By Mike LaBella
Staff Writer

HAVERHILL -- When 9-year-old Nicholas Martinez is racing around his home with an electric guitar in hand, you wouldn't think the young man has a disability.

It certainly would not appear that way when he scales a rock-climbing wall at the YMCA, when he wrestles with his 5-year-old brother Mathieu or when he's making phone calls to try and piece together his own rock band.

To Nicholas, having no vision since birth is something to be worked around, a hurdle to be leaped over. It certainly has not prevented this fourth-grader from earning a B average at Bradford Elementary School, although high-tech devices such as a Braille Note, a kind of Palm Pilot for the blind, would help him earn even better grades and gain him even more independence.

So when the Haverhill Lions Club heard of Nicholas' desire for the $5,200 device, it planned a benefit dance to help him obtain one.

The dance will be held Nov. 5 at the Haverhill AmVets quarters at 576 Primrose St.

It is not the first helping hand Nicholas has received. The Lions Club assisted Nicholas in the past by subsidizing a trip to California for a national Braille competition.

Nicholas' parents, Jose and Gladys Martinez of Haverhill, contacted the Lions Club to relay their son's wish for the device. With a Braille Note, Nicholas would be able to read or write lecture notes in a way that would enhance his classroom experience.

"It would also make it easier for my teacher so she doesn't have to transcribe my work," Nicholas said.

The Martinez family attends River of Life Church, where Gladys Martinez is a part-time music director and Nicholas is a Sunday school student.

Music and religion are very much a part of the boy's life.

"Nicholas is learning to play the electric guitar and is even starting his own kids band," his mother said. "That's the kind of boy he is -- someone who believes he can do anything."

Jane E. Sweeney, a past president of the Lions Club, is working closely with Gladys Martinez to plan the benefit and said she is constantly impressed with the woman's devotion to her children.

"Every time I talk to the mom, I say to myself, 'That's a great mom,' because she only wants the best for her children," said Sweeney, who noted she also is impressed with Nicholas' "can-do" attitude.

"He's a wonderful young man with a terrific outlook on life," Sweeney said. "It's not like he even has a disability, and that's the part that's impressive."

Free salsa lessons will be offered from 7 to 8 p.m. followed by open dancing from 8 p.m. to midnight along with raffles and a dance contest with prizes. Donations for tickets will be accepted at the door.

For details, call Sweeney at (978) 372-8322.