Wenham museum to host World War II veterans

Patrick Papatiti, the young leader of the Maasai in southern Kenya, and Beads for Education founder Debby Rooney.

The Wenham Museum salutes the US armed forces at its annual World War II Living History Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Visitors can learn about World War II from members of the Living History Association, who will be on the museum's front lawn along with uniformed veterans and reenactors to answer questions and share memorabilia. Visitors also can explore inside a World War II army vehicle.

"World War II veterans made a major contribution to our country's freedom, and to speak directly to them and World War II historians is a valuable experience for citizens of all ages," said Carolyn Nenart, director of education at the museum.

In honor of their service, veterans and active members of the armed forces and their families are admitted free to the event and the museum's galleries. For others, museum admission is $7, $6 for senior citizens, and $5 for ages 2-16.

Call 978-468-2377. wenhammuseum.org.

MAASAI LEADER TO SPEAK: Patrick Papatiti, a young leader of the Maasai in southern Kenya, speaks about the traditional ways of the tribe and the struggle to preserve them in the modern world at Jabberwocky Bookshop in Newburyport Sunday.

He says preserving Maasai land is essential to saving elephants, giraffes, and other wildlife found in the country's national parks.

Papatiti has worked extensively with Beads for Education, which sponsors girls' education and the Dupoto Woman's Beading Collective, an international model for locally owned women's business.

His wife, Agnes Papatiti, was recently selected to show her traditional beadwork at the Santa Fe International Folk Art Mart. Examples of her work and other beaded items from the Maasai will be available for sale at the Jabberwocky event.

Debby Rooney, founder of Beads for Education, is traveling with the Patpatitis.

The event begins at 2 p.m. and is free.

BIKING FOR BENEFIT: The 20th annual Cycle for Shelter to benefit Emmaus Inc., a Haverhill-based family shelter, housing, and support services organization, is scheduled Sunday.

Riders choose one of three routes, 26 miles, 62 miles, or 100 miles. The routes follow the back roads of northern Essex County, with the shorter rides winding along the Merrimack River and the 100-mile loop going along the New Hampshire seacoast.

The first ride takes off at 7 a.m.

The event is sponsored by International Cars Ltd., an employee-owned company of six New England dealerships, including Honda North in Danvers.

In 20 years, Cycle for Shelter has raised more than $500,000 for Emmaus.

"We are proud to support the mission of Emmaus, which provides tremendous help to so many in need," said Marshall Jespersen, president of International Cars.

Gretchen Arntz, chief development officer for Emmaus, said, "The most difficult part of our job is turning away someone in need because of funding shortages. The money raised from the Cycle for Shelter helps Emmaus to each night provide 200 men, women, and children a place to stay and a helping hand."

Registration for the race is $40, and riders must pledge to raise at least $125 to benefit Emmaus. Visit emmausinc.org.

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