Haverhill

Haverhill Receives $2.4 Million Federal Grant to Remove Lead Paint From Homes

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Haverhill seeks to remove lead paint from at least 75 homes over the next three years thanks to receipt of a more than $2.4 million federal grant—the only such grant in New England and the largest nationwide. Mayor Melinda E. Barrett, during an appearance on WHAV last week, explained the importance of the award from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. “Lead Hazard Reduction Grant—it’s a whopper and it’ll impact families and households in the community. We have really old housing stock,” she said. In a statement Wednesday, the mayor said priority will be given to homes with court-ordered deleading because of the presence of a child with elevated lead blood levels, units with children having levels of greater than 3.5 micrograms per deciliter, units where at least one child under six lives or spends a significant amount of time visiting, buildings of two to four units with two or more bedrooms and housing in attics/basements where lead-based paint is more prevalent.

Haverhill

Boys & Girls Club of Greater Haverhill Names Osorio as its 2024 Youth of the Year

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Jyn Osorio has been named the 2024 Youth of the Year by the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Haverhill. Eighteen-year-old Osorio was selected by a panel of judges from the Club’s board of directors after a competitive interview process. “Jyn’s commitment to self-improvement, academic pursuits and gratitude towards the Boys and Girls Club left a lasting impression on me. His poised demeanor, articulate responses and genuine appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the interview process solidified my decision,” said board member Josue C. Mendez. Osorio serves as president of the Keystone Club, the Boys & Girls Club teen leadership club that participates in community service projects.

Haverhill

AHEPA Awards Man of the Year to Papaefthemiou, Kakavitsas During Ceremony with Boston City Clerk

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Boston City Clerk Alex Geourntas was in Haverhill Saturday night for the centennial of the Haverhill chapter of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association and the presentation of Man of the Year Awards. Geourntas, in his capacity as AHEPA National Trustee, presented Acropolis Chapter 39 of Haverhill with the organization’s Diamond Jubilee citation as well as hand-carried a state citation from Gov. Maura Healey. Geourntas was formally named Boston city clerk in 2022 and had served as assistant city clerk since 2005. Christos S. Papaefthemiou and John Kakavitsas were surprised by the joint awarding of the annual Man of the Year Awards. Both men are longtime chapter members and also served on the anniversary committee.

Business Bulletin

Six Projects will Pitch Live at Digital Equity Challenge May 2 in Haverhill

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An estimated, one in five Essex County residents lacks access to internet service and computers, along with an understanding of how to use digital devices. Aiming to solve this disparity, the Digital Equity Challenge will award $10,000 in cash prizes to the most promising solutions for the region through a live pitch contest event in Haverhill. The event is hosted by the UMass Lowell Innovation Hub Haverhill and the Essex County Community Foundation. “Through the Digital Equity Challenge, we’ve encouraged the community to use entrepreneurial thinking to develop innovative solutions to the challenges of digital literacy, access and equity, and we’ve seen great results,” said UMass Lowell’s Stephanie Guyotte, associate director of the university’s Innovation Hub Haverhill. “This year’s finalists are offering unique solutions that will positively impact our communities.

Business Bulletin

Endicott College’s Misselwood Events to Host Area Chambers of Commerce

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Area chambers of commerce are getting together for a free, joint networking event in June. Members of the Greater Haverhill and Merrimack Valley Chambers join Beverly, Cape Ann and Salem for appetizers, conversation and mingling with Endicott College and Misselwood staff Wednesday, June 12, 5-7 p.m., at Misselwood Events at Endicott College, 407 Hale St., Beverly. Registration takes place online here. There is a registration link within this story at WHAV.net.

Election Central

Zeigler Turns in More Than 1,000 Signatures to Qualify for 5th District Governor’s Councilor Ballot

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Former Methuen City Council Chair Eunice D. Zeigler says she has turned in more than 1,000 certified signatures to become the first candidate to qualify for the ballot to be the 5th District’s next Governor’s Councilor. Zeigler is seeking the seat following five-term Governor’s Councilor Eileen R. Duff’s decision to run instead for Essex County Register of Deeds. “There are 36 cities and towns in this district and I have been to every single one of them because I know you cannot represent people without listening to them first. I’m excited to be on the ballot and look forward to talking more about the importance of the Governor’s Council in Massachusetts and what I want to bring to the table,” Zeigler said in a statement. Zeigler served as a member of the Methuen City Council from 2018 to 2023.

Community Spotlight

Emmaus Spring Gala, Sip, Sample & Support, Set for May 16

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The third annual Emmaus spring gala, “Sip, Sample & Support,” kicks off May 16 with its signature event—the cocktail contest—overseen by WMUR-TV anchor Katherine Underwood, master of ceremonies. Local restaurants will create samples of their signature cocktails and compete for attendee votes as the “Best Cocktail in Haverhill.” Hors d’oeuvres will be served during the cocktail hour

Also under the main tent will be live music, a heads and tails game and opportunities to sample wine and food pairings from four different countries. The night concludes with dessert, a live auction hosted by City Councilor Timothy J. Jordan and more. The 21+ Sip, Sample & Support, benefitting Emmaus, takes place Thursday, May 16, from 5:30-9 p.m., at Bradford Country Club, 201 Chadwick Road, Haverhill. Business casual attire is recommended, with purple color preferred.

Education

Pentucket Regional School Plans Learning Collaborative With Various Classes for All Ages

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Pentucket Regional School District has opened registration for arts; cooking; conversational Spanish; Digital Literacy for Parents, Guardians and Caregivers; and other classes starting in May. The Pentucket Learning Collaborative, geared toward adults and people of all ages, is taught by Pentucket educators. Classes run Wednesdays from May 1-29, from 5-7 p.m., at Pentucket Regional Middle High School. “Our classes are a collaborative in the truest sense of the idea,” Pentucket Schools Executive Director of Operations Jonathan Seymour said. “We’ve known for a while that creating communities where people of different generations can share experiences can lead to positive learning outcomes.”

During the five weeks, students may master skills or knowledge in everything from food preparation and greetings in Spanish, to social media etiquette, painting and illustration and caring for school-age children.