Insurance for Small Businesses" Thursday, Feb. 16, from 8 to 9:15 a.m. at Maria's Restaurant, 81 Essex St. Cost is $10 for members and $20 for future members. To register or for more information call 978-686-0900 or visit online at merrimackvalleychamber.com.

Open Mic Night at Haverhill library

HAVERHILL — Are you a performing artist, established or aspiring? Join the public library for an Open Mic Night Thursday, Feb. 16, at 7 p.m. Come and sing, play an instrument, read poetry, or perform something else. This program will take place in the auditorium with a Zoom option available. When registering, please indicate whether you plan to attend in person or on Zoom. For more information, contact Brendan at 978-373-1586, ext. 608 or programming@haverhillpl.org.

From sheep's wool to woven cloth

HAVERHILL — The Buttonwoods Museum will host a school vacation workshop on the history of converting fleece from sheep into woven cloth Thursday, Feb. 23, from 10 a.m. to noon. Participants will try their hands at sorting, picking, washing and carding wool. Then using a drop spindle, they will spin some yarn to use in weaving on a cardboard loom. This program is perfect for home school families and suggested for children ages 7-13, plus interested guardians. Cost is $5 per person. Snow date is Feb. 24.

Please make reservations at info@buttonwoods.org.

Granite Street to partially close for Frozen Shamrock

HAVERHILL — The 16th annual Wild Rover Series kicks off in person with Maria's Frozen Shamrock 3-mile run Sunday, Feb. 26, at 11 a.m. in front of Maria's Family Restaurant on Essex Street. This first race in the series will be followed by the Claddagh Pub 4-mile run on March 5 in Lawrence then the Owen and Ollie's Irish Clover 5-mile run in Dracut on March 12.

This is Haverhill's largest road race with over 800 runners and their families coming into the city. Race organizers expect an increase in traffic downtown with all the runners and families. Granite Street is race central and will be closed partially and for a short period between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Parking will not be allowed on Granite Street from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Volunteers will receive Frozen Shamrock sweatshirts. Volunteers can register online at signup.com/go/xkoBqhO.To register for the race or for more information, visit wildroverseries.com.

Planning Commission meets virtually Feb. 16

HAVERHILL — The Merrimack Valley Planning Commission will hold its monthly virtual meeting Thursday, Feb. 16, at 11 a.m. The agenda includes updates on the commission's activities and is available online at mvpc.org. For questions or details of this meeting contact Jodie Furey at jfurey@mvpc.org.

Women's City Club to celebrate Mardi Gras

HAVERHILL — The Women's City Club of Haverhill will celebrate Mardi Gras when it meets Feb. 21 in the lower level of the Advent Christian Church, 160 Carleton St.

Nick Novello of Nunan's Florist and Greenhouse in Georgetown will show members how to assemble beautiful wreathes of the season. Members and guests will also have a chance to win a wreathe in a raffle. Tickets are $1 each, six for $5 or 13 for $10.

The club will also celebrate Mardi Gras with food and fun during the meeting. Decorative masks are encouraged for all who are attending.

The business meeting begins early at 12:30 p.m. Guests are asked to pay a $4 fee.

Questions can be emailed to pfarfaras@aol.com.