Community Spotlight

Howe to Read From Her Book ‘On the Plus Side’ April 27 at Haverhill Public Library

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Author Jenny L. Howe reads from her 2023 novel, “On the Plus Side” and talks about writing romance and why plus-size representation matters during an upcoming presentation in Haverhill. Howe’s talk will be followed by a book signing and the first 10 people to register receive a free book

Howe first started scribbling stories into black-and-white composition notebooks with neon pink pens when she was in junior high and never really stopped. In college, she decided to turn her love of books into a career by pursuing a doctorate in literature, where she spent the next few years studying medieval romances. Now, as a professor, she teaches courses in college writing, literature and children’s media. Her talk takes place Saturday, April 27, from 2-3 p.m., at Haverhill Public Library’s Johnson Auditorium, 99 Main St., Haverhill.

Haverhill

Haverhill Train Station to Close to Downtown Commuters; Officials to Receive Secret MBTA Briefing

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Beginning this summer, a bridge replacement project will surprisingly and inexplicably close the downtown Haverhill station to commuter rail passengers, yet leaving it open for Amtrak Downeaster passengers. Starting “tentatively” in mid-July and continuing for 10 to 12 months, those who usually board the commuter rail in Haverhill must get on at the Bradford station instead, according to a letter from the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority—or MBTA—to the city. The letter explains, as WHAV reported first in 2022, the diversion is due to the replacement of the South Elm Street bridge originally built in 1906. The downtown parking lot will remain open. “The project understands that a request has been made for the MBTA to provide alternative service between Haverhill and Bradford stations during the construction of the South Elm Street bridge replacement project,” the letter continued.

Citizens Center
Community Spotlight

Haverhill Council on Aging Spring Fling Combines Lunch and Music

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The Haverhill Council on Aging serves up its annual Spring Fling luncheon on Thursday May 16, from noon to 2 p.m. Tickets are $10, and include entertainment by guitarist and vocalist Howie Newman, who plays songs of yesteryear. To reserve a spot, contact Paula at the Council on Aging at 978-374-2390, extension 3916. The performance is supported by a grant from the Haverhill Cultural Council.

Business Bulletin

Covanta Changes Its Name to Reworld to Reflect Full Suite of Carbon-Negative Waste Solutions

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A Ward Hill company with a more than 35-year relationship taking waste from Haverhill and other communities and generating electricity is taking a new name it says better reflects its commitment to a more sustainable world. Covanta, which got its start in Haverhill as Ogden Martin, is now known as Reworld. “Rebranding was inevitable as we looked to the years ahead with all our total waste solutions under a one name. A name that demonstrates our commitments and services far into the future,” said Area Asset Manager Mark Van Weelden. In a statement, the Morriston, N.J.-based company said it has made $1 billion in investment and acquisitions to deliver “carbon-negative waste solutions that can reliably address a wide variety of customers’ Net Zero goals.” To help companies and communities “navigate complex waste challenge,” the company unveiled ReDirect360, zero waste-to-landfill; ReDrop, wastewater treatment; ReKiln, alternative fuel engineering; ReMove, transportation and logistics; and ReCredit, sustainable carbon offsets.

Haverhill

Haverhill Boys & Girls Club Signs Purchase Agreement for 6.5-Acre Site Near I-495 and Broadway

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(Additional photographs below.) The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Haverhill is moving ahead with plans to buy and develop a 6.5-acre parcel at the corner of Monument Street and Broadway near Interstate 495. Executive Director Javier Bristol told WHAV Friday the Club signed a purchase and sale agreement, following the withdrawal of a competing housing applicant for the state-owned parcel. Both applicants bid $855,000 for the land. WHAV exclusively reported the proposal Feb. 23.

Education

Haverhill Schools Highly Rank Early Literacy Program Despite Cost During Expected Tight Year

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While the Haverhill district grapples with potential cuts, public school officials made the case last week to include a new early literacy program in the budget. With the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education requiring lower-income districts to demonstrate how they will improve outcomes with state aid, Superintendent Margaret Marotta said of “Wit & Wisdom,” “that’s our most pressing lever for change.”

With a projected $10.7 million deficit next year, Chief of Teaching, Learning and Leading Bonnie Antkowiak told School Committee members it would cost an additional $421,000 to adopt the program districtwide, $260,000 plus professional development for kindergarten to second grade and $138,000 plus professional development for third to fifth grade. Marotta added they could roll it out over three years, spreading out costs. Marotta called “Wit & Wisdom” the district’s “priority among priorities.” The committee motioned, in the words of member Richard J. Rosa to “approve this presentation we received tonight about our student opportunity act money as our priority for the Haverhill public schools.”

While Marotta said the district has already invested heavily in four of the five areas detailed in the 2019 Student Opportunity Act, they still need to work on a “comprehensive approach to early literacy.”

“We are really looking to improve our early literacy programs and our early literacy scores,” she said. As WHAV reported, teachers who have piloted “Wit & Wisdom” spoke favorably of the program at a school committee meeting in late January.

Business Bulletin

Sample Jobs Ranging From ‘Budtender’ to Personal Trainer at MakeIT Haverhill Fair

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Jobs such as “Budtender” for a cannabis business, certified personal trainers, police officers, drivers, mail carriers and others are among the many hiring during MakeIT Haverhill’s next job fair. Employers on hand include United States Postal Service, Choice Fitness, Haverhill Police Department, Vinfen, Smyth Cannabis, Penacook Place and Mary Immaculate, Northeast Independent Living, Opportunity Works, NRT Bus and Urban Bridges. The job fair takes place Thursday, April 25, from 4-6 p.m., at MakeIT Haverhill, 301 Washington St., Haverhill. The monthly events are intended to provide a chance for individuals to connect with nearby employers in a welcoming atmosphere. Employers offer free training and bilingual assistance is available for Spanish and Haitian Creole speakers.

Haverhill

Spilka Reappoints Sen. Finegold to Statewide Economic Development Planning Council

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State Sen. Barry R. Finegold was recently reappointed to Gov. Maura T. Healey’s Economic Development Planning Council. Finegold was named by Senate President Karen E. Spilka to serve on the Council, which provides input on and oversight of a four-year economic development plan. “Charting a robust and inclusive path for economic development in Massachusetts requires a willingness to listen and expertise in what our businesses need—both of which Sen. Finegold has in spades,” said Spilka. “I am grateful for his service to the Council and his steadfast commitment to creating a Commonwealth where families and businesses alike can envision a thriving future.”

To ensure a variety of perspectives and experiences, the Council includes appointees of the House, Senate, relevant cabinet secretaries, municipal leaders, small business owners and entrepreneurs and leaders from key business sectors and higher education. Finegold said he looks forward to continuing work on the council with Economic Development, Secretary Yvonne Hao.