Routhier Joins River Run Bancorp MHC as Senior Vice President, Director of Marketing

Vickie Routhier has joined the parent company of Pentucket Bank as senior vice president, director of marketing. Routhier will spearhead marketing campaigns, align strategies with organizational goals and optimize campaign performance through data analytics at River Run Bancorp MHC. Officials said her expertise will benefit not only River Run, but also its affiliate banks Newburyport Bank and Pentucket Bank. Routhier brings more than 21 years of banking expertise to her role, with a wealth of experience contributing to multiple community banks in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. She has attended the American Bankers Association School of Bank Marketing and Management, as well as the ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking with a Wharton School Leadership Certificate.

‘Notes on the World Around Us’ Opens Next Thursday at SJ Art Consulting Gallery

A two-person exhibition, featuring original drawings by Ingrid Ludt and Sand T Kalloch, opens next Thursday in downtown Haverhill. SJ Art Consulting presents “Notes on the World Around Us,” with an opening reception Thursday, March 14, from 5-8 p.m., at its gallery, 43 Washington St., Haverhill. The two series of drawings by Ludt and Kalloch tell stories related to physical places and objects, real and in one’s minds’ eye. The gallery says Kalloch’s abstract series utilizes wax pastels, graphite, conte and ink to ruminate on the concept of “A Mile Long.” It adds, Ludt’s ink and pencil drawings capture the essence of physical forms by focusing on their outer edges. The public is invited to attend the opening reception.

Riverwalk Seeks Used Wheelchair Donations for Refurbishment Under Wheels for the World Program

Riverwalk Innovation District in Lawrence is asking for donations of used wheelchairs this month on behalf of the Joni and Friends’ “Wheels for the World” program. The team at Riverwalk will collect manual, adult and pediatric wheelchairs and wheelchair footrests. They can be dropped off at Lupoli Companies, 290 Merrimack St., second floor, Lawrence. They note an estimated 75,000 wheelchairs are thrown away each year, in the United States, while 20 million people worldwide desperately need a wheelchair. All wheelchairs collected will then be transported to Wheels for the World Restoration Centers, which are located in correctional facilities where inmates restore the wheelchairs to like-new condition.

CNA Stores Names Massachusetts Fallen Heroes as Recipient of Charity of the Month Donations

Massachusetts Fallen Heroes is CNA Stores’ Charity of the Month, highlighting the organization’s commitment to supporting Gold Star families. CNA Stores, a veteran-owned cannabis company, with locations in Haverhill and Amesbury, sponsors charity jars benefitting a different nonprofit each month. Massachusetts Fallen Heroes provides crucial support programs, event, and services aimed at fostering a sense of community among the diverse Gold Star population. CNA notes “At the heart of its mission is the pledge to fulfill the wishes of fallen heroes who expressed concern for their families’ welfare with the poignant request ‘If I don’t make it home, please make sure that you take care of my family.’”

Through its flagship initiative, the “Veterans Edge” program, Massachusetts Fallen Heroes delivers essential services and support to enhance Gold Star families’ quality of life. These include employment assistance, legal aid, healthcare provisions, housing support, educational opportunities and legislative advocacy.

Podcast: Haverhill Chamber Readies for 26th Winning Opportunities for Women Conference

The Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce is getting ready for its 26th annual Winning Opportunities for Women conference in April. Chamber President and CEO Alex Eberhardt said the conference—called WOW, for short—is expected to draw more than 200 people and feature speakers discussing professional and personal development. Speaking on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast,” Eberhardt said this year’s venue takes place at a woman-owned business in Lawrence. “This year it is at a new event space, owned by Wendy Estrella out of Lawrence, called The Vault. If you have not seen it yet, it is breathtaking. It’s a breathtaking new event space.

Felter and McNeff Assume Senior Roles at Parent of Newburyport Bank and Pentucket Bank

Timothy Felter and Beth McNeff recently joined the parent company of Newburyport Bank and Pentucket Bank. Felter was appointed senior executive vice president and chief financial officer, while McNeff was named senior vice president, chief human resources officer, according to Lloyd Hamm, CEO, and Jonathan Dowst, president of River Run Services, the shared services organization of River Run Bancorp, MHC. Felter, of Newburyport, is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Finance Division including capital management, financial reporting and income taxes; managing the investment portfolio and treasury function; and overseeing asset/liability management programs and strategies. He has more than 40 years of banking experience most recently as senior executive vice president and CFO at Newburyport Bank. He holds a bachelor’s in Accountancy from Bentley University and is also a certified public accountant.

Northern Essex Hosts Men’s and Women’s NJCAA Championships Tournament Semi-Finals and Finals

For the first time, Northern Essex Community College is set to the host the men’s and women’s NJCAA East District/Region 21 Championships Tournament Semi-Finals and Finals this weekend. The 2024 tournament marks the first time both the men’s and women’s championships have been held at the same site since 2020. The tournament takes place Saturday and Sunday, March 2 and 3. The Knights men’s basketball team earned the tournament’s top seed for the second consecutive season and advanced to the tournament’s final four by virtue of Wednesday night’s 93-61 quarterfinal victory over Roxbury. Luis Reynoso of Lawrence led the Knights with a 29-point, 15 rebound performance in the quarterfinal.

Vargas Adds Bell Tower Commercial Real Estate Group to His Résumé

State Rep. Andy X. Vargas joined Bell Tower Commercial Real Estate Group in Lawrence as a sales agent, the company said Wednesday. The firm, with offices in Lawrence and Lowell, offers commercial real estate services including brokerage, property management, project management and consulting. Bell Tower is led by President Gary Sidell and Principal Fred Faust. Sidell said Vargas brings extensive local market knowledge to help businesses grow throughout the Merrimack Valley. “I have known Andy for years and am thrilled to have him join our team.