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.

Community Spotlight

Plaistow Library Friends Offer Bracelet-Making Workshop

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Always wanted a knit Viking bracelet? The Friends of the Plaistow Public Library can help. They will host a knit bracelet weaving workshop on Wednesday, April 24, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the library’s Nelson Room, 85 Main St., Plaistow, N.H.

This is described as a relatively simple technique well-suited to beginners. Visit plaistowlibrary.com and under the “Events” tab click on the bracelet item in the calendar for a link to register. A $15 fee includes materials and a kit to make a bracelet to take home.

Haverhill

Residents Say Zoning Board Member Falsely Called Them Racist, Demand Accountability

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Reporter’s note: WHAV intended “Why One Haverhill Zoning Board Member Voted ‘Yes’ on a Proposal Nearby Residents Opposed” to explain how the views, beliefs and experiences of a public official led her to vote a certain way. Wood School residents said a zoning board member should face consequences for, what they believe, was a false accusation of racism after she told WHAV why she voted yes on a variance they opposed at a January meeting. Board of Appeals member Kassie Infante told WHAV in a recent interview she was not calling them racist, but rather takes a “different angle” on how race affects housing access. “Whether or not race is explicitly talked about, it’s always at play,” she said. “I never, once, called anyone racist.”

At the Jan.

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.

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.

Haverhill

Councilors Honor Outgoing Haverhill Conservation Commissioner LaCroix; Two Partners Join Board

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As city officials celebrated filling the new volunteer Conservation Commission partner role, outgoing Commissioner Phillip LaCroix received an official citation for his 20 years of service at last week’s City Council meeting. “This is the first time we have conservation partners, who will help do the work that the conservation commission just can’t get to, or do some digging on things that are upcoming for them,” Mayor Melinda E. Barrett said. In February, as WHAV reported, city councilors considered creating the partner role to help the board keep up with its growing responsibilities, particularly guiding the city on how to use its open spaces. “It is not a commission post that you mail in,” Barrett said of LaCroix’s job. “It is a lot of work, a lot of study and a lot of effort, and Phil has exhibited all during his 20 years, and the city is grateful for his work and efforts.”

Environmental Health Technician Robert E. Moore Jr., who works closely with the commission, said it usually takes three years to train new commissioners due to the complexity of the regulations they navigate.

Community Spotlight

Haverhill Rotary Club Seeks Grants Applications from Nonprofits

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The Haverhill Rotary Club is seeking applications for its annual grant program. Internal Revenue Service-recognized 501 (c)(3) organizations providing services to the Greater Haverhill community are welcome to apply. Priority will be given to applicants who are providing services in one of Rotary International’s seven key focus areas: Saving Mothers and Children, Supporting Education, Growing Local Economies, Fighting Disease, Supporting the Environment, Providing Clean Water, Sanitation and Hygiene and Promoting Peace. Applicants may request up to $5,000 to support their operations or programs.

Those interested are advised to email Rotary Club Secretary John Cuneo at [email protected] to receive a blank application form. Completed applications are due by Tuesday, April 30.